Tigran Tsitoghdzyan

New York based artist Tigran Tsitoghdzyan was born in 1976 in Yerevan, Armenia. Since when he was very young he passed his days painting and drawing. He found his universe when he discovered the oil paints at the age of 5.

The Crowd II (2006), 50" x 246" / 130 x 625 cm (42 separate pieces), oil on canvas  

Very soon he was noticed by Henrik Iguitian, an art critic, founder and director of Modern Art Museum and Children Art Museum in Yerevan. He organized Tigran's first personal exhibition with one hundred works when Tigran was ten years old. The exhibition started in Yerevan, and then continued in the cities of Spain and USA. In the following years Tigran had numerous exhibitions in Armenia, Russia, West Europe and United States.

He was awarded by different governmental organizations and foundations in Armenia and Russia. Hundreds of articles were written, interviews and 2 documentaries were made. His paintings were included in the catalogues of the modern Armenian artists.

Millenium collection, Mirror (2012), 100 " x 70" / 254 x 178 cm, oil on canvas  

From 1993 to 1999 Tigran studied in the Fine Art Academy of Yerevan, and also worked as a decorator in the Pantomime Theater. In 1999 he continued his studies and got his diploma in 2002 in Switzerland, at ECAV. The education continued and in 2005 Tigran got the degree of a Master of Art in the Public Sphere (MAPS). During that period he was also working at the same school as an assistant, and did Artist Residences in England and South Africa.

Millenium collection, Censored (2011), 20" x 20" / 50 x 50 cm, oil on canvas  

Millenium collection, Untitled (2010), 47" x 47" / 120 x 120 cm, oil on canvas  

Millenium collection, Untitled (2011), 24" x 24" / 61 x 61 cm, oil on canvas  

www.tigran.ch

Secret of Montmartre

It is a small family-run hotel, Hôtel Particulier Montmartre, hidden in the picturesque streets of one of the most romantic and pittoresque areas of Paris - Montmartre on the Hill. Walking around the neighborhood, it's nice to admire the historic buildings, which have fully retained its original appearance ... and it's nice to think about: that one time at the same spot you are walking now a Renoir, Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec have walked the same steps.

The Old Mansion accommodates to a total of five luxuriously chic rooms, each of which is decorated in its own unique style. All rooms boast the presence of several works of contemporary artists and works by famous photographers.

Hôtel Particulier Montmartre

Naomi & The Face

Walking in the footsteps of her colleague, Tyra Banks TV host of Next Top Model, supermodel Naomi Campbell has announced the launch of an identical project called The Face, based on the search for new faces in the modeling business. In Holland we have already seen the Dutch version of the FACE, but we didn't have "a Naomi" hosting the program.

Start of the new show is planned for 2013, and the format will be very much like Tyra's ANTM, in which viewers where given the opportunity to watch the usual American way of life of models. Naomi will mentor young models as they navigate their way through the fashion world and fight for the once-in-a-life-time oppoutunity of being crowned as The Face of a major national brand. Challenges will include photo shoots, runway shows and commercials with some of the world's top stylists, photographers and makeup artists.

The winner of the reality show will have the opportunity to become the face of big brand advertising campaign. Naomi is excited to share her 25+ years of industry insight with hopefuls as one of the world’s most successful models and says:

"I am looking forward to working in partnership with Oxygen and Shine America to discover the next beautiful face of the modeling world. With The Face the audience will get a real insider’s look at this exciting industry that has been so good to me. One lucky girl will become the face of a major brand."

Joining Naomi Campbell as judge on the show will be Nigel Barker (fashion photographer and known judge on ANTM!)and supermodels Coco Rocha (who appeared in an elimination photo shoot on ANTM's Cycle 17) and former ANTM guest judge Karolina Kurkova. It sounds good and I am curious to see the result, especially as they just announced that they are stopping with Hollands Next Top Model.

Gilf

Gilf! is an up and coming street artist working and living in Brooklyn. 

When it comes to her personality, she is hardly what one would describe as a savage street artist. With a soft-spoken demeanor and chill vibe, it is hard to imagine the Brooklyn resident donning a hoodie and throwing up pieces in alleys, but her artistry says otherwise. Dedicated to the representation of females in the world of street art, Gilf’s pieces embody a lighthearted touch while conquering heavy issues and focused on creating positive change through her work.

Great short interview, in the video below, in which tells about her work and inspirations:

The brunette's artistry is motivated by the idea of inspiring people without ever meeting them and creating unexpected beauty from controversy. Breathing hope into many of these issues, her goal is to create art that provokes thoughtfulness and motivates a change of the zeitgeist. A portion of each sale is donated to a charity specific to that image, when applicable, which allows the collector to take an active approach to the world around us.

My personal favorite: The Big Swim

Arizona Muse & GStar Raw

Arizona Muse is the new face for the G-Star Raw a/w 2012 campaign, shot by Anton Corbijn.

I just  L O V  E  the result of the cooperation between these three!

SWARM

I really like what Leslie Oschmann does to vintage oil paintings ... she transfers them into beautiful bags, clutches, necklaces, pillows and chairs. She finds the paintings at markets throughout The Netherlands and Belgium. Each piece of functional art tells its own story through the clever combination of painted, worn canvases.

Over time and with use, each unique object is designed to show signs of wear so that the narrative of the art can continue to be enjoyed and evolve with age. She also keeps a great blog which she updates regularly with her most recent work – the latest being a new set of fabulous bags that double as shoulder bags as well as tote.

You can see the new Swarm collection here, and learn more about Leslie here.

