THE MOST BEAUTIFULLEST THING

We’ve been meaning to post these photos for some time now from Ben Turnbull’s ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ exhibition at Eleven Fine Art which was held in November of 2009.

With reclaimed wooden school desks as his choice of canvas, Turnbull has delicately carved with into seven of the pockmarked, pen-scratched surfaces, leaving the negative imprint of a deadly weapon upon each.

Whilst Turnbull’s process may at first sound a little contrived - when taken in contrast with the exposed innocence of the school-worn desks, his remarkably adept carvings evoke an unexpectedly poignant effect. Employing impressions of guns, knives, grenades and even space-age sharp shooters - the desks are transformed from relics of a childhood past into intricately formed, vaguely intimidating reflections of the rapidly changing face of contemporary culture.

An out-there comment on the dwindling role of innocence in today’s increasingly weapon-wielding society; Turnbull’s work is an elegant synthesis of hard-hitting imagery, accomplished artistry and low-fi aesthetics - encapsulating both the diminishing memories and the escalating fears of our culture.

Ben Turnbull is fascinated by the global dominance of American culture, and his works unsettling effects result from re-presenting components of our innocent youth in symbolic forms that reveal the shocking truths about war, death and guns in the world’s most powerful country. Above all they take a satirical look at the lengths that the country’s political elites go to in order to control and manipulate the way we think, from our first days of play to the last time we cast our vote. Turnbull is a passionate critic of the contemporary American political system, and explains why toys are central to his work: ‘Force fed on violence, abused by a controlling superpower and blackmailed through patriotism, the public are ultimately as disposable as the toys they once played with’.

Ben Turnbull was born in 1974. He lives and works in London.

From Ghetto Mix VI, this week we have Nas feat. Lauryn Hill - If I Ruled The World (Imagine That) from our favorite Nas album - It Was Written.

Yeah we said it… It Was Written is the best Nas album - not Illmatic; not I Am; not Stillmatic. If you want to discuss, please use the comment section.

Nas feat. Lauryn Hill - If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)

The Faile Bast Deluxx Fluxx Arcade

12th February - 27th March 2010

To kick-start the 2010 programme, Lazarides is proud to present a rare treat in the form of Faile, Brooklyn’s infamous collaborative duo. Bringing their unique vision to London and featuring long-time collaborator, Bast, the two floors of Lazarides Greek Street gallery will be taken over for a truly experiential exhibition.

Haunts of 80s populist culture inspire the distinctive concept show. Faile and Bast’s
signature elements will resound throughout the galleries, no nook left uncovered, creating an explosively immersive installation. Interaction with a variety of participatory components will be encouraged among gallery visitors along with the added bonus of being able to purchase Faile artworks for a mere £2, unless that is, you want to use them within the exhibition, intrigued? You should be.

A hop, skip and jump away at Lazarides’ Rathbone gallery will be a 10-year retrospective of Faile’s work. Having emerged on the New York scene in the late 90s, they’ve gathered a firm following over the years with their flypostered vision transforming many a street the world over. Creating original imagery from an array of pop culture, their practice amalgamates: prints, paintings, collage, sculpture, murals and urban interventions.

Faile - Waiting For The End, 2009

Gagosian Gallery
Meet Me Inside Exhibition
January 15 - February 27th
456 North Camden Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
T. 310.271.9400 F. 310.271.9420
Hours: Tue-Sat 10-5:30

WWW.THEMOSTBEAUTIFULLESTHING.COM highly recommends you check the blog post from our good friend Martyn from NUART which provides the best explanation/breakdown/plot behind the the Banksy / Mr. Brainwash / Exit Through The Gift Shop Documentary premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah here: Banksy - Exit Through The Gift Shop Plot

WWW.THEMOSTBEAUTIFULLESTHING.COM is still very excited to check out the Bansky produced documentary and reserves judgement until we’ve seen the film and have had time to reflect on it.

It appears Bansky is leaving some gems in Park City, Utah for the Sundance Film Festival.

Rumor on the street is a documentary titled ‘Exit Through The Gift Shop’ will be world premiered as the Spotlight Surprise feature at Sundace.

Thanks to trentcall for these photos.

HAPPY NEW YEAR (quite a bit late - we know) to everyone!

WWW.THEMOSTBEAUTIFULLESTTHING.COM was away for a bit of vacation and a close friend’s wedding in Brazil. There was so much beautiful graffiti in Rio de Janiero it renewed our passion for bringing you the best in graffiti / street / urban / whatever-you-want-to-call-it art in 2010.

Cheers.

Check out the great breakdown of the drama behind the latest Banksy piece in the Regents Canal in Camden here: Graffoto Blog

Banksy has given the streets of Camden / Regents Canal a few holiday presents. Top work!

And as we often do - thanks to RomanyWG for the great photos.

From Ghetto Mix VII, this week we have OutKast - Two Dope Boyz (In A Cadillac) from the classic OutKast album ATLiens.

OutKast - Two Dope Boyz (In A Cadillac)