The Pringle Problem: Form Studies of Hyperbolic Paraboloids
Straight lines that form a curve?The hyperbolic paraboloid—famously echoed in the shape of a Pringle—is a doubly curved surface, simultaneously concave and convex. Imagine a saddle or the twist of a torso. This deceptively complex form is actually made entirely from...
Black, Bold, and Beautiful: The Allure of Black Bamboo
The striking rich colour of black bamboo at The Oriental Bamboo in ThailandLet’s get something straight: black bamboo is drop-dead gorgeous. Possibly the most beautiful of the entire bamboo clan—and still, bizarrely, no one knows it exists. It’s like the George...
Adventures in Bamboo and Carports: How I Learned to Love the Paraboloid
I was properly stuck. I wanted to buid a bamboo carport for my brother's house here in Thailand. And for weeks, I had struggled with various curved roof designs. I had an image in my head — a kind of skirt, draped from a central column and flowing around the edges....
Confessions of a Blowtorch Bender: The Secret Life of Flexible Bamboo
I’ve explored many ways to bend bamboo—from the traditional rup-rup method to cutting-edge heat bending techniques. Here's a deep dive into the pros, cons, and structural implications of each method, with practical tips for builders aiming to create strong, beautiful,...
How the Green School Bali Was Built: A Designer’s Timeline of Bamboo Architecture and Innovation
Insights from a Visit with Ibuku to the World’s Most Iconic Bamboo CampusAs a bamboo architect and furniture designer focused on high-end sustainable structures, I’ve long admired the Green School Bali—not just for its aesthetic appeal, but for what it represents: an...
Did I Just Spend $500 on Firewood? Journeys in Bamboo Selection
Sourcing bamboo sounds romantic, doesn’t it? A noble artist wandering through misty groves, selecting the perfect stalk like a samurai choosing his blade. In reality? Try sweat, machete blisters, and an ongoing fear that of the Green Tree Snake, a small beast who’s...
Strong, Beautiful, Enduring: The Craft of High-Quality Bamboo Construction
When clients commission a bamboo structure or art piece, they aren’t just investing in a building—they’re investing in something alive with craftsmanship, design, and integrity. Bamboo is a remarkable material: strong, renewable, and full of character. But its true...
Bambu Indah Bali Review: Under the Hole in the Sky Where the Ideas Fall Down
Following John Hardy's Vision: Bamboo, Wildness, and Genius Trying to make sense of Hardy’s architectural vision is like being Martin Sheen on the trail of Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now – a wild journey into the creative jungle. Bambu Indah pulses with the energy of...
No Drill? No Problem! Traditional Bamboo Carpentry in Action
Bamboo construction has been used for centuries across Asia and beyond, prized for its strength, flexibility, and sustainability. But what happens when modern power tools aren’t available? I recently had a fascinating experience with local bamboo carpenters in Koh...
The Enchanting World of Art: A Journey Through Creativity
Welcome to the enchanting world of art, where creativity knows no bounds and imagination takes flight. In this blog, we'll explore various facets of art, from its rich history to contemporary trends, providing you with insights and inspiration. Whether you're an art...
The Artistic Practices of Gagosian Gallery Artists: Exploring Diverse Visions
Gagosian Gallery, with its global presence and prestigious roster of artists, stands as a beacon of contemporary art. Representing a diverse array of talents across mediums and styles, the gallery showcases the innovative and boundary-pushing work of artists who...
Julie Mehretu: Cartographies of Abstraction and Global Narratives
Julie Mehretu stands as a beacon of contemporary art, renowned for her expansive and intricate paintings that traverse the intersections of abstraction, architecture, and geopolitical discourse. Born in 1970 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and raised in Michigan, USA,...
Antony Gormley: Architectures of the Human Form and Spatial Poetics
Antony Gormley, a seminal figure in contemporary sculpture, is renowned for his profound engagement with the human form and its spatial dimensions. Born in 1950 in London, Gormley's practice transcends traditional sculpture, interrogating the intersections of body,...
Tracey Emin: An Exploration of Confessional Aesthetics in Contemporary Art Practice
Tracey Emin, an indomitable presence in the realm of contemporary art, has firmly established herself as a paragon of confessional aesthetics. Born in 1963 in Croydon, South London, Emin’s oeuvre traverses an eclectic array of media, encompassing neon text, drawing,...
