Covered in henna-colored scribbles, Vitamin D2 is the unassuming sequel to Phaidon’s extensive 2005 tome Vitamin D: New Perspectives in Drawing. Like its predecessor, Vitamin D2 explores the contemporary world of art’s most fundamental, but sometimes overlooked tool, the pencil. Approaching its subject…
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Macabre drawings modeled after discarded photographs from Scott Hunt
Artist Scott Hunt turns flea market photographs into modern-day allegories. In his new series of charcoal drawings currently on view at Schroeder, Romero and Shredder Gallery in New York, Hunt presents images that are enigmatic, humorous and occasionally discomforting. The black-and-white figures of “Then Darkness Fell” draw inspiration from turn of the century realism as well as film noir.
Hunt’s preoccupation with discarded photographs is driven by his desire to “save” anonymous people and objects from obscurity. By identifying elements of each photograph that he finds intriguing, Hunt removes them from their original context and uses them to create a new drawing. This creative process gives a second life to other people’s forgotten memories. “My subconscious narratives often reflect a dark, mysterious, and intrinsically Gothic view of America; suburbs leach danger, authority figures evince moral turpitude, nature threatens, and the surface of all things belies the more messy, complicated realities of being human,” explains Hunt.
Hunt’s aesthetic borrows heavily from the 1940s-60s, and is often fueled with an underlying dark awkwardness. Themes of alcoholism, racism, violence and exhibitionism can be found throughout the collection of highly composed drawings. Despite their macabre nature, the works are saved from being unrelentingly gloomy by a consistently wry sense of humor. “Then Darkness Fell” will be on display through 17 March 2012.
Schroeder, Romero and Shredder Gallery
531 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10001
Charcoal helps naturally refresh your mouth
From water bottle filters to ch’i-balancing bracelets, the natural cleansing power of Binchotan charcoal takes on many forms, but Morihata‘s “black toothbrush” may be the most useful application yet.
The nylon bristles on the polypropylene toothbrush are blended with high-quality Binchotan charcoal powder from Wakayama, Japan, which not only helps eliminate plaque and bad breath, but also prevents unhealthy bacteria from growing within the fibers.
While the handle could be a little sturdier for a hearty brush, we found that the bristles are just soft enough to get the job done without abrading your gums. The counterintuitive black brush head only adds to the fun for frequent cleanings.
The Binchotan toothbrush sells in several colors from Rikumo‘s online shop, or in white only from NYC shop Occulter and Project No. 8‘s shop at the Ace Hotel for $6 each.
Reusable water bottle incorporates traditional charcoal filtration
From design powerhouse Black + Blum comes a stellar new alternative to wasteful disposable water bottles. Eau Good uses Binchō-tan, a traditional Japanese charcoal, to naturally filter tap water over the course of six hours. The plastic bottle has a small indent to hold the charcoal in place while drinking, and a simple squeeze releases the piece for replacement. Held in place with a metal ring, a natural cork stopper secures the opening.
Sourced from sustainably harvested timber, the charcoal is created by burning the wood at a precise 1000 degrees celsius. Once activated, the filter rids water of chlorine and other odors while balancing pH levels to deliver a natural, clean finish. While many filters currently use processed charcoal, Binchō-tan has a longer shelf life and is recyclable as a fertilizer and deodorizer. The charcoals—only $3.70 per piece—can be reactivated by boiling after three months for an average life of six months.
We recommend picking up a pair from the Black + Blum shop to keep your cold, clean water in constant rotation.
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