DesignYak

Banksy vs Bristol Museum

I finally visited the Banksy exhibition on Thursday at a private viewing organised by Bristol Media. And wow, what an exhibition. I think it fully justifies the unbelievable queues I've seen over the past few months (I'm glad I didn't have to queue though). The exhibition was full of wit and was really entertaining. It was good to walk through the whole museum to spot small adjustments Banksy had made the usual exhibits as well as the pieces he had created.

Firstly, an apology as some of these pics are a bit blurry, I was forced to take my girlfriend's camera as I couldn't find mine, but you'll get the idea. On entrance to the museum you were greeted by this ice cream van.

Some of the best pieces were based around food, these chicken nuggets were amazing, as well as the Tesco's haddock swimming round the goldfish bowl (still can't figure out how it was swimming) and the hot dogs. 

A few pieces concentrated on celebrity and vanity culture.

Banksy is a master of taking an idea and getting the message across in an instant.

Glad to see the environment feature in the show

Detail of a large painting of a monkey filled Houses of Commons.

The show is finishing 31st August, so not long left. I highly recommend getting down there if you haven't already, it's really worth it. 

New Cardiff Design Festival website

The Cardiff Design Festival is gearing up towards another year of celebrating the best of Welsh design with this new website, take a look here...

'In Three Words'

Students from The Arts Institute at Bournemouth have been in touch, letting me know that their graduate website has now been launched. The site is called 'In Three Words'. Have a look at their site, there's a big range of work to look at, or if you're in the area, why not go and visit their show? I loved visitors when I had my degree show. It runs from the 18th-26th June, with a private viewing on the 17th. Visit the website for details.

Below is a taster of the work...

Featured work: Hazel Ryalls & Maizi Qian.

London Design Festival 2009

Promotional material for the London Design Festival, by Pentagram. The theme for this year's festival was Be Bold. The promotional materials use the distinctive red and white of the festival and use quotes from designers, including Pentagram co-founder Alan Fletcher. 

The Festival will run from the 19th to 27th September, click here for details. More about the work to be found at the Pentagram site.

West of England Design Forum - Update!

The West of England Design Forum has a new website which has lots of new features such as a searchable talent database and up to the minute design sector news as well as information on jobs, tenders, training and business opportunities. Existing members have to re-register by the 29th May in order to stay on the database, click here to become a member. This is yet another exciting move for the region and raises the profile of all involved. I'm looking to become more involved in the design scene as I'll soon be moving to Bristol. This could be a really good opportunity for students and graduates to show off their work. 

Photomarathon returns to Cardiff

After a break in 2008, Photomarathon returns to Cardiff this year. Photomarathon is a photographic competition with a twist. Armed only with a 35mm film camera, the challenge is to take 12 photos of 12 given subjects with only a 12 exposure film – just one chance for each shot. The event takes place over 12 hours on Saturday June 20th 2009.

Following the marathon every entrants work is processed and presented in a free public exhibition at Cardiff Old Library from 25 July – 9 August. Participants work will also be judged by a panel of leading photography experts who will select winners that will be announced at a private viewing.

Visit the Photomarathon website for entry details.

Winning photograph from 2007, by Shirley Pearson