Über - A WWII Comic

Last month saw the release of Über Vol. 1, a comic series written by British author Kieron Gillen (of Invincible Iron Man and Uncanny X-Men acclaim) and illustrated by Canaan White. The story follows the Third Reich’s development of superhuman Nazi soldiers which allows them to avoid defeat and change the tide of the second great war. The allied forces then have to develop super soldiers of their own or the world will fall under Hitler’s rule. Gillen did years of research and uses factual circumstances and historical figures throughout the series.  Über  is incredibly dark and hyper violent, making it a comic not for the faint of heart. Its brutality and historical portrayal of people like Hitler and Churchill is incredible and White’s illustrations capture everything perfectly. To be honest, I haven’t picked up a comic in a long time, but this is something that will appeal to many different types of readers. The 1940’s war aesthetic is spot on and the writing is both serious and witty. Those looking for a bleak, gory read that is also ridiculously fun should pick this up. 

Released by Avatar Comics. 

Hilma af Klint x Acne Studios

Leave it to Stockholm’s Acne Studios to mine a forgotten abstract art pioneer and re-interpret her works into wearable, modern fashion. Hilma af Klint was born in Sweden in 1862 and while forgotten for generations, she is now credited as creating some of the very first works of abstract art. She was a painter and dedicated mystic who was very influenced by spirituality and philosophy. 

From Acne Studios: 

Inspired by new spirituality of the late 19th century, and with an interest in esoteric and the occult, Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) created a complex collection of artwork. She wanted to create a higher union between the opposites of the polarized world, such as male and female, light and darkness, striving for reconciliation of contradiction, for unity and totality. Af Klint thought that her art was meant for humanity in the future and stipulated that it should not be shown until 20 years after her death. But it even took a few more decades before her extensive body of work was discovered by the art world. In early 2013, the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm, unveiled the largest af Klint exhibition to date and “Hilma af Kint: A Pioneer of Abstraction” was published. 

To view and shop the full men’s and women’s capsule collection and purchase the book, please visit Acne Studios. 

Minor Science – Noble Gas EP (TTT018).

Out now on Trilogy Tapes, Minor Science provides sophisticated Dutch house and techno from a London-bred producer. Perfect to the get the weekend going.

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Bunkers, Brutalism and Bloodymindedness: Concrete Poetry Episode 1 

Part one of the new BBC documentary exploring the merits of my favorite architectural movement, Brutalism. Visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. 

-JRS

Paris Fashion Week: Ann Demeulemeester A/W 2014

Miss Demeulemeester has long been a favorite of the Brvtalist. When she announced her departure from her namesake line last year, I was a little saddened, but still quite hopeful for the future of the brand. This season in Paris marks the first time the company’s founder was not at the helm of the collection. While I was a bit nervous at first, after seeing the line roll out, I knew I could rest easy once again. 

With a mix of both men’s and women’s, the line is a nice nod to the woman who started it all. Beautiful drapes and asymmetric cuts definitely hit to the core of the brand, and I was happy to see it stayed more than true to the ethos. Mostly black with some off white and bursts of gold, if I didn’t know Miss. Demeulemeester left I would have just assumed this was her line - and that is a very good thing. Excited to see more from the new designers. 

-JRS  

Futurism at The Guggenheim

Debuting on February 21, 2014, the Guggenheim New York presents “Italian Futurism: 1909-1944: Reconstructing the Universe”. This landmark show is the largest retrospective of the “Futurismo” artists ever held outside of Italy. 

Founded by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti in 1909, Futurism was a complete rejection of anything old or traditional. Changing industrial practices and new inventions fueled the group of painters, writers, composers and even politicians. Technology, speed and machines were all typical themes in Futurist works. The effect would eventually ripple beyond the arts and even influence Mussolini’s fascist party which rose to power in the 1930’s. 

The Guggenheim has been able to borrow rarely seen murals by Benedetta Cappa, which have been displayed in a Palermo post office since their commission in 1933 and 1934. Long dismissed by scholars, this is a great opportunity to re-examine the movement and appreciate its progressive and even avant-garde sensibilities. Futurist principles have always influenced The Brvtalist and if in New York from now until September 1, 2014, this is a must see exhibition. 

For more information visit the Guggenheim Museum. 

Photo credit: The New York Times, AGR/Riccardi/Paolini, The Art Newspaper

"Kesh Angels" by Hassan Hajjaj

Moroccan born and London bred Hassan Hajjaj has worked in many different disciplines throughout his life. In London, he was everything from a DJ to stylist before picking up photography in his late 20’s. Now in his 50’s, Hajjaj premiers a new photography show at New York’s Taymour Grahne Gallery entitled “Kesh Angels”. 

His work focuses on the native women and fashions of Marrakesh, a city known for its use of motorcycles as a primary means of transportation. Hajjaj’s women have a bit more flair than one might typically associate with a conservative country. He was less interested in the western aesthetic of Morocco and placed emphasis on the indigenous culture and fashions of the city’s female residents. The result is a stunning and exciting portrait of some pretty bad ass women. 

The show runs until March 8, 2014. Photos from Taymour Grahne and Rossa Issa Projects. 

-JRS