Yoshitomo Nara in Yogakarta, Indonesia

Yoshitomo Nara at Cemeti Art House in Yogyakarta! Can't wait to see the show.

Stefan Sagmeister Video

While making my usual rounds through the endless supply of art and design blogs, I came across this video on thedesignfiles.net. Created by Hillman Curtis Inc, the video shows the installation of Stefan Sagmeister's exhibition, Things I have Learned in My Life So Far. I thought it was a pleasant reminder of life's simple lessons. Read more about it here.

Eko Nugroho: "Pleasure of Chaos"

Last week we attended a very successful and well presented show by Eko Nugroho at the Ark Gallery in Jakarta. The show, titled "Pleasure of Chaos" featured large scale paintings of monstrous characters in various states of unpleasantness. In our opinion, the stars of the show were his massive tapestries, representative of flags and family crests. The show sold out soon after opening, partly due to being blessed by one of Indonesia's most influential curators, Jim Supangkat. Unfortunately, we were without a camera during the opening. Check out the Ark Gallery for more of his work, and dothewhatnot.com to see photos of the installation.

Singapore: Tania's place

I always imagined living in a Singapore high-rise apartment would be drab and quite boring, but our friend Tania proved us wrong! She managed to make the place very cozy and full of character. It's simple and airy, and inspiration lies in every corner.

Singapore: Chua Chye Teck, Wonderland

Another goal for our weekend in Singapore was to see some art. Unfortunately, however, we ran out of time. Luckily, we stumbled across the Wheelock Art Gallery on Orchard Rd. This temporary art space is hidden in a covered walkway next to a construction site, but it's huge windows make it impossible to miss. The current show, Wonderland, is a photo installation by artist Chua Chye Teck. The images are a commentary on consumer culture, featuring objects reclaimed from the salvation army. The irony about this show is that it's presented on Orchard Rd., the epicenter of mass consumerism in SE Asia, in a gallery created by a corporate commercial property developer. None the less we're very happy to see art presented in a high-traffic public place, easily accessible and inviting for the non-art going public.

Swankglossy.com

Check out the photo shoot we did for this months issue of Swankglossy.com. They're an online fashion magazine based in Jakarta. The spread features one of a kind pieces by designers: Adrienne Schaffer, Tasha D., Priyo Oktaviano, Green Eyes Placid Tree, and Tomas DeLucia, as well as one of our original designs.

Singapore: Brunch on Dempsey Road

Last weekend we took a quick trip to Singapore for various reasons, including seeing and experiencing things we can’t easily find in Jakarta. Although we have Koi Kafe to hold us over at home, one of the things on our to do list was a nice brunch. With Cynthia’s life-long friend, Tania, as our guide we headed to the inner-city oasis, Dempsey Road. Our brunch at Jones the Grocer was a beautiful but simple combination of fresh, high quality ingredients. Although the meal left a bit to be desired, the casual gourmet atmosphere kept us at our table for almost 2 hours. Afterwards we strolled around the Dempsey Hill complex to find several other restaurants, shops, and a couple galleries. Camp, a restaurant/ bar with creatively themed private rooms such as the “Kubrick” room was another great find. On our way back down Dempsey Rd. we stopped by the mid-century styled PS. Café to enjoy a quick drink on their deck, and the view overlooking a shady hillside and lush trees.

Shots of our breakfast at Jones

Heading down to Camp. Sorry, no interior photos allowed.

PS. Cafe. This photo doesn't do the place justice! Check out the website to get a better idea.

By the way...

I'd like to introduce the latest addition to our family. This is Coco.

Agrikulture photo shoot

Last week I did a fun photo shoot with my brother-in-law's band, Agrikulture. Check out this posting on the Future 10 forum for behind the scenes shots.

KidZania

We recently took our niece and nephew to Kidzania, a new establishment in Jakarta. It's a crazy half sized world, free of adults but full of grown-up activities. After buying their ticket, the kids enter through a scaled-down replica of an Air Asia airport terminal. They start their new lives with 50 Kidzos (the local currency). After depositing it into the bank, they take their atm cards and spend to their heart's content. Of course, you have the choice of buying fake groceries, going to the salon, or even buying real burgers from the restaurant. Once the kids run out of money, they can work in any of these places to make their money back. Just like the real world, the salon charges 10 kidzos, but only pays the employees 8! Local and international branding is plastered in every possible corner, from the candy factory to the Honda dealership and Pertamina gas station. The little town is complete with a hospital, theater, fire and police stations, and a printed newspaper with kid reporters. Originally starting in Mexico, Kidzania also has locations in Japan. Check out the photos...

Alexia checking out

And enjoying a relaxing time in the salon

Firekids get ready to spray a burning building (real water, fake flames)

Filling up the Honda CRV

Xavier went to Driving school and got his license

Gabbie changing a newborn in the hospital nursery

Future surgeons of Jakarta