KAWS - COMPANIONSHIP IN THE AGE OF LONELINESS

Ah, KAWS at the NGV. A hypebeast, Melbourne art hipster and collector’s wet dream all in one.

With the continued direction of the NGV under Tony Ellwood, contemporary cool-kid art and design has become an expected staple at Australia’s most visited gallery. Off the back of such hit exhibitions as Warhol—Weiwei in 2015, Viktor and Rolf, the unforgettable Triennial (featuring works by Yayoi Kusama and those damn Ron Mueck skulls everyone posted on Instagram) and last year’s MoMA collection (Roy Lichtenstein, Dalí), KAWS seems to slide right into the equation with a nod to younger streetwear culture. The NGV is reminding us it’s still cool, fellow kids.

The exhibition itself was rather small by NGV standards - although tickets allocated an hour of viewing time, a particularly casual art fan could enjoy the exhibition in its entirety in under 30 minutes. Oversized sculptures were contained to one room, and smaller figurines housed behind glass cabinets on the way out. The idea to include an exhibition-specific store with collectible KAWS memorabilia inside the exhibition itself was a stroke of capitalistic genius. But don’t get too excited - the only product worth getting stirred up over might be the rare collectible KAWS figurines, which predictably were all sold out and listed as having prices upon request (just to make us salivate at the thought of how expensive they were that much more, I’m sure).

Yes, it’s clearly understandable that to the majority, the appeal in KAWS is in it’s exclusivity. The high price point, the limited edition nature of products. The selective collaborations. The art stands the test of time though - and beneath all the hypebeast-ery, the KAWS companion remains a curious symbol of loneliness and dislocation in a modern world.

Or, maybe it’s just a cool kid fashion thing, and I’m just reading too much into it.

Coming up? More of the same to anticipate from the NGV, with a nod to Comme des Garçons and every VCA student’s faves, Haring and Basquiat. What did you expect?

NGV INTERNATIONAL
ADULTS $20, CONCESSION $17
ENDS APR 13 2020
10.00AM - 5.00PM DAILY

MORE THAN MAKEUP: @SWEETMUTUALS

Featured by the likes of Paper Magazine and Vogue, painter and makeup artist Ali aka @sweetmutuals has been making waves as a voice for young black women in the makeup and beauty industry. Art movements become noticeable themes in her looks, from Pop Art to Impressionism and Surrealism, with a particular focus on bringing vibrant colour to the forefront and a consistent penchant for patterns and repeated symbols or icons. In Ali’s case, the face really does become a canvas for art.

If makeup is your side hustle, what’s your main gig?/ If makeup is your main gig, what’s your side hustle?

Makeup is both my main gig and side hustle. I am a senior in high school so it could be my main gig, but to me they are about the same. Hopefully makeup can officially be my main gig!

When and how did you start experimenting with more creative makeup looks?

Officially August 27, 2018 but it was a progression that started around 2013.

Top palette pick?

I would have to say the Mehron Paint Palette! You can make it as subtle or as bold as you want, and since I also work on canvas using acrylic and oil, I feel like I can control it better as it’s paint versus eyeshadow.

All-time fave shade or shade-range to experiment and play with?

I love blue or minty green! Pastel colors also always amaze me.

All-time fave lip product?

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb!

If you had to survive on only one makeup brand, which one would it be and why?

Fenty Beauty! I’m biased, but she’s the first to come out with the most shade ranges in foundation and I stand by that!

Who’s your major makeup icon and why?

I don’t have a major makeup icon but the thing that really inspired me was seeing beautiful black women in magazines with bold lipsticks and eyeshadow, it made me feel proud to be myself.

What’s your signature, go-to look?

My bare face and some lip gloss! 

What’s the most annoying trend in makeup to you?

Blackface.

What’s your most favourite look you’ve done to date?

I’m really proud of my Nike look!

Is there a person or a time that inspires the way you do your makeup? An era, or a muse?

My mom inspires me. She is my reason for being, she gives me so much hope and love! She’s my best friend.

