Punk Style Poolside

So this month I'm sticking to this theme of contemporary art + music. And from my last post you know I dabbled a bit in 80's pop music as it was the music of my generation - yes, I admit, I enjoyed my share of Duran Duran... no regrets. But actually my taste in music is as eclectic as my appreciation for good design. I grew up listening to as much punk rock and hip hop as I did Billboard pop.

So if you're more of a fan of the Sex Pistols than Survivor, you'll appreciate this great summer find - a 100% cotton beach towel (60 x 70) with a charcoal sketch of legendary Sid Vicious by artist Elizabeth Peyton (US$95 at Works on Whatever), a contemporary portrait artist who uses both intense color and monochrome to give life and depth to historical figures as well as pop culture icons and close friends.

This towel is a part of the Artist Towel Series (co-sponsored by the Art Production Fund and Target) which revenues support the Art Production Fund. They are produced by WOW (Works on Whatever) which introduces contemporary art to a larger community with revenues from sales supporting APF's non-profit mission. WOW works conceptually with APF's program of expanding art audiences and helps fund additional major civic artworks.

Founded in 2000, the Art Production Fund (299 West Houston, NYC) is a non profit organization dedicated to producing ambitious projects by contemporary artists, reaching new audiences and expanding awareness through contemporary art. “Art Production Fund is excited to partner with Target for the second year to extend the exposure of these great contemporary artists to audiences who may not otherwise see their work,” said Yvonne Force and Doreen Remen, Co-Founders. “The towel series makes it easier for public audiences with an interest in art to get their hands on exclusive products designed by renowned artists.”

You would definitely be super cool by the pool this summer with this beach towel and simultaneously supporting great contemporary artists.

Wrapped in '80s Nostalgia

I'm attending my 20 year high school reunion in just a few weeks and I've already started generating nostalgia remembering the decades of my formative years. Most of my fondest memories are wrapped in the music of the 70's and 80's - from listening to the hits off the Billboard charts and making mix tapes on my duel-cassette boom box to the many weekend hours spent digging through used records shop crates for that coveted 6 or 12 inch vinyl. Now as for the experimental fashion and aesthetically-challenged sense of design of those years - well, let's just try to remember that neon and acid wash should never be worn by self-respecting human beings - ever!

So when I found these handmade journals made from 1970's and '80s pop rock vinyl records at the New Museum Store (US$60) - I knew something finally good in terms of design was inspired out of that era. Each is unique and made from the original vintage record with recycled paper; and the cloth binding is embossed with the New Museum's mission statement, "New Art, New Ideas." The only thing that would make this better is if I could choose exactly which record it was wrapped in - I'm hoping for some Toto!

You should absolutely check out the New Museum of Contemporary Art (235 Bowery) located in the Nolita district of New York City. Supporting good design and contemporary art is definitely part of my mission. But if you're looking for just something simple that makes a statement and benefits the museum, get one of these "hell, yes!" patches (US$4, by Ugo Rondinone’s 2001); hell, while you're at it, get one for all of your friends (they even have mugs and t-shirts too). I think it screams rainbow brite '80s! Maybe I'll wear one of those to my reunion - hell yeah!