Fine Art Friday: Cai Guo Qiang - "Gunpowder Drawings"

Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang recently exhibited a new series of artwork, made of gunpowder drawings titled Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Though I have seen performance art done with fire and alternative drawing materials before, the typical results are pretty bland. However, Guo-Qiang uses a series of porcelain reliefs decorated with gunpowder then ignited at an event by Cai, which creates a large gathering of spectators. He uses a contemporary take on traditional Chinese motifs of nature and landscapes and uses the explosions to highlight some of the intricate details of the forest and natural elements hidden in the all-white surfaces of the work.

ARTIST WEBSITE
http://www.caiguoqiang.com/

Nocando - "Lucid Dream"

Kind of a left field post, but Nocando recently dropped a Dam Funk produced track and video for his track "Lucid Dream" from the 'Jimmy The Burnout' album. Sounds like a bit of a throwback with G-Funk bass lines, but the lyrics are about appreciating life and staying "appreciative, humble and focused on the things that are truly important to you in your life". Glad to see the left coast coming with some curve ball gems now and again. Check it out and support a West Coast up and comer.

DOWNLOAD LINK
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jimmy-the-burnout/id826841169

Video: Armand Hammer - "CRWNS"

Billy Woods and Elucid, of the NYC rap duo Armand Hammer, recently dropped the video for the track "CRWNS" off their upcoming 'Furtive Movements' EP. Following up their 2013 debut, RACE MUSIC, they continue to try to carve their own blend of aggressive, experimental production and uncompromising lyrics. The new album features an array of production from Blockhead (Aesop Rock, Ninja Tune), Von Pea (Tanya Morgan), Messiah Musik, Steel Tipped Dove and Elucid himself.

DOWNLOAD LINK
http://bit.ly/FurtiveMovements