How do you feel social platforms like Instagram and YouTube will continue to influence makeup artistry in the future?

Instagram is how I got all my followers/recognition. I feel like that, and Youtube, brings you to so many influential people which then brings you to some life changing events. 

What’s your “why” - why do you do what you do with makeup?

I want to be a role model to black people. Black women who aren’t like your stereotypical women or are secure about their skin. I want to be a role model to black artists and black creatives. I feel like there will never be enough black artists, so I am here to inspire my black community and say that it’s okay to be you.

Check out @sweetmutuals on Instagram

See our More Than Makeup interview with @arenavi here

See our More Than Makeup interview with @fxbean here

MORE THAN MAKEUP: @FXBEAN

Armed with bubblegum-pop colours and a wig for every occasion, makeup artist Bean is serving us bold, colourful characters with an always-smouldering gaze. Her uncanny ability to transform into a new animated persona in each new post keeps her art unpredictable, and her audience unwavering.

If makeup is your side hustle, what’s your main gig?

Working retail! Which is the worst and I hate it, but something's gotta pay the bills.

When and how did you start experimenting with more creative makeup looks?

I've been playing with face paint and FX makeup since I was 14! I can't remember exactly why I started, but I'm sure it had something to do with social media.

Top palette pick?

Sugarpill's Pro Palette (you get to customize and pick the shades yourself)! Sugarpill has such bright, pigmented and fun colours, plus they are cruelty free and most of the eyeshadows are vegan!

All-time fave shade or shade-range to experiment and play with?

Red, always! Red finds it's way into so many of my looks. 

All-time fave lip product?

Nyx Cosmetics Lip Oil. Hydrating, looks like gloss, but isn't sticky at all (and cheap). For lipstick, again, Nyx Soft Matte Lip Creams (Monte Carlo is my go-to red)!

If you had to survive on only one makeup brand, which one would it be and why?

Colourpop! They have everything, they're cheap, but the quality is amazing. They also have unconventional shades and products, and those are the brands I usually love the most.

Who’s your major makeup icon and why?

She's not so much a makeup icon but Nadia Lee Cohen gives me SO much inspiration. I also love Frances (@beautyspock on instagram) she is gorgeous and her looks are dreamy as hell.

What’s your signature, go-to look?

I'd say my style is still evolving, but for now my go-to is 50s, pin-up style versions of anything. The hair and aesthetics of that period are very timeless to me!

What’s the most annoying trend in makeup to you?

I'm really about artists doing whatever they like - makeup is meant to be fun! But I have noticed that the artists who get the most recognition are those who Facetune their pores, skin texture, eyeshadow, highlighter, and rip-off smaller artists without crediting. Brands also eat it up for some reason? In 2019, I want unconventional, creative, genuine, absurd, and colourful artists from ALL walks of life to be in the spotlight.

“In 2019, I want unconventional, creative, genuine, absurd, and colourful artists from ALL walks of life to be in the spotlight.”

What’s your most favourite look you’ve done to date?

Any of my twin looks - but probably the angel/devil, and the house look! My favourite looks are always the ones where I wasn't sure if it would actually turn out how I envisioned it, but when they do turn out, it's that much more satisfying! 

Is there a person or a time that inspires the way you do your makeup? An era, or a muse?

I already touched on this accidentally, but again, the 40s, 50s and 60s! I love the big curls, the scarves, the makeup, and I love that now in 2019 I can use the inspiration I get from these iconic aesthetics towards my own artistry.

How do you feel social platforms like Instagram and YouTube will continue to influence makeup artistry in the future?

I hope that in the future there's a shift from the neutral, natural glam makeup we're always shown to fun, colourful, unconventional makeup. I'm already watching the small unconventional makeup community grow, so hopefully I'm not too far off! There are so many talented, creative artists on these platforms who deserve 100 x more recognition! Makeup is not just makeup anymore, it is art - and we should all recognise that.

