Gestalten.tv

Berkeley-based artist extraordinaire Brendan Monroe's paintings, sculptures, illustrations and toys are increasingly causing a stir. While his vegetable-heavy motifs debauch the conclusion that his art appears to be somehow organic, a quote from the web sums it up best': "Saying Brendan Monroe's art is organic is like saying Dr. Suess really liked illustrating children's books." We totally agree, since his work bears a psychotic tension and existentialist strength that offers unequaled opportunities. We met Brendan Monroe in Berlin for a little chat about scientific approaches and his penchant for collecting insects.

In the words of editor Lukas Feireiss Spacecraft - Fleeting Architecture and Hideouts "is a very playful book that arouses curiosity through the experimental and joyful diversity and visual power of its projects". In equal measure this could be said of this video podcast in which Lukas gives further insight into a Gestalten publication that is showing roundabout 200 installations and buildings from all around the world that build imaginative bridges between the worlds of art, architecture and design.

The Velvet Hammer Burlesque brought back the tease into striptease. Alongside the release of the book, we have prepared a video feature to introduce Michelle Carr, founder of The Velvet Hammer Burlesque, to tell you what it's all about and to give you a few impressions of what's going on in the book and on stage - short and sweet just like a good rock'n'roll song. The Velvet Hammer's shows are a potent cocktail that mixes elements from classical American revues with a post-feminist attitude. Their intricately choreographed and lovingly costumed performances have much more in common with the tradition of Vaudeville than with the sleazy table dancing of today. The Velvet Hammer Burlesque serves up true American beauty consisting of shapely curves, tattoos, tassels and lace, and fuelled by booze, smoke, rock'n'roll and the desire to live life on the wild side.

Fragiles at Design Miami 07 was curated and produced by dgv. The sales exhibition presented over 200 pieces from over 50 designers with a full range of design and art projects of all sizes and editions. The documentary features interviews with a.o. designer Stephen Burks, Jason Miller, Commonwealth and artist Hans van Bentem as well as quotes from visitors, impressions of the actual location and - naturally - the amazing objects. There's still more to come with the book in March 2008 which will feature projects from the show and many more in a 272 page volume.

We can be Neros just for one day! That is the provocative thesis on the subject of green design Marcus Fairs drew in his lecture at the Design Hotels Future Forum 2007 in Barcelona. Instead of opting for the usual angst-ridden, sinful concepts of guilt and shame that "green lobbyists" force upon us permanently, dezeen magazine editor-in-chief Fairs takes on the role of a lateral thinker. In a funny, provocative and polemic way he calls his concept Neroism - Like the insane Roman leader listened to music and had a good time while Rome was already going up in flames, we should celebrate the insane times we live in. The way we try we won't change it anyway. To call that cynical does not adress the issue in its entirety, since he does have a point in that and furthermore some ideas what green design could be, i.e. what could be achieved within the small world of design and architecture. But listen yourself to some of his thoughts on green design, carbon-free cities and the human right for free w-lan. Marcus Fairs works and lives as an editor, author and journalist in London. He is writing for publications like Blueprint, The Guardian, The Independent on Sunday and Conde Nast Traveller. Besides his contribution as a lecturer at Design Hotels Future Forum 2007 he has spoken at conferences in London, Tokyo, New York, Stockholm and Cape Town, among others.

Die Gestalten asked the trail-blazing Belgian artist and designer Arne Quinze to create a series of unique glass objects exclusively for our Design Miami from December 6 – 9, 2007. After some investigation, it soon became clear that Bavarian Kristallglasmanufaktur Theresienthal could be the ideal partner for bringing Quinze’s visions to life. Watching two worlds collide is always amazing. Watching two worlds joining forces to create something unique is even better. So when top-notch designer, artist and jack of all trades Arne Quinze was about to start work with the glassblowers of Theresienthal, we definitely wanted to witness and document this event. The task for Arne was to create several objects exclusively for the Fragiles exhibition at Design Miami curated by Die Gestalten Verlag. The task for Theresienthal’s artisans was to catch up with the zeitgeist while still being well grounded. Named after Queen Therese of Bavaria, the wife of Ludwig I, Theresienthal’s origins date back from the Middle Ages when glassmakers started settling for places of permanent production. Quinze, the zeitgeist of outstanding creativity matched with the excellent craftsmanship of Theresienthal resulted in a breathtaking collection of glass vases. The 'Fluid' collection can be seen for the first time and acquired at Fragiles in Miami as well as his collection of “PORCELAIN” vases.

Despite one of the many meanings of the lab's name, Lars Krueckeberg, Wolfram Putz and Thomas Willemeit of Graft architects are completely incorruptible. It was hard work, along with music in the pursuit of happiness that made up for their story of success. Graft started in 1998 in Berlin and Los Angeles (today there is another subsidiary in Beijing) as a "lable for Architecture, Urban planning and Exhibition Design". Recently quite a few magazines branded them as "the architects of Brad Pitt", which is true and a highly effective weapon for promotion but surely they don't have to stand for that since he is just one client among many, many others. Graft are active all around the world, from Tbilisi, Berlin, Singapore to LA and the Caribbean Islands. Regardless of their tight schedules two of Grafts' founders, Wolfram Putz and Thomas Willemeit, were kind enough to meet up with us for an interview. In which they tell us what Grafting means in terms of architecture (scientifically it describes a method where the tissues of one plant are encouraged to fuse with those of another), a true hybrid's nature and why German academics still live up to their names...

On the occasion of the release of Hi-ReS!: Amantes sunt Amentes we visited the Hi-ReS! studio and talked with Founding Partner Florian about the making of the book and DVD, romance, nightmares and then some. The London-based design studio Hi-ReS! (Handsome information - Radical entertainment Systems!) was founded in 1999 by Alexandra Jugovic and Florian Schmitt. The publication presents some of Hi-ReS!' renowned and award-winning work which includes original websites and motion graphics for TV programs and feature films as well as examples of their non-commercial pieces and installations. Hi-ReS!' masterly crafted, sometimes disturbing, often ironic and romantic world is pure visual pleasure. These Lovers are lunatic, indeed.

Best known as specialists in developing content for aficionados of cutting-edge visual culture, Berlin's Gestalten proudly present Gestalten TV. Gestalten TV offers a new series of bi-weekly video podcasts from all areas of contemporary visual culture, including graphic design and typography, product and furniture design, architecture, photography, art and more. Gestalten TV aims at creating a preferably broad range of documentaries, interviews and features. The video podcasts will introduce Gestalten-related subjects alongside individuals, projects and companies that make a difference within the realm of visual culture, e.g. architects, filmmakers, artists, graphic designers, illustrators and musicians. Please subscribe to our podcast RSS feed for updates on our bi-weekly program.