Black Cloud by Carlos Amorales

Mexican artist Carlos Amorales creates mesmerising installations in big public spaces by adorning the walls and ceiling with black paper cut moths. What might at first seem like dirt or a bug infestation is in fact a swarm of moths, each one intricately cut with varying shapes and sizes.

I love installations that redefine a well known space and he has certainly done that, making you see and experience the space in a completely different way. 

Check out more images below:

Taylor Swift 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' Official Music Video

Taylor Swift premieres her music video for latest single 'We are never ever getting back together' tonight. 

In the rather funny video, which is shot using a single camera and in one continuous take, Taylor Swift is seen dancing in a floral dress (one of five costume changes) and being in an on/off relationship with her beau, who many claim to resemble Jake Gyllenhaal. 

MORE Rainbow Thread Installations by Gabriel Dawe

I previously blogged about his Plexus No 2 Sculpture, but artist Gabriel Dawe has created 15 of these mesmerising rainbow thread installations, playing with shape, form and colour. The hazy, subtle hues create a dreamy atmosphere.

Plexus No 11 is a site specific installation created for Somerset House London (the one around the staircase, below), so I hope I can go see it for myself, because the photos don't do his work justice!

Check out more images below:

'Helldorado' PC Game Review

Ever since I received a demo disc of 'Desperados' from a cereal box when I was young and played that one level over and over again, I have been following the franchise. Having briefly played the follow-up Desperados II, but gave up due to the difficulty and the fact that it was a literal remake of the first game with updated graphics, I returned to the series with the latest outing, 'Helldorado'.

Rebranded with a new name, the game mechanics is as true to the originals, with the main characters John Cooper, Kate and Doc returning to do some real damage to the Wild West. 

America's Next Top Model Cycle 19 Episode 1 Recap

OK so as per recent cycles, the opening to cycle 19 is no different- Tyra puts herself and us in an awkward and uncomfortable position as she overacts the 'story' of how she came about the idea of this cycle... 2 minutes in and we're still talking about 'what's new' and of course, a million mentions of Tyra's Harvard business school degree and that 'we've seen it all before' photo of her.  Great self promotion Tyra.

When the action finally begins, we are treated the the girls going to a college party, the backdrop to their first runway show. For the first time in recent cycles, audition episode returns and 30 girls are battling it out for a spot in the house. As always Tyra enters and this time brings her 'NEW' judges Kelly Cutrone, Rob Evans as well as stylist Johnny Wujek, out to meet the girls.

'Finding Nemo 2' Film Pre-Preview

With news that Ellen Degeneres is in talks to reprise her role as Dory in the sequel to Disney Pixar's highest grossing original film, Finding Nemo, it is time to write about this controversial move by the animation giant.

With 'Brave' being the first original Pixar film since 2009's 'Up', the next few years will be lines with Pixar sequels (despite Disney making awesome looking original movies such as Wreck it Ralph). Announced a few months back along with 'Monsters University' (a prequel to Monsters Inc to be released in 2013) and Toy Story 4 (EEK!), the Oscar winning movie about a clownfish on a mission to find his lost son is getting a next chapter. 

The project has an estimated release date of 2016 and a 3D re-release of 'Finding Nemo' hits theatres next month (perhaps to generate interest and see how the sales figures might reflect if  a sequel was made). 

Personally, I felt the story was pretty wrapped up and just hope with hope that they don't do anything to ruin one of my all time favourite Pixar movies... and never ever make a Wall-E sequel. Pixar, you have been warned.

What do you think?

UPDATE: The Movie will be called 'FINDING DORY' out 2015

'Passion' Film Trailer Preview

The first trailer to Brian De Palma's 'Passion' has been released ahead of the film's premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. 

Starring Noomi Rapace and Rachel McAdams, the thriller tells of the power struggle between two businesswomen Isabelle (Rapace) and Christine (McAdams), as they work together and fall in love with one another, but things complicate when Isabelle sleeps with one of Christine's lovers.

