Since its establishment in 1994, the entity known as :Phunk Studio has successfully straddled between cultures and ideas. Founded by Singaporeans Alvin Tan, Melvin Chee, Jackson Tan, and William Chen, the quartet won numerous accolades for their uncanny skill sets to integrate both horizontally and vertically into their works; with a fusion of Hong Kong pulp fiction, Japanese anime, Chinese folklore, Western mainstream, Asian subculture, conceptual art, and commercial design (with Nokia, Nike, Levi’s, and etc…)

These ideals can fabricate a maelstrom of concepts and focuses during the process, resulting in an incoherent creation for others. However, :Phunk Studio is able to assimilate each components, in their original forms, into a larger concept without much difficulty. This is most apparent in the group’s latest exhibition, Universe, where the collective showcase their boundless creativity. The show touch upon the idea of an individual in the contemporary world of globalization and advancement, a world where contradicting notions can exist side-by-side. Universe is currently on display at Gallery J★Chen, in Taipei, Taiwan. The exhibition will be on view till February 10th.

Gallery J★Chen
3F, No. 40, Lane 161, Sec. 1,
Dun Hua South Road, Taipei, Taiwan

Exhibition Date: 01.19.2008 ~ 02.10.2008

» Gallery J★Chen

» :Phunk Studio

After the much talked-about “pay as you please” online release of their newest album, In Rainbows, in October. The pioneering UK-based band, Radiohead, will accomplish another feat this evening. The band will perform the album in its entirety to usher in the new year. The pre-recorded performances will be broadcast online at Radiohead.tv and Current.tv. Broadcast will start at Midnight - Eastern Standard Time, 9 PM - Pacific Standard Time. Check the links below at the mentioned time.

» Radiohead.tv

» Current.tv

Aside from the time between 1942 and 1943, New York City always welcome the new year underneath the New Year Eve Ball at Times Square since 1907, when the descent of the lighted ball signal the count-down. This year in celebration the 100th year of this long held tradition, an alliance of private corporation and public organization created a new New Year Eve Ball.

With a diameter of approximately 6 feet and weigh around half a ton, the new New Year Eve Ball reflected the changing of times while keeping with old crafts. Famed crystal manufacture Waterford created 672 crystal triangles, each cut and shaped on both sides to maximize the light refraction For this new New Year Eve Ball, . Dutch electronic giant Philips then provided 9,576 Luxeon LEDs in place of the traditional 600 incandescent and halogen bulbs. By doing this, the new ball has twice of illumination, an ability to create 16,000,000 colors and infinite amount of patterns. Furthermore, it ensure environmental friendliness. The total power consumption of the new ball will only be equivalent to 10 average toaster ovens. To insure both components work to their fullest potential, lighting design specialist Focus Lighting added the programming and necessary controls.

The fully operational new New Year Eve Ball was put on display temporary at Macy’s Department last month, where it dazzled the holiday shoppers for a few weeks. Catch the new ball’s premiere at New Year’s Eve live telecast on TV or the Internet.

» Times Square Alliance
» Waterford
» Philips
» Focus Lighting

For any artist, there is always a drive, a believe, something that is intangible to most. For WK, it is about capturing a glimpse of New York street, that motion, that action-reaction, that vision with all of its emotional baggages. It is a view most will miss because it happens so fast. It is a glimpse that WK, however, has perfected on capturing.

En Avant recently had the opportunity to chat with this great artist about his latest installation, The Trail, at Brooklyn’s Espeis Archetype Gallery.

Espeis Archetype Gallery
90 Wythe Avenue | Map
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Exhibition Date: November 30th (Friday) - January 13th (Sunday)

» WK INTERACT

» Espeis Archetype Gallery

» Philippe Starck

Whether you are an otaku or a fashionista, there is a likely chance you have heard the name Takashi Murakami before. Some compared his successes and his collective of talented artists to the Pop-Art icon, Andy Warhol and The Factory.

Recently, Murakami was invited to Art Forum Taiwan, to talked to a stadium packed audience in regard to his formula to success and popularity worldwide. Murakami also narrated about his concepts and works, from Miss Ko² to the 2 figures that made him famous, the sexually charged Hiroppon and My Lonesome Cowboy.

Towards the end, the audience catch the sneak preview of the animated short, KaiKai & KiKi, which is currently in the works. The same animation as well as many of Takashi Murakami’s past works are all on display at Los Angles’ MOCA special Takashi Murakami retrospective.

» Art Forum Taiwan
» KaiKai Kiki Co.,Ltd
» MOCA - Los Angeles

Despite the minus-zero temperature, thousands of art of lovers and curiosity seekers flocked to the usually desolate part of SoHo and lined up for the grand opening of New Museum of Contemporary Art. As mentioned previously, it is free admission for the first 30 hours, generously provided by Target retail chain. If you missed today’s event, you still have 24 hours worth of free admission this coming week.

New Museum of Contemporary Art
235 Bowery | Map
New York, NY 10002

» New Museum of Contemporary Art