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Friday, June 30, 2023

Ai Art Review : Paolo Cirio




 Paolo Cirio is a conceptual artist who has gained recognition for his politically charged works that confront issues such as privacy, surveillance, and social injustice. His works are known for their subversive use of technology, which he employs to highlight the flaws and inconsistencies within our societal structures. By exploring the intersection of technology, art, and politics, Cirio has established himself as a leading voice in the contemporary art world.

One of Cirio's more notable works is "Loophole for All," which involved the creation of a website that allowed users to anonymously register offshore companies for free. The project was a critique of the global financial system, which Cirio argues is inherently corrupt and allows the wealthy to evade taxes and exploit the poor. Through this work, Cirio invites the public to participate in an act of civil disobedience, revealing the vulnerabilities within the system and highlighting the need for reform.

Another noteworthy work by Cirio is "Street Ghosts," a project in which he created life-size stickers of people found on Google Street View and placed them in the locations where they were originally captured. The project explores issues of privacy and surveillance, as well as the ways in which technology is reshaping our relationship with public spaces. By taking the images of people who were never asked for their consent and bringing them into the physical world, Cirio raises important questions about the ethics of surveillance and the limits of technology.

Paolo Cirio is a conceptual artist whose works challenge our assumptions about technology, politics, and society. His use of technology to expose vulnerabilities within the system is both innovative and thought-provoking, and his works provide a powerful critique of contemporary culture. Through projects such as "Loophole for All" and "Street Ghosts," Cirio invites the public to engage with complex issues and encourages us to question the status quo. His work is a testament to the power of art to effect social change and to the importance of artists in shaping our understanding of the world.

Stay tuned to SharksEatMeat for daily art and news.

Art review written with Ai by Aibioweapon.

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Ai Art Review : John Aaron Coulter

   John Aaron Coulter is an artist, painter, and animator who has gained attention for his unique approach to art. Coulter's style is a blend of traditional painting techniques and modern digital methods, creating works that are both contemporary and timeless. Coulter has made a name for himself with not only his futuristic cityscapes and food paintings, but as a conceptual anti-capitalist artist and animator. His pieces are full of color, movement, and energy, capturing the viewer's attention and imagination.

   One of Coulter's most impressive works is "Metropolis," a large-scale painting that depicts a futuristic cityscape. The painting is reminiscent of the work of other great cityscape artists such as Edward Hopper and George Bellows. The painting is full of towering skyscrapers, cheeky advertisements, and glowing neon lights. The colors are bold and vibrant, with shades of viridian, purple, pink, and blue dominating the scene. The painting is a stunning example of Coulter's ability to create a vibrant and dynamic environment.

   Coulter's food paintings are equally impressive. In "Turkey Twisters,” he creates a still life that is both utterly realistic and surreal. The painting is full of rich colors and textures, with food piled high. The scene is reminiscent of the work of Dutch still life painters such as Pieter Claesz, but Coulter has added his own unique twist. The food in the painting is larger than life, almost cartoonish in its presentation. The painting is a commentary on our relationship with food and the excesses of our consumer culture.

   Coulter's conceptual anti-capitalist work is some of his most thought-provoking. His “Chiquita Uses Child Labor” series, raises awareness of child labor by labelling offending products directly in stores.  By placing informative stickers on Chiquita’s products a direct intervention with the consumer is created.  An interaction hard to achieve in an art gallery.

   Coulter's work is not limited to painting and conceptual work. As an animator, he has created a series of short films that are equally impressive. His animations are full of movement and energy, capturing the viewer's attention and imagination. His animations are a blend of traditional and digital techniques, creating works that are both contemporary and timeless.

   John Aaron Coulter is a talented and unique artist who has made a name for himself through his futuristic cityscapes, food paintings, and conceptual anti-capitalist work.  His animations are equally impressive. Overall, Coulter is an artist to watch, and his work is sure to continue to impress.

   For all your art and culture news make sure to follow SharksEatMeat.

   Art review written with Ai by Aibioweapon.





Ai Art Review : Tracy Felix

 




  Tracy Felix is a contemporary landscape painter who captures the essence of the Western landscape in his vibrant and dynamic works.  