'Passion' certainly looks intriguing and will be a departure from the usual upbeat roles McAdams plays which will be interesting. 

Check out the first teaser trailer below:

Allison Harvard by Adam Browning Hill

Just shortly after her L'Officiel shoot, we are once again blessed with another stunning set of imagery, shot by Adam Browning Hill. Allison looks like a doll crossed with a mermaid crossed with an alien in a unique kind of way and the simple setup of the backdrop showcases the clothes magnificently.

Check out more images below:

'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2: Revenge of the Leftovers' Film Pre-preview

I am so excited for this that I'm writing a Pre-preview for it!The sequel to 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs' has just been announced, to be called 'Revenge of the Leftovers'. The original cast will return to voice the leads including Bill Hader, Anna Faris and Neil Patrick Harris.

'Revenge of the Leftovers' follows the events from the last film. Flint has been invited to work with Live Corp, a company given the task of cleaning up the town after the crazy giant food crisis, headed by Chester V, who also has a talking monkey, called Barb (she likes to wear lipstick- I sense a love interest here for Steve)! But Flint's food machine is still functioning somewhere, this time producing mutant food animals with super cheesy names such as the 'cheese-spider', 'taco-dile' and 'shrimp-anzee'. It is up to Flint and co. to save the world once again!

Expect more crazy inventions, gadgets, cute and funny animations and lots of colour (and of course a great hilarious script). Having missed out on seeing the first in 3D, I am extremely excited to hear more about the production of this movie and hope to see it when it is released in Feb 2014.

More updates to come!

UPDATE: CHECK OUT THIS OFFICIAL PICTURE OF THE FOOD-IMALS!

Owl City 'The Midsummer Station' Album Review

I FINALLY RECIEVED MY SIGNED COPY OF OWL CITY'S NEW ALBUM, 'THE MIDSUMMER STATION'!!!  SOOO HAPPY! :D

TRACKLIST:

1. Dreams and Disasters 4.5/5

2. Shooting Star 4.5/5

3. Gold 4/5

4. Dementia ft. Mark Hoppus 5/5

5. I'm Coming After You 3.5/5

6. Speed of Love 3.5/5

7. Good Time ft. Carly Rae Jepsen 4/5

8. Embers 5/5

9. Silhouette 5/5

10. Metropolis 4/5

11. Take It All Away 4/5

12. Bombshell Blonde 4/5

The album begins with 'Dreams and Disasters', a beautifully named track which will hook you from the start and reflects the developed sound which is consistent throughout the album. This is followed by tracks released from EP 'Shooting Star' out earlier this year, a teaser to the album. 'Shooting Star' and 'Gold' are both very upbeat and radio-friendly tracks which timelessly makes you feel good and you can listen to again and again.

Delta Goodrem 'Dancing With a Broken Heart' Official Music Video

Delta Goodrem has just released the video to her second single 'Dancing With a Broken Heart' off of upcoming album 'Child of the Universe'.

The video reflects the meaning of the song, which shows people 'dancing' with a broken heart. Hints that the song is about her break up with Brian McFadden is further fueled by the scene in which a girl with a wedding ring is heartbroken.

Delta Goodrem looks stunning as always and I can't wait to hear the rest of the tracks from the new album, out OCTOBER.

Check out the music video below:

Taylor Swift 'Wonderstruck Enchanted' Fragrance Campaign

Having just announced her new album 'Red' last week, Taylor Swift's follow up fragrance to 'Wonderstruck', named 'Wonderstruck Enchanted' is appropriated coloured in the same shade. 

In the just released ad, Swift wears an extravagant Monique Lhuillier gown, adorning floral print which reflects the scent of the fragrance, said to contain wild berries, passion fruit and vanilla. Of the fragrance, Swift says: “Wonderstruck is about that moment when you instantly feel a connection to someone, but then there’s that feeling of being completely enamored — enchanted — when you know a little more about that someone and still feel that strong connection.”

