We can’t believe January is almost over already, for us it whizzed by! There’s been some brilliant artwork, creative campaigns and content that’s caught our attention. Including creating space for connection, meaty face masks and train-spotting success. Read on to find out more.
Gemma’s Pick
To mark the launch of the third season of After Life, Netflix, together with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) have donated 25 benches to councils around the UK. The benches are inscribed with a quote from the third season; “Hope is everything”, and feature QR codes leading to online resources and a message of support.
CALM say “We know benches are a place where you can reflect, talk to someone, sit shoulder to shoulder with someone and get things off your chest. So we’ve worked with Netflix to put benches in parks across the country – inscribed with that crucial line from the show, “Hope is everything” – to help people have those conversations and to show it’s normal to have those feelings.”
Erin’s Pick
Nothing to rejuvenate your skin like a refreshing slice of… bologna?? I absolutely love this ingenious creation from Oscar Mayer, the maker of hotdogs, hams and other processed sandwich meats. Inspired by how kids play with their food (not tried a slice of ham on your face?) Oscar Mayer have breached the notoriously serious beauty industry by creating a fun Bologna shaped face mask. The mask isn’t just playing around, Oscar Mayer collaborated with Korean Beauty brand Seoul Mamas to create the Hydrogel Sheet Mask. The mask apparently improves hydration and even skin elasticity!
Jai’s Pick
Glasgow based digital studio Pim-Pam has put together a charitable art exhibition for the Drumchapel Table Tennis Club (DTTC). The project, named Backspin, showcases over 60 exclusive table tennis paddles and one table, created by artists, illustrators and designers from across the UK.
Each artist was given a blank wooden paddle and asked to interpret a vision for their own using one of the following words; character, movement, or community. One of the paddles is designer Chris Wilson’s creation. He used strips of wood to form a triangulated surface, then he created a split image that would allow for the paddle to be angled, revealing the words ‘Ping’ and ‘Pong’.
All proceeds from the three-week fundraiser will go to DTTC, which provides a vital service in the heart of Glasgow. The club is one of the biggest in Britain, with more than 300 members aged between eight and 80 actively playing each week.
Dan’s Pick
Camille Walala is an artist who I first came across a couple of years back with her mural takeover in Leytonstone, London. This month she has released her first art book, entitled Taking Joy Seriously, it documents her vivid bright graphics which have been displayed around the globe, appearing on buildings, roof terraces and event spaces in the UK, Croatia, Switzerland, Australia, New York and Buenos Aires.
Chris’s Pick
This March the saviours of our lock-down blues return for a new series. The art club that encourages anyone and everyone to get involved has been a smash hit for Channel 4 and doesn’t look like it’s going to run out of steam anytime soon.
The call for new artwork has been shouted by Grayson, Philippa and Alan Measles across their social media accounts. The new themes are Love, Heroes & Heroines, Normal Life, Inside my head, Holidays and The Future. All entries can be submitted at graysonsartclub.com.
Laura’s Pick
Francis Bourgeois starring in The North Face and Gucci’s advert as a train conductor is my fresh pick this month!
What I like about him being featured in the latest advert is the fact that his enthusiasm and genuine interest in train-spotting is being recognised and applauded. As a teenager, he’s revealed he hid his interests as he was afraid, he’d be judged and made fun of.
It just goes to show that you should be proud of your hobbies and interests, don’t let others deter you with their opinions!
For those of you who aren’t familiar with TikToker Francis Bourgeois, I strongly suggest you go and watch his content. He shot to fame during the pandemic for recording himself train-spotting, his reactions are so pure and joyous, watching them really does make you smile.