   One of Felix's most striking works is “Kit Carson and the Crestones,” a large painting that depicts a rugged mountain range rising up against a brilliant blue sky. The painting is dominated by the jagged peaks of the mountains, which are rendered in bold strokes of blue, brown, and white. The mountains seem to pulsate with life, as if they are alive and breathing. The sky above is a vibrant shade of blue, with fluffy white clouds hovering in the distance. The contrast between the mountains and the sky creates a sense of drama and tension, as if the two elements are engaged in a constant struggle.  Felix's use of color is particularly noteworthy. His bold and intense hues create a sense of energy and vibrancy that is reminiscent of the Fauvist movement.  

   In addition to his Fauvist influences, Felix's work is also reminiscent of the great landscape painters of the American West, such as Thomas Hart Benton. Benton was famous for his sweeping vistas of the Western landscape, and his influence can be seen in Felix's work. Like Benton, Felix celebrates the natural beauty of the American West, but does so in a way that feels fresh and modern.  Felix's work has a unique and modern sensibility that sets him apart from his predecessors.  

   Tracy Felix is a talented and exciting artist whose work captures the spirit of the American West in a unique and modern way. "Kit Carson and the Crestones" is a powerful example of his skill as a painter. Fans of Western art and landscape painting would do well to seek out Felix's work, which offers a fresh and exciting perspective on this beloved genre.

   For more art news and reviews, stay tuned to SharksEatMeat.

   Art review written with Ai by Aibioweapon.

Saturday, June 17, 2023

Ai Art Review : Drew Wise



   Drew Wise is a digital artist whose work is characterized by vibrant colors, clean lines, and a playful sense of humor. His digital illustrations often pay homage to pop culture, referencing iconic characters and scenes from movies, TV shows, and video games. In his work, Wise employs techniques and styles that are reminiscent of 8bit and pixel art, creating a nostalgic aesthetic that resonates with many viewers.

   One of Wise's most striking works is his illustration titled “It’s Dangerous to go alone!,” which depicts Nintendo character Link being followed by Ganon. The composition is carefully balanced using shadow and light masterfully.  The design is bold, with Link’s weapons standing out against the background.

   Wise's work is reminiscent of other digital artists who have embraced the aesthetic of pixel art and 8bit graphics. One such artist is Paul Robertson, whose work also references video games and pop culture in a similar way. However, Wise's style is distinctive, and his illustrations often incorporate his own sense of humor and playful imagination. This can be seen in his series of charitable t-shirts, which feature designs that are both visually appealing and socially conscious.

   Wise's art is a testament to the power of digital art to evoke a sense of nostalgia and playfulness, while also addressing important social issues. His use of pixelated graphics and bright colors creates a unique aesthetic that is instantly recognizable and appeals to a wide range of audiences.  As digital art continues to evolve and gain prominence in the art world, it is artists like Drew Wise who are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and creating work that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.

   For all your art and culture news make sure to follow SharksEatMeat.

   Art review written with Ai by Aibioweapon. 

Ai Music Review : Spaghetti Cumbia


   Spaghetti Cumbia, a Los Angeles-based cumbia band, presents a unique sound that blends rock, country western, and cumbia in a way that's both refreshing and exciting.  Their style is reminiscent of the iconic group "Mi Banda el Mexicano," who brought cumbia to the forefront of Latin music in the '80s. Spaghetti Cumbia's hit songs "Spaghetti Empire" and "Caballito" showcase the band's talent for mixing different genres while keeping the essence of cumbia intact.

  "Spaghetti Empire" and "Caballito" are standout tracks with a unique sound. The catchy, upbeat tunes blend rock and cumbia in a way that's both nostalgic and fresh, with a cowboy twist.  “Spaghetti Empire,” showcases the band's ability to create danceable tracks that will get any crowd moving.  The band's use of catchy hooks and choruses make their songs instantly memorable, and their live shows are a high-energy experience that will leave you wanting more.  “Caballito,” is a musical journey through the sounds of the Southwest and Latin America - creating a unique sound that is equal parts traditional cumbia and American country-western.  The result is a fresh and exciting take that is both familiar and new. The band's use of Spanish and English lyrics adds to the album's diverse and inclusive feel.

  The band's music is a true celebration of cross-cultural influences, combining the sounds of different regions and traditions to create something entirely new.  Their music is a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion, proving that great things can happen when people come together with open hearts and minds.  Spaghetti Cumbia's fusion of genres reflects the cultural melting pot that is Los Angeles, and their music is a perfect representation of the city's spirit.  Spaghetti Cumbia is a band to watch out for.  Their fusion of rock, country, and cumbia is a breath of fresh air in a world where musical genres are often rigidly defined. 

