Last Fall, I attended Semi-Permanent '05, an extraordinary two-day conference dedicated to showcasing "the super-species of art and design." Since it's been six months, and my notes and memories are sketchy, I'll stick to two highlights: talks by Visionaire and Fafi.
- Visionaire. Started in 1991 as a response to a conservative, commercial magazine publishing environment. Started by friends, community is central, guest editors are key. Dedicated to experimenting with printing, packaging, visual imagery; showcasing art that couldn't be published elsewhere, e.g. the "Erotica" issue, the "White" issue (no ink, using only embossing, print that mimics braille, etc). Designers use guest-editing opportunities to highlight desirable lifestyle aspects rather than fashion. The "World" issue solicited readers' photos online. The "Scent" issue pushed the envelope further with a series of evocative custom fragrances. Community is one of the magazine's core values; Visionaire seeks to be collaborative, active, beautiful, challenging, visual.
- Fafi. Her roots are as a street artist in her native Toulouse, but she says Barcelona is the place to paint these days. She is 30 and lives in Paris. She calls her characters "Fafinettes." One of her creations, Hmilo, is very sad and becomes happy only when he brushes a Fafinette's hair with his teeth. Fafi enjoys painting in other cities, respecting other cultures. She is influenced by ganguro.
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