What’s your “why” - why do you do what you do with makeup?

I've always loved art and being creative, whether it be drawing, makeup, painting etc., but using my own face and body as a canvas is truly "my thing". It is something that makes me so happy, gives me purpose and keeps me motivated. Pushing boundaries with makeup is important to me, incorporating fabric, newspaper, and fun wigs into my looks is a way to show people that you can use anything to be creative. I hope I can inspire people to bring a little more weirdness and colour into their lives and the world by doing so!

“Makeup is not just makeup anymore, it is art - and we should all recognise that.”

---

Check out Bean’s Instagram

INTRODUCING: MORE THAN MAKEUP

Like any art medium, makeup is one that can take a variety of forms…

Abstract or traditional, explorative of shape, texture, line and form within the framework of the human face and body. With Instagram and Youtube heralding a new age of beauty communities and gurus, there is an entire realm of makeup artists and their portfolios begging to be gazed upon with the kind of awe-stricken wonder usually reserved for Picassos or Remembrandts. Is it too much of a stretch to compare this new wave of creative youth to some of history’s greatest artists? Or is it remiss to look past what is undoubtedly the future of our artistic landscape, embroidered with references to great moments in history, of not only art but identity and culture?

From left to right, top to bottom;
@morgane.nicolas, @rachelkarinaart, @nadineartistry, @xohighglo, @yakubgodgave, @coolgirlswearmugler

BENETTON - I SEE COLOURS EVERYWHERE

Only open for a few days, this temporary exhibition at Milano's La Triennale courtesy of United Colors of Benetton showcased a rainbow of art pieces of all mediums, shapes, sizes and forms.

LA TRIENNALE DI MILANO
FREE ADMISSION
10.30AM - 8.30PM TUES - SUN

ELIAN CHALI - MOLESTIA

Tucked away in a Friedrichshain side street is Berlin's BC Gallery, a cosy two-storey art space housing high-end urban and contemporary art. For the latter part of 2017 and the beginning of the new year, Argentinian artist Elian Chali’s minimalist experiments with space and shape took centre stage, using bright primary colours and organic geometric shapes to disrupt - or in Chali’s words, “annoy” - our comfortable ideas of form, medium and art.

Being his first solo show in five years, the established Chali’s Molestia makes for a strong resurgence, having exhibited in shows both group and solo a numerous amount throughout the past decade, but this time making his solo debut in Europe. With works that interacted in an almost conversational way with their environment, Molestia is an experience in and of itself for those fortunate enough to find themselves wandering Friedrichshain on a rainy Friday.

BC GALLERY
FREE ADMISSION
ENDS FEB 24 2018
1.00PM - 6.00PM WEDS - SAT

TOUMS - PRIMITIVE ACIDS

Throughout October and November of 2017, Berlin's Urban Spree Galerie played host to photographic and visual artist Toums and his exhibition Primitive Acids.

The haunting, surrealist images on exhibition were like snapshots taken from someone's darkest nightmare, with manual manipulation techniques used to destruct the physical form of the photographs.

URBAN SPREE GALERIE
FREE ADMISSION

CHATTING WITH LUCIANA ROSSIO

Luciana Rossio is the romantic moniker of Californian native Jennifer, whose paintings play with inviting colours and intriguing texture to create imaginative pieces that capture attention instantaneously.

Certainly a hidden gem of Instagram’s art community, Luciana’s feed is like diving head first into melting ice cream and never wanting to resurface.

Tell us a bit about who you are, where you're from, and how you first started becoming interested in creating art;

My name is Jennifer Roos & I create art under the name Luciana Rossio. I am originally from the desert in southern California, but have lived many different places as an adult including Southeast Asia.  I'm currently living right outside of Washington, DC. I have created art & have been designing things since I was a child. As an adult I spent a lot of my time designing & working creatively in the fashion industry. When I moved to Southeast Asia I became quite bored creatively, So I decided it was time to paint again. And that was when Luciana Rossio was born. 

