Cute Rooms in Mawaru Penguindrum
Mawaru Penguindrum is one of this season’s new anime. I enjoyed the first episode, but more than the plot I can’t help but fall in love with the show’s beautiful artwork. The quirky details make the rooms both adorable and believable.
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Tags: adorable, anime, Art, cute, decor, Design, fairytale, interior, kawaii, mawaru, mawaru penguindrum, penguin, penguindrum
Recent works by Junko Mizuno
I’ve been following Junko Mizuno’s work ever since first being exposed to her work on Japanorama. She’s the queen of the creepy cute or “kawaii noir” and it’s earned her a legion of fans. These works are from her exhibitions at Gallery Nucleus including her recent solo exhibition “Flora Delirium”.
Filed under: Art, Japan | 1 Comment
Tags: Art, creepy, Flora Delirium, Gallery Nucleus, gothic, Japan, japanese, Japanorama, Junko, Junko Mizuno, kawaii, kawaii noir, Mizuno, Mizuno Junko, pop art, superflat
Continuing with the floral theme from the previous post we have these works by Lindsey Carr. I love the decadent mix of botanical and fairy tale imagery in her paintings.
Continue reading ‘Botanical Fantasy: the Work of Lindsey Carr’
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Tags: Art, artist, bird, botanical, butterfly, Carr, fairy, fairy tale, fauna, flora, flower, heron, Lindsey Carr, monkey, nature, oil painting, painting, Traditional
Andrew Putter has created these photographs by arranging South African flowers like 17th century Dutch still lifes. The works are a commentary on South African identity and how it’s been entwined with the history of colonialism, but theory isn’t necessary to enjoy these beautiful images.
Continue reading ‘Photographic Still Lifes by Andrew Putter’
Filed under: Art, International, South Africa | 3 Comments
Tags: 17th century, Andrew, Andrew Putter, Art, artist, botanical, colonialism, Dutch, flora, flower, Netherlands, oil painting, painting, photograph, photography, Putter, SA, South Africa, still life, still lives
Surreal Pinups: Vogue Patterns
I adore this eye catching editorial “Vogue Patterns” from Vogue Italia, December 2007 by photographer Steven Meisel. The models featured are Lara Stone, Hanne-Gaby Odiele , Kinga, Marina and Magdalena.
Filed under: Fashion, International | 1 Comment
Tags: Fashion, pattern, pin up, pinup, Steven Meisel, tatoo, tattoo, Vogue, Vogue Italia, vogue pattern
Featured Wallpaper: xxxHolic
I’m always struggling to find wallpapers large enough for my monitor. This is one of my favorites featuring the characters from the CLAMP series xxxHolic.
Via Deep Gray Sea.
Filed under: Anime, Japan, Manga & Comics | Leave a Comment
Tags: anime, CLAMP, dual screen, kimono, wallpaper, xxxHolic
Japan Trends: Mori Girl
Mori Girl (lit. “Forest Girl”) is a new Japanese fashion trend which can be described as “rustic romantic”. It’s an offshoot of Lolita fashion that’s going in the opposite direction to Hime Gyaru. So what does this mean? Well while Hime Gyaru are obsessed with makeup, Mori Girls wear little or none and usually have short nails. They eschew big brands in favor of vintage finds and they’re obsessed with solitary pursuits like reading, baking, antiquing, photography, playing a musical instrument and taking long walks. If you’re still at a loss take a look at their fashion idols Honey & Clover’s Hagu and the beautiful Aoi Yuu.
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Tags: Aoi Yuu, forest girl fashion, Japan, japanese, lolita, mori girl, romantic, vintage, Yuu Aoi
Robo Geisha Movie Posters
Noboru Iguchi gained popularity after directing the cult classic Machine Girl and is recognised as a master of kitsch Japanese gore films. However Robo Geisha holds a special place in my heart simply because it features a geisha that can transform into a tank. It also scores points for the hilarious trailer.
Filed under: Design, Japan | 2 Comments
Tags: gore, horror, Iguchi, Japan, japanese, movie, Noboru, Noboru Iguchi, poster, Robo Geisha, Robogeisha
Punk Yukata from Tsukikageya
(Sorry for not posting, I’ve been busy for personal reasons but hopefully I’ll have more time soon)
I’ve discussed the kimono revival before, because I always get excited when I see traditional Japanese dress being interpreted in innovative ways. And this is exactly what designer Natsuki Shigeta has done with her brand Tsukikageya. Yukata are light cotton kimono’s usually worn at festivals during the summer months, so they can be worn more casually than most kimono which are worn only at formal occasions. It’s this freedom that Tsukikageya designer Natcuki Shigeta has exploited, creating beautiful yukata crafted using traditional method but adorned with contemporary motifs. With designs ranging from animal print, ghosts and pouting lips, and accessories in bright pink, using swarovski crystals and real snake skin, you’re sure to stand out.
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Tags: contemporary, Fashion, kimono, kimono revival, modern, natsuki, punk, rivival, shigeta, Traditional, tsukikageya, yukata
The Origami Cupcake Blog 
Academic Articles on Otaku Culture by Sharon Kinsella
Coming from an academic background I’m always interested to read academic articles discussing otaku culture. Sharon Kinsella has written these articles on the subject.
Sounds a bit dry? Here’s a quote from Japanese Subculture in the 1990s: Otaku and the Amateur Manga Movement:
Enjoy.
Filed under: Anime, Cultural Commentary, Japan, Manga & Comics | Leave a Comment
Tags: academic, anime, article, Japan, japanese, manga, otaku, Sharon Kinsella, thesis