Barneys Warehouse Sale Going Online

Good news for the shop-a-holics amongst us, for if you've ever been within a one-block radius of the biannual Barneys New York warehouse sale you know what a nuthouse it is. There are people lined up down the street, people lined up at the registers inside, and people lined up just to look at the shoes. Since there are no dressing rooms, there is unabashed nudity. Oh, and there's wildly discounted designer stuff everywhere, which means that everyone has that frenzied, crazy look in their eyes because they're convinced they're going to find something amazing for unbelievably cheap ... as long as no one else finds it first. It is, in other words, not for the faint of heart.

But this fall, Barneys is making the sale available online before it even hits the racks — so that you can shop in an infinitely more civilized manner and not have to take your pants off in front of your fellow shoppers while your friend tries (unsuccessfully) to shield you from view. WWD reports that you can even preview the sale and sign up for more info — which starts in August — now, here.

STYLESCOUT

One of the advantages of living in a big city like Amsterdam, is the amount of nice new shops opening every once in a while. Stylescout is one of those new boutiques recently added to our city. They sell a variety of unique labels, mainly offering lots of cool (some of them one-off) accessories and other fashion must-haves.

What they say ...

Stylescout, we believe the name says it all...

From all over the world (and beyond, if possible) we, as Stylescouts, will go on a quest for fashion and everything else we feel you deserve.

Instead of choosing the path that leads to blending in the crowd, we like to take a sideway which leads to individuality and some jealousy perhaps…. 

This has thus far led us to Brussels, New York, Berlin, Kenya, France, Greece and our hometown of Amsterdam of course!

We mostly only order one item per size, to keep your style as special as you would like it to be and some items are even one-of-a-kind.

So go on, treat yourself, we know we’re not saving lives here but doesn’t it make you happy?

And by the way, we do recycle, as some of our items are handmade of vintage materials, and most of them are locally produced. We like to call it fashion-with-benefits!

I'm planning on going there to spoil myselve with some Ladurée (yes, the one from the Parisian macaroons) goodies, like perfumed candles and home fragrances. Who doesn’t want a home smelling like pralines, glazed chestnuts or mimosas?

After already being present online for a while, Stylescout is now open at Elandsgracht 91 in Amsterdam.

Ron Galella - Paparazzo Extraordinaire!

Ron Galella

The pioneer of paparazzi photography is in town, or at least his pictures are. From today, FOAM Amsterdam is hosting a retrospective of Ron Galella’s work. He’s seen as one of the first and biggest paparazzo’s ever, capturing “famous people doing infamous things”.

Celebrities weren’t too happy about Galella’s activities back in the seventies; he even got hit by Marlon Brando once. But the most remarkable was his Jackie O. obsession. After following her around for quite some time he eventually received a restraining order. Nevertheless, he did make some iconic photographs of her. From today to August 23^rd you can check them out, as well as lots of other Galella masterpieces. Visit Foam’s website for more info.

Just some examples of his work:

Jackie & Ron

Jackie

Marlon Brando & Ron Galella

Dustin

Ron Galella - Paparazzo Extraordinaire!

"My idea of a good picture is one that's in focus and of a famous person doing something infamous. That's why my favorite photographer is Ron Galella". (Andy Warhol)

8 juni - 22 augustus 2012

FOAM

Keizersgracht 609

1017 DS Amsterdam

Love

Find someone you can love like crazy and who will love you the same way back.

Rule of a Gentleman

Got it?

Baraza Resort & Spa Tanzania

It is Tripadvisors "Travellers choice winner 2012" and on the Condé Nast "2012 Hot List" ... So if you have not planned a holiday yet, this is the perfect place to go to.

This resort has magically captured the mystique of this island with dramatic interception of a sultan’s palace of days gone by. Set among the most tranquil beach, this touristic resort is a fusion of Swahili & Arabic design with beautiful arches, intricate carved studio décor, antiques, handmade furniture & brass lanterns.

This unique resort is a fusion of sleek Italian, Swahili & Arabic design with beautiful arches, intricate carved studio décor, antiques, handmade furniture & brass lanterns.

Quite exclusive with only 30 villas. Each villa has a large bathroom with all luxury, a veranda with stunning views and a private pool. The restaurant has an extensive menu and the meals are based on the Indian, Arabic and Asian cuisine mixed with local herbs and spices that Zanzibar is renowned. To complete a memorable stay, the resort has a beautiful frangipani spa. The highly experienced staff will ensure you leave the spa rejuvenated. A stunning resort you'll never forget.

Baraza Resort & Spa Tanzania

Dandelion: “bullying is for people with no imagination”…

I read the following article on Pia Jane Bijkerk's blog and just wanted to share this with you, as it is beautiful and worth sharing....

Dandelion tells the tale of Benjamin’s journey against the odds to defeat bullies. Through illustration and beautifully written text, the aim is to encourage dialogue between parents and children, inspiring the reader to interact with the pages of the book and help Benjamin’s wish to come true…

World, meet Benjamin Brewster…

“With all my might, you’ll all take flight… If I could but wish for better things, you’d all disperse and grow your wings…”, Benjamin Brewster, Dandelion.

Each scene in the app is pencil drawn, digitally painted, spliced and then animated. Benjamin himself has been drawn as a “blank canvas”, allowing each reader to be able to place themselves in his shoes. Click here to see a sweet little behind-the-scenes video of Benjamin’s magical world coming to life.

I love the idea of defeating bullying with “a little imagination”. I’m passionate about both communication and imagination being key elements in the way we can better live our lives. Not to mention the clever use of the technologies available today, allowing us to combine old crafts with new.

While the app is well under way to being produced and available soon, there is a special kickstarter project currently in progress to enable you to pledge your support for Dandelion and in return to receive any number of limited edition items like colour signed prints, wall decals, and signed hard-cover books. These extras are uniquely available for the duration of the kickstarter project. The deadline is July 23rd, which means there are only a few more days to go…