The Artistic Practices of Artists Represented by White Cube
White Cube, a paragon of contemporary art galleries, has emerged as a crucible for avant-garde artistic expression. Established by Jay Jopling in 1993, White Cube has become synonymous with innovative and often provocative art. The gallery's roster includes a cadre of...
Theaster Gates: Art as a Catalyst for Social Transformation
Theaster Gates, a luminary in the realm of contemporary art, has distinguished himself through his innovative fusion of social practice, urban regeneration, and artistic creation. Born in 1973 in Chicago, Illinois, Gates' multifaceted oeuvre spans sculpture,...
Damien Hirst: The Alchemy of Art and Mortality
Damien Hirst, a luminary in the contemporary art world, has etched his name into the annals of art history through his provocative and boundary-pushing explorations of mortality, existence, and the commodification of life. Born in 1965 in Bristol, England, Hirst...
Melting Masterpieces: Street Artist Bravely Battles Thai Heat Wave to Create Hot New Works!
Today, we're diving into the wild world of street art in Thailand, where the heat is scorching, the colors are vibrant, and the sweat is absolutely relentless. Picture this: you've got a vision in mind, and a bucketload of determination. But hold onto your sunscreen,...
Street Art – Underwhelming or What?
Wandering around the UK streets, it's almost as if Banksy never existed. Sadly, the urban environment often feels like a satire free zone. Sure: there is an instagram full of colorful street art designs. Celebrities, ornate tags, yadayada. But jeez, am I'm tired of...
The Best Art Galleries in Berlin – What you Should Look Out For in Modern Contemporary
Berlin is renowned for its thriving art scene and its diverse range of galleries. From contemporary photography to modern paintings and installations, the city offers something for everyone. Here are some of the top galleries that art lovers should definitely visit....
Art Galleries in London – the Best Contemporary and Commercial Spaces
London is a hub for art lovers, with a rich history of art and a diverse range of art galleries to visit. Some of the top galleries in London include: Tate Modern - this contemporary art museum is located in the heart of London and showcases works by international...
The Best of the World’s Top Contemporary Commercial Art Galleries
The world of commercial art galleries is constantly evolving, with new exhibitions and spaces popping up all the time. Here, we take a look at some of the top commercial art galleries globally, including those based in the United States, Hong Kong, and Europe....
Berlin – Europe’s Capital of Street art – where to find the best Urban Murals
Berlin is widely known as one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Europe when it comes to street art. With its rich history and unique cultural heritage, the German capital has become a major hub for street artists from all over the world. From the famous East...
Street Art in Spain, the Best Urban Art in Madrid, Barcelona – A Visual Tour
Street Art in Spain: A Journey Through Color and Culture Spain has always been a hotbed for artistic expression, and street art is no exception. From Madrid to Valencia, Spanish cities have become canvases for some of the world’s most talented street artists, both...
Street Art in Barcelona – the Best of the Graffiti and Urban Art in the Catalan Capital
With the support of the City Council, Barcelona embraces street art and has become a hub for both local and international graffiti artists to showcase their work. With allocated public spaces for street artists to express themselves, the city is now a vibrant canvas...
Street Art in Paris – A Guide To the Capital of France’s Urban Artists
From San Francisco to Paris, street artists are making their mark on the urban landscape, transforming public spaces into vibrant displays of creativity and expression. In France, the street art scene is especially vibrant, with a rich history of innovative and...
Street Art Around the World – the Best places and the Top Galleries
Street art is an expressive form of artistic expression that has gained widespread popularity in recent years. This art form is often created in public spaces, such as city walls and subway cars, and is characterized by bold, vibrant imagery and political statements....
The World’s Top Commercial Art Galleries – Which is the Biggest Mega Gallery?
Will's Piece 'Aztec Man' at London's Hauser and Wirth Gallery, Mayfair. Sort of.Commercial art galleries play a crucial role in the art world by showcasing the works of established and emerging artists to a wider audience. These galleries act as a platform for artists...
Who Is Jeff Koons?
Jeff Koons is an American artist who is considered one of the most influential and controversial figures in the world of contemporary art. He was born in York, Pennsylvania in 1955, and studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art and the School of the Art...
Street art in the UK – The Best British Urban Art
Street art in England has been growing in popularity in recent years and has become an integral part of the country's cultural heritage. In cities such as London and Bristol, local artists and international talents have used their artistic skills to create murals,...