Where’s the Art & Culture?

Take a trip to Banksy’s Dismaland

Posted on by theironicle


As many of you know, Banksy, the elusive street artist, recently completed a run of his art show, Dismaland. The dystopian theme park made headlines with shocking art pieces that twisted and distorted popular tropes associated with family destinations like, Disneyland. The entire spectacle was captured in the above trailer for the park and this expose from Channel 4. Complete with a castle, carnival barkers, and surreal amusements, Dismaland is the perfect destination for pop culture nightmares.

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The World’s Oldest Street Artist: Yarn bombing at 104

Posted on by theironicle

Grace Brett is a member of a secret band of guerilla Crocheters, who have bedecked their town in artful crochets. Called the Souter Stormers, the group hit various landmarks in Selkirk, Borders, with their yarn work last week, following hours of preparation. Members of the yarn bombing team are mainly over 60, but Grace – the oldest – has lived over a century.

A Chairy Tale: A Short Film from 1957 with music by Ravi Shankar

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Present by the Nation Film Board of Canada: A Chairy Tale

In this Oscar-nominated short film, a chair, animated by Evelyn Lambart, refuses to be sat upon, forcing a young man to perform a sort of dance with the chair. The musical accompaniment is by Ravi Shankar and Chatur Lal. This virtuoso film is the result of a collaboration between Norman McLaren and Claude Jutra. Directed by Claude Jutra & Norman McLaren – 1957

Sweden’s Gay Defense System: The Singing Sailor

Posted on by theironicle

How do you peacefully keep secret Russian submarines from spying on your country? Let them know how gay you are, at least that is what The Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society is recommending. The world’s oldest peace organization and three-time Nobel Peace Prize recipient, is taking to the waters off Stockholm, to install a piece of “gay propaganda” they hope will deter Russia submarines from entering Swedish waters.

According to the Moscow Times, The underwater installation is comprised of a flashing neon sign that reads, “Welcome to Sweden, gay since 1944”. The device also emits a Morse code signal that states, “This way if you are gay.”


The sign plays upon the stark contrast between the two country’s stance on LGBTQ rights. Sweden decriminalized homosexuality 71 years ago, while Russia recently banned the promotion of any “gay propaganda” while also enacting homophobic laws in 2013. The sign is also a direct reference to the recent reports of Russian submarines in Swedish and Finnish waters.

I’m a Loner, Dottie: Yayoi Kusama

Posted on by theironicle

Some cool profiles of Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama, and her life long obsessions with dots. The first video is from the TATE. It documents the creation of a interactive art installation put on by Kusama where visitors helped decorate an all white room with a variety of dotted stickers.

Next, Nowness presents a piece entitled, “Self Obliteration”.

Finally, a more biographical account of Yayoi Kusama from the Louisiana Channel.

Fat Tuesday: Big Chief Tugga

Posted on by theironicle

In celebration of Fat Tuesday and all Mardi Gras festivities, I share with you a video about the Mardi Gras Indian tribe, The Red Flame Hunters and their leader, Big Chief Justin “Tugga” Cloud.

Big Chief: A Mardi Gras Indian Documentary from FatHappy Media on Vimeo.

This video was created by FatHappy Media and shares the story of how Big Chief Tugga and his tribe create the elaborate ceremonial suits of the Big Chief and the cultural importance of the tribes. The Mardi Gras Indians are a central aspect of New Orleans culture. With origins dating back to the 1800’s, the Mardi Gras Indians were originally escaped slaves who joined the local Indian tribes. Since then, they continue to celebrate their long history in many ways, including unauthorized parades through the streets of New Orleans, ran by the tribes’ Big Chiefs.

Welcome to Elgin Park

Posted on by theironicle

Artist Michael Paul Smith, works with miniatures to recreate scenes of Americana that depict stories and memories from his childhood. As Smith describes it, “Elgin Park is not my fantasy. I am documenting the 20th century, in a way.” Through the use of model cars, replicas of gas stations, farm houses, and even wrecked UFO’s, Smith takes the viewer on an adventure into a world often forgotten. Animal has posted a wonderful profile on Smith’s story and photography.

Elgin Park from Animal on Vimeo.