What do you like to think about when creating your paintings? Describe your creative process;

My creative process is different every time. Travel is a huge inspiration for me & a great way to clear my mind. Color is also a huge inspiration for me. I often have more of an idea of the colors I want to use & just let the painting take shape as I start to paint the canvas. I also am very inspired by music & poetry, sometimes a painting is born just by a few lines in a song. 

What are some of the main themes and ideas you try to convey with your work?

I think that art should be translated by the person enjoying it. I often hesitate to title work because I feel sometimes it takes away from the experience. For the most part I hope people feel something when looking at my art that in some way helps them or inspires them. 

Who are some of the artists you look up to and are most inspired by?

Joan Mitchell, Vanessa Prager, Xu Zhen, Vincencia Blount

What are your hopes for the future with your artwork?

I hope to continue to make art that people enjoy, to spread love & inspire others.

BROWSE LUCIANA ROSSIO INSTAGRAM

CHATTING WITH MARISA MU

Where functionality, craftsmanship and original design meet, you will find Marisa Mu's vibrant and mesmerising bags and clutches. The thoughtful Sydney-based designer packs careful handiwork and unique technique into each item, using a studio-based process to create each 100% Italian cowhide piece. Having collaborated with a number of creatives and working in Melbourne Fashion Week, Marisa's journey is one to pay close attention to.

Tell us about your background in design and how you first became inspired to start your line;

I always knew I wanted to be an artist when I was a little girl but wasn't sure what creative direction I would eventually undertake. After finishing high school, I was adamant I wanted to be working within the textiles industry and after studying a degree within Design at COFA - my love for pattern design and working with the tactile quality of leather became a true obsession. That was a turning point for me when I made the connection between the love I have for colourful abstract patterning and the unique nature of leather skin. Playing with colours and textures and the changing nature of leather is what inspired me to undergo my current practice of creating unique colourful leather goods that are proudly Australian-made. I also knew from a young age that I was not going to be the type of person that could live a life of routine where I worked in an office doing the 9-5 for the next 40 or so years. Starting my creative practice enabled me to channel my energies into something that was giving me a sense of purpose and fed my creative soul and sanity. I see creativity and art as a therapeutic practice for me and I have overcome plenty of personal hardships because I turned to what I love most - creating art. I believe too many of us don't take that leap of committing to do something for ourselves - that is the core underlying reason behind why I decided to just bite the bullet and start my own line. 

Your designs are quite a playful take on elements like shape, texture and colour - tell us about your creative process, and how your designs manifest; 

My creative process is very organic and revolves predominantly around colour. The power of colour and the way in which hues and contrasting colours create an abstract wonderland is what I strive to achieve within my work. I chase the feeling of knowing I have created a wonderful colour combination and then allow the colours to bleed within one another and create their own special story. Working with leather is amazing as the skin itself had its own story - a past life that is now undergoing the process of becoming recreated and then forwarded to a new forever home. I use premium Italian cowhide and the beautiful textures make for a perfect contrasting canvas for the fluid aesthetic of the patterns. It is about creating sentimental pieces that hold layers of beauty and wonder.

Is there a specific piece from your collection that is your own personal favourite? 

I go through phases and each design has held title of 'favourite' at some point. I am currently in the 'Smokey Camo' phase as the colours are a bit more muted from the usual bright and bold patterns. It's understated but still very much a statement piece. I will be releasing this pattern as a Bucket Bag style by the end of the week which is very exciting!

You place a particular emphasis on functionality and practicality as well as style in your products; tell us about your vision to incorporate both aspects in your work;

Leather goods are seen as a long lasting investment. They stand the test of time due to the tactile and durable quality of being a skin - the colourful artworks are a reflection of how I perceive what is around me - colourful beauty. I want to implement my love for colour and pattern with simple silhouettes and bags that hold your daily essentials. I want to keep the bags simple and to not be excessive - it is about being a canvas for the artworks that we integrate within our daily lives. I strive to create long lasting works of art that we choose to carry with us. Something that brightens our days but also hold a key role of protecting and holding our valuables. It is a simple vision but a deeply soulful one. 

