Gaia Tries Taming Nature

Baltimore bred street artist Gaia just released a superb short video piece, Taming Nature, chronicling a day in the life of an unforgettable public defacer.

With most of his pieces based on simple head forms in large irregular shapes, Gaia's linocut works have already appeared in galleries such as Ad Hoc, and on the streets of BK, Chicgao, and Wham City. Gaia is part of the burgeoning new class of street artists who, unlike their predecessors, aren't above "selling out" by having their work displayed in galleries. Although street art is in large part a fundamental reclaiming of the public space, newcomers like Gaia are also viewing their street masterpieces as valuable self-promotional tools. While in the past graffiti artists preferred pseudonyms and tags, the evolved class, including Gaia, prefer to emblazon their names in full detail on their work so that gallery owners can take notice. Regardless of whether or not Gaia and others like him are selling out, the work speaks for itself-- good stuff! Check out more on his flickr stream.

(Via Juxtapoz)

Reebok x Basquit

Exo-Fit and Freestyles set to drop this fall.

Ridiculously dope.

(Images via Sneakernews)

Viva Frida!

I was browing the archives over at Blogue when I spotted a beautifully done photo shoot inspired by one of my artistic idols, Frida Khalo. Taking a unique spin on her work, Living Proof Magazine decided to recreate some of her most popular pieces with the help of two high-fashion models (including Top Model alum Jaslene Gonzalez), and contemporary pieces of streetwear. Designers such as Claw Money, Hellz Bellz, and Triple 5 Soul are featured in the layout, which honors the spirit of Frida's work in the vivid coloring and intense attention to replication. The stylization of the photography allows the images to look less like editorial spreads, and more like recreations of Frida's exquisite painted imagery. 

Stephen Sprouse at Dietch Projects

While everyone on the net is a-buzzing about the revival launch of the Stephen Sprouse x Louis Vuitton collaboration (we here at The Ladies First brought you the insider scoop on the collection a few weeks ago...), we can't forget that first and foremost, Sprouse was an artist, a real visionary who brought much-needed visibility and attention to street/graffiti art.

An accomplished artist in all mediums, Sprouse is described as one of the first who "didn't distinguish between fashion, art, and rock". Drawing inspiration from downtown and the punk rock lifestyle in particular, Sprouse's use of bright colors and graffiti stylings soon garnered attention from the high-ups in the fashion world. Marc Jacobs took a special liking to him and dubbed him "his muse". The result was Sprouse's first collaboration line with Louis Vuitton in 2001, which sold out instantly. His latest collaboration with the French luxury fashion brand replicates Sprouse's 1987 graffiti tags and sketches in pop-esque neon colors. The rose prints and script will cover everything from LV branded "Speedy" bags to Skateboard decks.

5 years after his death, Sprouse's collected works will be shown for the first time in the entirety, to conincide with the launch of a book commemorating his various projects. The exhibit, entitled "Rock on Mars", will cover everything from Sprouse's screenprints, to fashion sketches, street art, and paintings. The works to be displayed are widely influenced by pop culture and punk iconography. Expect to see depictions of loudspeakers, Sid Vicious, and other icons.

Sprouse's work will be on display from January 9th through February 28th. For more information, please visit the Deitch Projects gallery site.