I'm pretty sure the commercial will be stunning if this print ad is anything to go by. The fragrance is available from September. 

Salt Installations by Motoi Yamamoto

Japanese artist Motoi Yamamoto creates intricate salt 'paintings' by pouring it into installation space. Inspired by his sister's death to brain cancer, the patterns and forms resemble the brain, mazes and organic streamline forms. 

The mainly improvised pieces of work are interactive installations as after it has been displayed, the public are invited to 'destroy' the piece by returning the salt to the Sea. This symbolic gesture gives his work another dimension and layer of meaning.

Check out more images below:

Taylor Swift 'Red' Album Preview

Taylor Swift has just hosted a live chat and has played her new single off her new record which will be out before the end of the year! I'm so excited!!!

Since her last album 'Speak Now' 2 years ago, which broke world records and was her most successful album to date, Taylor has worked with B.O.B on track 'Both of Us' as well as have two songs featured on 'The Hunger Games' soundtrack, titled 'Safe and Sound' as well as 'Eyes Open'.

Her New Album will be called 'Red' which will feature 16 brand new tracks (not including BONUS tracks)! Check out the album cover below~

Taylor Swift's new single 'We are never ever getting back together' is super catchy and has a different sound to anything else we've heard from Swift- has a Jessie J type sound but with TS sweetness minus the country sound. Love the chorus... 

Leaves and Light by Richard Shilling

 

Using natural materials only, land artist Richard Shilling creates ephemeral sculptures with a focus on light and colour. Mounted on organic frames, the colours of leaves, the types of leaves and their shapes have been carefully selected and photographed at specific times of day for that intended lighting quality. 

The simple technique creates a profoundly intriguing and alluring result! Read more about the artist and his other works on his OFFICIAL SITE HERE.

Check out more images below:

'Deadfall' Film Trailer Preview

In his first film since 'Hanna', Eric Bana once again plays a character on the run, this time in order to protect his sister, played by Olivia Wilde.

Addison and Liza flee from a casino heist, but when they have a car accident and ends up killing a cop, they make their separate ways to cross the border into Canada,  in the midst of a whiteout blizzard. 

The trailer looks fantastic and it really does remind me of 'Hanna'- the general gist of it all... but this is R-rated so be prepared for more intensity.

The film will be out in December, ready for the snowy chills. Check out the trailer below:

Sophie Sumner in Vogue Italia (August 2012)

Since winning the 'British Invasion' cycle of America's Next Top Model, Brit Sophie Sumner's prize package of Vogue Italia has finally been released. Shot by Vincent Peters, the shoot is very cinematic, Sophie is almost looking like a 60s actress, doe-eyed yet divine. 

I can't wait to see her Beauty in Vogue shoot too... which really should have been out already, no?

Check out more images below:

Allison Harvard for L'Officiel Middle East

I have no words right now. Allison does it yet again in another phenomenal photoshoot. For L'Officiel Middle East, Allison looks ethereal and mermaid-esque in wonderful light jade/pearl gowns with an Eastern style twist. 

The simple yet fantastical styling is perfect for Allison's artistic flair and I love her pink tinted hair and headpiece. She looks amazing in this type of shoot and can't wait to see more of her artistry.

Check out the stunning pics below:

Modern Woodblock Lamps by Marco Stefanelli

Using fragments of wood, cement and branches, Italian designer Marco Stefanelli has created these wonderfully modern yet enchanting lamps using resin and LED lights. The lamps offer a beautiful glow and matches the shape of the existing object in a flush finish, as if a crystal is embedded into it.

This kind of reminds me of the work of Hilla Shamia's woodcast furniture- has a similar beauty and quality to it.