If your label was a song - which song would it be? 

It would be 'True Colours' by Kasey Chambers. I believe the spirit of my brand revolves around being someone that is individual, strong minded and colourful. I want my brand to be an embodiment of who I am and to empower others to be a statement maker within their everyday. To show your true colours, and to not be afraid to do so. 

SHOP MARISA MU
BROWSE MARISA MU INSTAGRAM

PENNY DROP x EFP

If Barbie took a bunch of LSD and rode her unicorn to the strip club, you’d probably find her adorned in Penny Drop. Enjoy these wonderfully whimsical images, created by a team of super talented and passionate creatives. 

Photographer: Evan Fowler Photography
Designer: Penny Drop
Makeup: Lauren Dell'Arciprete

BROOK ANDREW - THE RIGHT TO OFFEND IS SACRED

Multidisciplinary artist Brook Andrew's The Right To Offend Is Sacred is an exploration of many of his new and majorly significant past sculptural works, responses to issues of racial identity politics in a voice that speaks for the marginalised many. His use of neon lights in particular draws strange and haunting parallels to what one would imagine a Vegas strip to be - the incongruity of this (both literally and figuratively) flashy medium matched with the sombreness of his message is both sharp and sobering; the resulting atmosphere is one that I recommend should be experienced alone. Take your time walking through this exhibition, past the newspaper clippings, old magazines and collages, the portraits and larger-than-life sculptures, and pay close attention to the stories being told before you.

IAN POTTER CENTRE: NGV AUSTRALIA
FREE ADMISSION
ENDS JUNE 4
10AM - 5PM DAILY

SPENCERONI - INTIMATE ENCOUNTERS

Exploring the lovers' gaze with thick, curving lines and distinct cut-out shapes in summery 80s hues, Spenceroni's latest exhibition is a feast for the eyes. Free to the public and running for another week in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, spend your lunch break strolling by the Matisse-esque prints and fun sculptures. You'll soon find yourself falling into memories of fragile, tender moments with kindred souls - these artworks will quickly wind their way into your heart.

NO VACANCY GALLERY
FREE ADMISSION
ENDS FEB 12
11AM - 5PM MON-SAT
12PM - 5PM SUN

DAVID HOCKNEY

You can't really help but think of David Hockney as the millennial's impressionist - digital brushstrokes gentle yet purposeful, blown up to large scale proportions, colour shrouding the viewer as you take a stroll through the gallery like it's some MS Paint forest. The intersection of nature and our current technological age takes prevalence in Hockney's work, a good-natured nod to the simple, observant sensibilities of someone who hasn't necessarily grown up with the wonders of the iThis and iThat - but is nonetheless excited and curious about the possibilities they present. He takes care to examine his own artistic process, playing with mediums and different formats when presenting his work - the lines between WIP and final artwork are blurred, as screens throughout the gallery play looping videos of his work being created stroke-by-stroke.

NGV INTERNATIONAL
CONCESSION $23.50 / ADULT $26
ENDS MAR
10AM - 5PM DAILY

LIPT

We shot on a scorcher of a day, but working with this killer team of babes around the Abbotsford area was a great way to enjoy the sunshine. I loved playing around in LIPT's über-cute signature printed garments, some of the comfiest co-ords and dresses I've had the pleasure to play dressups with. After hearing Jodie's (one of the masterminds behind LIPT) story about the brand's fruition (the label's name has it's roots in Perth slang, who knew? Well, I didn't anyway), you have to give props to their nationwide hustle. LIPT's been seen on some of the most kickass young female DJs of the country, so naturally I was stoked to shoot in these colourful pieces. 

Thanks for having me, babes!

Photographer: Bianca Lamont
Designer/Stylist/Director: Jodie Ruoso
HMUA: Kaelie Todorovski

SHOP LIPT THE LABEL

SEEKING COMMON GROUND

While everyone's frothing over the NGV's current Viktor&Rolf exhibition (as they rightly should be), let's not forget that those of us running low on coin can still enjoy the free charms the establishment has to offer.