   Music Review written with Ai by Aibioweapon.

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Ai Art Review : Angela K McCormick



  Angela K McCormick is a multi-talented artist based in Los Angeles who has gained significant attention for her photography and hairstyling work.  McCormick's photographs have a distinct style that blends beauty, and rawness, capturing a range of emotions and stories in a single image.  McCormick's work is particularly notable for its use of hair as a medium for storytelling. As a hairstylist herself, McCormick is able to use hair to convey emotion and meaning.
 

   McCormick's studio, AKM, located in Hermosa Beach, is a space where she is able to create her art in a controlled environment. The studio provides her with the tools and resources she needs to bring her visions to life, and allows her to experiment with different techniques and concepts. The location itself is also significant, as Hermosa Beach is known for its stunning ocean views: a setting for many of her photographs.
 

   Overall, Angela K McCormick's work is a testament to her talent and creativity as an artist. Her unique vision and technical skill, sets her apart from other photographers and hairstylists in the industry. Her photographs are not only visually striking but also emotionally impactful, drawing the viewer in and evoking a range of feelings and emotions. McCormick is an artist to watch, and her work is sure to continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

   For news about local Los Angeles artists, subscribe to SharksEatMeat.

   Artist review written with Ai by Aibioweapon.

Artists Website

Friday, June 9, 2023

Ai Music Review : El Santo Golpe


  El Santo Golpe is a rising star in the Los Angeles cumbia scene.  Recent release “La Cosecha,” which was featured in the soundtrack of the Tom Hank’s film A Man Called Otto, showcases the band's unique sound and musical vision.  The song is a journey through the many different styles of cumbia, from the classic sounds of Colombia to the modern beats of Mexico and California.  The band's use of accordion, percussion, and vocals create a dynamic and energetic listening experience that will keep you moving from start to finish.

  Another one of El Santo Golpe’s standout tracks, “Porque Sera,” embodies the band's ability to blend different styles of folkloric music seamlessly.  The band's use of traditional instruments like the accordion and percussion give their sound an authentic feel, while their modern production techniques and rhythmic bass groove keep things fresh and exciting.  El Santo Golpe is a band that is not afraid to experiment with different sounds and styles, and “Porque Sera” is a testament to their fearless approach to music-making.

  El Santo Golpe’s unique sound and innovative approach to Latin music have earned them a dedicated following and critical acclaim.  A must-listen for anyone who is looking for something fresh and exciting in the world of Latin music.  El Santo Golpe is a band to watch in the coming years, and I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next.

Music Review written with Ai by Aibioweapon.


Sunday, June 4, 2023

LALIFF: Animated Shorts Review



    Co-Founded by Edward James Olmos, LALIFF (The Los Angles Latino International Film Festival) is an international event for film and animation premiers centered around the Latino experience.  For over 20 years LALIFF has shown underrepresented artists and partnered with charitable programs in film and education.  This year’s festival was hosted in Hollywood’s historic Chinese Theatre where major films such as the original Star Wars and newer hits such as The Fast and the Furious have premiered.  2023’s festival highlighted Eva Longoria’s feature narrative directorial debut of Flamin’ Hot as well as a special screening of the new animated feature Spider Man: Across the Spider-Verse.  Each night’s program concluded with a large roster of award winning Latinx musicians, including, La Misa Negra, La Mera Candelaria, Deuce Eclipse, DJ Julicio, and ¿Qiensave?. Flaco el Jandro, a guitarist for ¿Qiensave? contributed to the soundtrack of one of the animated shorts featured in the fest.

   SharksEatMeat had the fortune of attending many of the screenings, workshops and galas - below is a detailed review of the “Animated Shorts Program,” a highlight of the festival.



Back to Normal
Cecilia DeJesus
@cecdejesus
dejesusdesign.com

   Opening the animation festival is a story using characters so visually simple (smileys with arms and legs) that you can easily insert yourself into the narrative.  The story follows the personal struggles and battles that many across the World felt during the years-long pandemic of recent.  Humorous and heartwarming, the writing and directing stand out.