Check out more images below:

Paris Photography

So here are finally the pictures I've taken in Paris- sorted out the best ones. The architecture was beautiful and I love the little details, facades and materials that you can find in the city. There is definitely an air of opulence and grandeur all over the place and the history and culture still lingers through the architecture. You can read about my trip HERE. 

CHECK OUT LOADS MORE AFTER THE JUMP:

My Trip to Paris

OK so two weeks ago I went to Paris for a few days, but due to starting work the day after I got back, hadn't been able to sort/load photos and write a blog about it so here is my delayed post! 

So, we basically visited all the major tourist attractions and museums (Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc De Triomphe...) but what I liked about this trip was the less so popular places and the hidden gems that they possessed. 

Rainbow Origami Street Art II by Mademoiselle Maurice

I previously blogged about her work around Paris and now she has taken her art to Hong Kong and Vietnam. I think it's a wonderful form of street art and I eagerly anticipate for her to come to London- eek!

Check out more images below:

Alesia Museum by Bernard Tschumi Architects

Bernard Tschumi Architects design for the Alesia Museum in France consists of a stone structure with a beautiful wood facade. Featuring a roof garden, the interiors are cold and industrial by contrast, but bathed in a warm light.

Check out more images below:

'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' Film Review

Nominated for three Oscars (Best adapted screenplay, leading actor Gary Oldman and original score) with amazing reviews, I thought this was going to be mindblowing... and I guess I was correct- my mind WAS blown, but not in a good way.

~~~THOUGHTS ON PLOT~~~

Set in the Cold War era, George Smiley (Gary Oldman) is brought out of retirement to investigate a mole amongst his peers within the MI6. 

Tracking down those also relieved of service along with the help of Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch), Smiley pieces together the truth about which one of his peers (codenamed Tinker, Tailor, Soldier...) is the traitor.

'The Bounty Hunter' Film Review

When you've run out of DVDs to watch over the long Summer holiday and all the films you want to see are still near full price on Amazon (I always wait for them to decrease to around a fiver- which they always do sooner or later), I was left wandering the cheaper aisles of the website in which I found this movie, which reduced my boredom by two hours.

~~~THOUGHTS ON PLOT~~~

Journalist Nicole Hurley (Jennifer Aniston) is on the brink of uncovering a big story, but when she skips her court hearing for the scoop, she is wanted in jail. Bring on Milo Boyd (Gerard Butler), an ex-cop now bounty hunter who is hired to chase Nicole, who happens to be his ex-wife, down and bring her to prison.

Reluctant to let her ex capture her and more reluctant to let go of her story, the two go on a cat and mouse chase across the state, but little do they know, there are people chasing them too.

The Sims 3: Seasons Expansion Pack Games Preview

Now I've been a Sims fan for a long time and whilst my craze died down after The Sims 2 Apartment Life and The Sims 3 expansion packs kept me unsatisfied and wanting more, I've just never felt the same way about the franchise... especially those nasty in-game social networking add ons and the lack of content, forcing you to buy them on the store instead.

But news recently broke that the 8th expansion pack (yes, 8th ALREADY) for The Sims 3 would be 'Seasons', in which if it was anything like The Sims 2, would kill all other expansion packs. With 'Supernatural' still to be released in September, I wonder if this news will affect it in any way given Seasons will come out less than 3 months after that.

Who cares when you can finally immerse your Sims in the Sun and Rain? 

'The Big Wedding' Film Trailer Preview

The trailer to 'The Big Wedding' has been released. What attracted me to this was the abundant star quality that is the cast... but will it be any good?

Starring Amanda Seyfried, Ben Barnes, Topher Grace, Susan Sarandon, Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl, Robin Williams and Diane Keaton, the film tells of 'a long-divorced couple faking being married as their family unites for a wedding'. The focus here seems to be away from the Seyfried marriage and actually on their [parents]... which is interesting- it kind of reminds me of 'You Again' which I loved.

The film will be out in October. Check out the trailer below: