The Exchange

Here's one the most interesting art projects in recent years. Started in 2005 by graffiti artist Rime from Staten Island (NY)—with six members to the program—The Exchange has become a worldwide collaboration where artists draw sketches using each other's names, and then those names are painted by their respective owners. For example, Rime would sketch a piece using Bates' name, then Bates would go out and paint it. The Exchange now counts more than 30 members spanning a great array of different graffiti styles. Follow The Exchange here through the project's blog. The main site can be found here.

From top to bottom: Host 18 sketch by Jurne; Host 18's piece; Poet sketch by Kaput; Poet's piece; Esteme sketch by Persue; Esteme's piece; Bates sketch by Rime; Bates' piece; Sirum sketch by Ruets; Sirum's piece. All photos from The Exchange blog.

The Berlin Reunion

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, France's Royal de Luxe street theater company orchestrated a 4-day performance staring two giant puppets. See loads of pics and read the whole story here.

Photos are from Boston.com

À l'écoute

Painter's Painting (1973) Emile de Antonio
A film shot roughly between 1940 and 1970 in New York and within the circles of the New York school of painters. Abstract Expressionists, Colour Field painters and Pop painters as well as the important collectors and art dealers of the time offer great interviews. More about that one here. See a short clip on YouTube here.

Art Safari (2004~) Ben Lewis, BBC
This is a great series by British art critic Ben Lewis released by BBC. Lewis follows the work and artists who are making some of the best international art today. Each series I believe has four half-hour episodes and there are two series to date. Find out all about them here. And see clips on YouTube here.

Above: Frank Stella interviewed in his New York studio; Sophie Calle interviewed by Ben Lewis.

Work In Progress v8.0

Back to the studio and painting. Here's a peek at what's coming out.