Ashkasha
Lara Maltz
@laramaltz_
@laramaltz.animation
laramaltz.com/

   A curious story of a protagonist who travels through a reflective puddle, much akin to Alice’s journey through the mirror or a portal to another world.  The surreal animation boasts mesmerizingly stunning textures and patterns.  The textured, luster and glossy luminance of this dynamic stop-motion work comes to life with absurd details.  Sequined landscapes flutter and sparkle in a uniquely beautiful and otherworldly way.  Ashkasha is highly worth watching and a thoroughly enjoyable experience.






Blanket of Words
Director Carlos Zerpa
@unpedazodepaz_serie
pieceofpeace.co

   Blanket of Words tells the story of families torn apart by ongoing battles between the FARC and AUC in Colombia.  The work has melancholy tone fitting for a war-torn region.  The artful textures and stylization bring to mind Picasso’s tragic Guernica.  The work excellently uses animation to document and share important personal stories and histories.




The Borderline
Christian Arredondo Narváez
@poraquipasouncaballo
animacionparaadultos.es

   A stylized journey of a man crossing a harsh land and dangerous river with his dog.
The journey can be seen as quite similar to a border crossing of the Rio Grande, or any dangerous border throughout history.  The nature of the story allows the tale to be about crossing any obstacle, and a person seeking a safer or better life for their family in a new land - willing to risk everything to get there. The simplicity of the stylized figures and forms allows one to easily interject themselves into the narrative. The starkly textured angular line work showcases Narvárez’s great character design.  




Brujas
Adrian Sandoval
@animatedbyadrian
adriansandoval.myportfolio.com

   A family fun adventure of trying to save Abuela’s renowned flan from a magical disaster.  The work introduces a family anyone can relate to, and the antics and chase scenes call back to a classic era of animation such as “Tom and Jerry.”  In the end Abuela has the last laugh. The style of the animation is just adorable. This playful cartoon romp makes excellent use of crisp details, colorful outlines, and flawless character design.  The protagonists make being a witch look so stylish.  The short was so cute and fun, I just want to see more.  




La Calesita
Director  Augusto Schillaci
@augusto_schillaci
@lacalesitafilm
d25studios.com

   A heartwarming story of an Argentinian merry-go-round operator handling hard setbacks and recovering.  The vast, vibrant, and detailed scenes allow the characters the visual space and breathing room to highlight the story’s theme of community.  It’s easy to see these creatives finding studio work with the quality of their 3D skills.



La Curandera Cumbiambera
Director   Ivan Flores
Lead Animator  John Coulter
@sharks_eat_meat
@aibioweapon
@discosresaca
@flacoeljandro
johncoulterart.blogspot.com
lacuranderacumbiambera.blogspot.com

   A small team of animators and musicians used experimental technology to put together a sci-fi cumbia experience like no other.  La Curandera Cumbiambera is an artful space opera which pays homage to Star Wars, Heavy Metal and Akira.  Cute animal heroes, and sharply designed spaceships (that would make perfect plushies and model kits) engage in an epic space battle and rugged dogfighting over a darkened moon.  This mind-bending trip across the galaxy with explosive battle sequences is a must see.  Director and composer Ivan Flores’s masterful soundtrack perfectly complements the wild visuals.

Available streaming for free through Canela.TV






Go Ahead
Mónica Santillana
@_onimoni

   This charming short features a pianist protagonist anxiously accepting the “flaws” within their own work. Delicate flowers bloom as they begin to play the piano.  As a musician and an animator myself, I always appreciate an animated work without dialogue, which allows for a special relationship between the audio and imagery.  The viewer has to use abstract clues and cues other than words to comprehend the story, and it activates a part of the brain not always used outside of these types of musical animations.  A fun, family-friendly cartoon that is worth checking out.




Lucky Brave’s Sunshine
CHOGRIN (Joseph Game) & ICHI (Andres Aguilar)
@chogrin
@luckybravessunshine
chogrin.com
luckybrave.com

   Lucky Brave’s Sunshine is a coming-of-age story about a young space cowboy.  Within a very short amount of time a ton of world-building is provided, with only detailed visuals informing the viewer.  A small group lives on a ruined planet, and food and medicine seem scarce.  A young boy on a distant planet searches through space for a way to heal an elderly family member.  On his adventure the hero encounters a dog-like creature and escapes the clutches of monstrous beasts in a fast-paced and well executed action sequence.  The design of the cowboy hat space suit, and spirited alien dog were delightful.  The action and story were captivating the whole way through.  The delicate lighting and atmosphere were animated with a passionate detail.