Cue Common Ground - a modern medley of contemporary artworks from the NGV's permanent collection, spanning across all types of artistic mediums and united thematically in categories like "anthopomorphism" and "time". The unique layout of the exhibition space alone is enough to pique gallery-goer curiosity - and make sure you take a closer look at the Tracey Emin neon piece; it's backstory is not one to be missed.

NGV INTERNATIONAL
FREE ENTRY
ENDS FEB
10AM - 5PM DAILY

OTHERWORLD

On the night of August 27th, there was no better place to be than OTHERWORLD.

Only the most fabulous of Melbourne's creative hoi aristoi made an appearance, enjoying artisanal cake and florals, engaging in conversation about ocean moon magic and Alice In Wonderland, and capturing the evening with our signature customised Snapchat Geofilter all to the house and disco stylings of Oliver Francis, Manic Pixie and Glass Mirrors. Our secret magic garden venue was the perfect cocoon of fantasy for the event.

Guests walked away with curated gift bags featuring the latest and most Instagrammable products on the Australian market, including hair treatment from Neon and Co., exfoliating powder from Pérla Whitening, dry shampoo from Evo Hair, and the iconic blk. water.

So, what do you think?
Should Illicit Empress look at officially rejoining the events game?

x

Photos by Jackson Grant

JACKIE

Thank you Jackie, for taking these beautiful portraits of me - although I often love reverting to strong poses and strong presences in front of the camera, the softness and moodiness of this shoot is something that I've fallen in love with. Thank you for coaxing out my vulnerable side - this is one of the only times I've been able to appreciate Melbourne in it's native rainy state.

PS. I'm totally obsessed with these glasses from TIJN Eyewear! 

TETRIK

Every once in a while, you have the good grace and fortune to work with people who are full of light, positivity and creativity, and every time you do you get to know that the resulting works will be stunning no matter what. This is what I was able to experience working on this Tetrik shoot with Bri and Kim - it’s what makes shoots feel like fun instead of work, and reminds me why I love shooting.

I’m madly obsessed with these gorgeous threads by Tetrik, it’s the ultimate combo of comfort and style, which is a line I’ve really been toeing lately (I’m sorry that I keep wearing what could probably pass for pyjamas to uni, but also, I’m really not sorry at all). Everything’s black so obviously, I die for it. 

Photographer: Briannagh Clare Photography
Models: Myself and Kim Little

SHOP TETRIK

OTHERWORLD

Photography by Bryn DC
Hair, makeup, styling and headpiece by Helena Regina Smythe

#OTHERWORLD21 ...if you know, you know...

A huge thanks to the incredible Bryn, Helena and Izzy who took the time out of their day to help bring this otherworldly creation together!

GIRLHOOD

This shoot was definitely one of the more fun creative projects I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of. A true girl gang of six talented women came together for this day in the sun, and Ellen, the creative director behind the shoot, actually made and brought pink lemonade vodka - I'm pretty sure that's all I need to say to indicate how high the vibes were on this one.

I loved the way the idea behind this shoot seemed to marry a youthful innocence along with the tenacity of rebellion in the feminine adolescence. Pastel-ized babes smoking in the school bleachers, with peeks and pops of late 90s/early 2000s influence in the styling gave this shoot a definite charm and nostalgic feel. The second look ramped up the maturity and edge of the project, with black outfits and angular city building backdrops. I loved this look because of the capacity it granted to embrace a stronger presence in front of the camera, extending upon the idea of teenage girls on the brink of womanhood.

It was fabulous to work with the extremely talented and fun Missa and Chloe again, both of whom I was lucky enough to work with for the launch of Illicit Empress (check it out here).

Photographer: Melissa Cowan
Models: Myself, Ellen and Caitlyn
HMUA: Chloe Rose, Claudia Leahy