DESPAIRED BEAUTY

Bamako born photographer Mohamed Camara (b. 1985) With Mali's public landscapes and private interiors often being the backdrop, desperation, hope, and despair are some of the re-occurring themes explored throughout Camara's work. The fear of his first digital camera being stolen as a teenager became the inspiration for Camara to begin taking his photographs indoors. Making the distinct reference to loose or bound pieces of fabric, he is able to successfully blur the lines between public and private spaces. His photographs have been featured in collections throughout Bamako, Mali, the Galerie Pierre Brullé in Paris, Zuiderpershuis in Belgium, and the Tate Modern in London. TITLE: Certains Martins/Certain Mornings & Chambres Maliennes/Malian Rooms (2002,2005) PHOTOGRAPHER: Mohamed Camara MEDIUM: Photography SET: Bamako, Mali COSTUME/PROPS: Nature/Fabric/Interiors NOTED ELEMENTS: Stillness/Muted/Mood/Repetition/Illumination/Pastels/Narrative/Space/ Rawness/Contrast/Light on Dark/Rooms/Manipulation/Asymmetry/Role Playing/Despair/Ritual/Interiors/Proportion/Hands/Memory/Texture/Intimacy/Psyche

RHYTHMIC CLOTH

Fokus by Anna Danielsson, 2001

Swedish textile designer, Anna Danielsson draws inspiration from nature, architecture, collectible items such as African masks and the tattoos of indigenous cultures. Her works have been included in Marimekko's interior design collection since 2001.

Marimekko is a Finnis based print and design company mostly known for its bold patterns first on the scene in the 1950's. Featuring over sized organic prints on loosely structured clothing that give its wearer a generous amount of freedom to move.

Anna envisions her designs in unexpected public spaces in the future, where they can interact naturally with both the observer and the environment.

"A fabric’s effect on its surroundings fascinates me. I try to give each pattern a life of its own: temperament, temperature and rhythm."
- Anna Danielsson


TITLE: Fokus Pattern (2001)
DESIGNER: Anna Danielsson
MEDIUM: Textiles
SET: Design Studio
MATERIALS: Cotton Fabric/Paint
NOTED ELEMENTS: Rhythm/Repetition/Spirals/Indigo/Blues/White/Co-centric Circles/Trompe Loeil/Segmentation/Light on Dark/Geometric Patterns/After Effect/Dyed Cloth

DANCING IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL...ESPECIALLY IN PUBLIC PLACES.

Amidst the tragedy and sadness in Haiti, hope this one at least leaves you smiling....

I had the opportunity of working with acclaimed choreographer Noemie Lafrance in Agora II as a dancer a few years back.

Here is Noemie's award winning collaboration with Canadian singer/songwriter, Feist on her video for the song, 1234. Directed by Patrick Daughters (Yeah Yeah Yeah's Maps, Depeche Mode's Wrong, and Beck's Nausea). Apple used the song and video to debut the release of the new iPod nano in a commercial. MAD TV later went unto make their own version of the video - which isn't posted here but feel free to look it up.

Noemie Lafrance also choreographed Feist's video for My Moon, My Man. Which takes place on a moving walkway in the interior of an airport.

Cheers Noemie & congrats on the beautiful baby boy!!!


TITLE: 1234 (2007)
MUSICIAN: Feist
DIRECTOR: Patrick Daughters
CHOREOGRAPHER: Noemie Lafrance
MEDIUM: Music/Video/Dance
SET: Warehouse Space
COSTUME/PROPS: Warm Tones
NOTED ELEMENTS: Site-Specific Choreography/Humor/Bright Colors/Group Dancing/Partnering/Gestures/Lifts/Spinning/Repetition/Falling/Lines/Circles/Sequences and Sequins