Welcome to another edition of Retro-Modern Roundup, a series that celebrates the best of the past and the present, with an emphasis on ’70s, ’80s and ’90s motifs (and how they are re-emerging). Art, design, entertainment news, and links to shops that sell retro-style items are a few of the tidbits you’ll find here…
Camille Walala for Aria
For last month’s London Design Festival 2015, artist Camille Walala created an array of vibrant products for Aria, adding a bold dose of color to the shop with items that ranged from furniture and pillows to ceramics and prints. Aria is still offering these works of art, and today we take a look at some of our very favorites!
An Interview with Rachel Simone Weil
When I first met Rachel Simone Weil years ago, we chatted about educational writing over lunch, talking little of our creative pursuits. As the years passed, I saw this talented artist, video game developer and design historian amass an amazing portfolio of work. Not to mention, she operates FEMICOM Museum, a celebration of femininity in the realms of 20th century video games, computing and electronic toys. When we caught up again earlier this summer, I couldn’t wait to ask her about her creative projects, as well as our shared love of ’80s design…
Favorite Pins: Pastels
You may have noticed that pastels are kind of a thing these days, especially in the worlds of art and design! But this time around it’s not about frills. A perfect combination of candy colors and modern style has emerged. Many a Pinterest enthusiast has a board dedicated to soft hues, and today I’m sharing a few of my favorite pastel pins…
The Work of Camille Walala
If you’re a fan of the New Memphis movement, you’re likely already an admirer of Camille Walala. The work of this London-based artist has graced many realms, from mural art and interior design to art direction and textile prints. I’ve fallen in love with her colorful creations for Darkroom, but there’s much more to this designer than prints and patterns. Walala’s influences include the Memphis Movement, the Ndebele tribe and artist Victor Vasarely. There is indeed something Memphis-meets-tribal-meets Op Art about the work of Camille Walala. Read on for a glimpse into her world…
A Retro-Modern Science Fiction Aesthetic
I’ve been working on a short story about time travel, and I’ve been super influenced by a retro-modern science fiction aesthetic that consists of stark, geometric visuals. I started a Science Fiction board on Pinterest, and today I’m sharing some of my favorite images. Exactly what types of photos spark sci-fi inspiration? Keep reading for a closer look…
The Modern Sculpture of Esther Ruiz
The sculpture of Esther Ruiz has an other-worldly feel, yet also a vibe that can’t help but evoke a sense of ’80s style. Think New Memphis meets Neon Noir, with a unique twist! Combining materials such as hydraulic cement, Plexiglas, neon and minerals, Ruiz creates compositions that are both clean-lined and chunky. Bold colors come to life on their cement platforms, and unexpected pairings of reflective surfaces and interesting forms are truly captivating. Here are a few of our favorites…
The Work of John Hogan
This week I came across the glass creations of John Hogan, and my mind was blown. Viewing his pieces takes me to another place–and I’m just talking about the photos of his works! Seeing them in person would be ideal, but nonetheless, I wanted to showcase a few pieces from this talented Seattle glass designer and artist who evokes an aesthetic that somehow channels a bit of the past while propelling us into the future…
