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. 

Limited Edition Prints by Bark Design

Ben from Bark Design has been in contact to tell us of their new limited edition prints. 'This first batch is entitled “Domestic bliss” as the economy improves, the print editions will become much more decorative and colourful - Much like a ’barometer’ to economic recovery.' These prints are available to buy from the Soma Gallery in Bristol. Might take a trip there myself this weekend. Bark Design were generous enough to send their last self promotion item to me a while back, to see it click here. 

New website for Taxi Studio

Taxi Studio, one of my favourite Bristol-based design agencies, have launched a new website. As with their last one, this is something a bit different, so visit the site, have a go and look at some great work.

New website for Dirty Design

Bristol based Dirty Design have a new website, stroll on over and take a look!

Top 100 South West Creative Companies 2009

The Top 100 South West Creative Companies of 2009 have been announced. It's the first time a list of its kind has been compiled in the region. As with other similar lists, like the Design Week Top 100, it's based on turnover. Top 10 sectors are released for each creative discipline, so here's the top 10 design companies of 2009 in the South West...

1. Oakwood Media Group

2. Epoch Design

3. Ignition DG

4. Studio Six

5. Design Activity

6. Mosaique Design Consultants

7. Magmatic

8. Robson Dowry Associates

9. Duttons Design

10. Kubiak Creative

Visit the website for the full 100 and other top 10 sectors including Advertising & Marketing, Animation and Digital. They've also created the top 5 'most respected', with Aardman Animations coming out on top here, (look at their website if you've never seen it, tis pretty cool). I wish there was a way to compile a list focused more on creativity rather than turnover, obviously I know this would be nigh on impossible as it's all subjective, so maybe I'll have a think and make my own list. I like what is happening in the south west, and in particular Bristol, how they are all collectively working to raise the profile of the Bristol design scene. I also think compiling this kind of list would be a great idea for the Welsh design community.  

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. 

The Watermarks Project

The Watermarks Project uses public art to make people aware of climate change and how it could affect Bristol. They are using large scale projections around the city all this week. I think they are really effective and deliver the message in a very simple way. I'm pretty sure I saw these guys doing this about 3 years ago, drawing on buildings in chalk on College Green. This is exactly the same but on a bigger scale, I wonder if it's the same people?