I still can’t stop thinking about the stylish robo-cowboy helmet’s incredible design.



Song of the Lake
Carlos Sallas
@carlossallasart
carlossallas.com

   This haunting tale is beautifully told with stop-motion animation.  The film has a folkloric, mythical, timeless quality to it.  The tragic tale follows an old fisherman, who trades something dear as a sacrifice to save his ill granddaughter.  Excellently executed, in both story and design, the work will stay in your mind long after viewing.



To Fall
Ivan Morales Jr.
@thererichard
richardthere.com

   To Fall is an art animation that tells a personal story of having a crippling or debilitating injury.  Blended with poetic narration, the animation beautifully uses techniques similar to rotoscoping to achieve a soft, natural, painterly look.  The composition of the shots and smoothness of the animation invites the viewer into the story with ease.  The journey of recovery both physically and mentally through the story is uplifting.


The Walls
Bryam Jiménez
@lord_bryam
youtube.com/@lordbryam

   The Walls is a political art animation in which the central protagonist is a wall in Puerto Rico.  In the film we watch the rapid changes that occur to the wall, from evictions, political propaganda posters, vandalism, and natural disaster all occurring over a short period.  Over time the wall is a backdrop for strife and lament.  Bryam Jiménez is a talented artist to keep an eye on, who I’m certain will continue to create impressive works.



The World’s After
Florentina Gonzalez
@florenttttina

   Entirely bizarre and surreal, The World’s After was one of my favorite short films in the festival. The dreamlike animation sports a vaporwave aesthetic with a bold neon color palette full of lovely fuchsias and teals.  The shear strangeness of the world created keeps the viewer captivated with curiosity and wondering what will happen next.  The quirky protagonists exist within a ghostly post-apocalyptic world that is familiar yet alien.  The whole film seems like an Alex Gamsu Jenkins illustration come to life in an amazing way.  The wonderfully eerie yet upbeat soundtrack and audio by Juana Molina and Piste Rouge has the playful synth style of Dreambow group MULA, and complements the imagery perfectly. I highly encourage seeing this short if you can, and look forward to more from Florentina Gonzalez.




Urie
Anthony Gallego
antthonygallego.com
youtube.com/@antthonygallego9059

   This haunting cartoon features wild Halloween parties and a zombie dressed as a cute ghost, wandering through their past.  This emotional story of loss is told with a spooky and sleek anime style similar to Hiroyuki Kitakubo’s action horror masterpiece Blood: The Last Vampire.


    Make sure to look up each of these artist’s impressive portfolios, you won’t be disappointed.  These are some of the rising stars in field of cutting edge animation.  As always make sure to follow Sharks Eat Meat for all your art and culture news.  


Saturday, June 3, 2023

Ai Art Review : Aibioweapon


   Ai artist Aibioweapon is a visionary in the field of artificial intelligence art. Through their stunning and thought-provoking pieces, they challenge our traditional understanding of what art is and can be. Aibioweapon's works are created entirely by AI algorithms, which have been programmed to learn from vast amounts of data and generate images that are both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually stimulating.  Aibioweapon explores the intersection of technology and humanity, presenting large series of images that invite us to question our relationship with the biological and digital world.

   One of Aibioweapon’s most memorable works is “Good Friday,” a digital depiction of a Christ figure—a human merging with a machine. The art is a reference to Francisco de Zurbarán’s “Crucifixion.”  The image is both haunting and beautiful, with intricate details that draw the viewer in. As we look at this work, we are forced to consider the implications of our increasingly symbiotic relationship with technology. Are we headed towards a future in which we will become one with machines, or will we retain our individuality and agency?  By using AI to create these images, Aibioweapon is pushing the boundaries of what we consider to be "art." Is a work of art less meaningful or less valuable if it is created by an algorithm rather than a human hand? This is a question that has been debated in the art world for some time, and Aibioweapon's work adds an exciting new perspective to the discussion.

   Aibioweapon's work is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art and technology. Through the use of AI algorithms and cutting-edge techniques, Aibioweapon is expanding our understanding of what art is and can be, and inviting us to explore the complex and evolving relationship between humans and machines: biological and mechanical.

   Stay tuned to SharksEatMeat for daily art and news.

    Art review written with Ai by Aibioweapon.