In the wild and wonderful world of art, some artists stand out as true originals, and David Shrigley is undeniably one of them. With a knack for the bizarre and a dash of dark humor, Shrigley has captured the hearts of art enthusiasts worldwide. Let's take a peek into the mind of this English-born, Glasgow-trained, and now Brighton-based conceptual artist, as we explore his unique journey and creative process.
Over the last 30 years, Shrigley has been churning out his peculiar musings through various forms of art. He's an expert in deadpan humor and doesn't shy away from the morbid or absurd. From navigating the contemporary art world to dabbling in interactive art, Shrigley's career trajectory has been unwavering, marked by a refusal to compromise his aesthetics.
In our recent conversations, Shrigley candidly shares insights into his work and personality. One thing becomes clear - while he claims to contradict himself, he's nothing short of honest about who he is and the artistic path he's chosen.
Behind his quirky creations lies an intriguing process. Shrigley starts by scouring books and the internet for interesting images, striving to depict subjects he's never explored before. He then outlines the image and starts drawing, sometimes adding text afterward. The result is a delightful concoction of visuals and words that often take on a life of their own.
For an artist known for his humorous pieces, Shrigley has an endearing confession to make: he's slightly obsessive-compulsive. From his special doodle notebook to his peculiar drawing style, his idiosyncrasies add to the charm of his art.
Despite his success, Shrigley remains refreshingly grounded. He acknowledges that his lack of objective skill is an advantage, allowing him to create art that veers away from the overly aesthetic and leans into the awkward and strange. For him, it's not about perfection but embracing imperfection to evoke intrigue.
What's fascinating about Shrigley's work is its universal appeal. Language barriers seem irrelevant; his art connects on a deeper level, transcending words and cultures. Even if he were a master painter like Delacroix, his art wouldn't carry the same universal message.
Throughout his career, Shrigley has followed his artistic instincts, unafraid to tread where others might hesitate. His piece, the Mayfair Tennis Ball Exchange, is a testament to this. A project shunned by commercial galleries, he pursued it anyway, embracing the freedom of being an artist.
And while success has found him, Shrigley remains humble, seeing each day as an opportunity for creativity. His studio sessions, marked by excitement and motivation, are a reminder of the joy he finds in the process. Yet, he emphasizes the need for discipline, even during times of resistance.
So, what makes David Shrigley tick? Perhaps, it's his ability to hold contradictory thoughts and to change his mind, finding joy in exploring new territories within the realm of art. His art reflects the spontaneity of a child painting for the first time, coupled with the wisdom of a seasoned artist.
In the end, what truly matters is Shrigley's body of work, a testament to his unique perspective on life, art, and absurdity. As we delve into his world, we can't help but be charmed by the playful mind of this serious man.
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The story of one of America's strangest Ponzi schemes began when Robin H. Swanson, a secretary at an aerospace firm in Southern California, ordered flowers for her boss's wife from a business called Floral Fantasies. Swanson paid $23.95 with her Visa card, but later discovered she had been charged $601.11 for the order. Frustrated and determined to get her money back, she contacted the owner of the flower shop, Barry Minkow, who was also a charismatic young entrepreneur running a successful carpet cleaning business called ZZZZ Best.
Unbeknownst to Swanson, ZZZZ Best's success was built on a fraudulent empire. Minkow had engaged in various illegal activities, including faking burglaries at his headquarters and using fake restoration projects to inflate the company's revenue and attract investors. He also overcharged customers' credit cards and used new investors' funds to pay off existing loans, running a classic Ponzi scheme.
Swanson's obsession with getting her money back led her to investigate Minkow further. She even sneaked into his gated community to catch a glimpse of him. After winning a small claims case against Minkow, she alerted a Los Angeles journalist about his fraudulent activities, setting the stage for the downfall of ZZZZ Best.
Despite ZZZZ Best's public listing on the Nasdaq and Minkow's attempts to expand the company, the expose by the Los Angeles Times and other investigators exposed the fraud. KeyServ Group, a major carpet cleaning business that ZZZZ Best planned to acquire, pulled out of the deal, causing the company's stock to plummet, and Minkow eventually resigned. ZZZZ Best filed for bankruptcy, and Minkow was convicted of fraud, sentenced to 25 years in prison, and forced to pay back defrauded investors $26 million in restitution.
Swanson's role in bringing down the Ponzi scheme has largely been forgotten, but she believes that her persistence and obsession may have saved some people from losing their life savings. Meanwhile, Minkow served time in prison and later faced additional convictions for financial crimes.
In a significant stride in the realm of sustainable agriculture, Plenty has officially opened the Plenty Compton Farm, positioned as the West Coast's sole commercial-scale vertical farm. Situated in Compton, California, this state-of-the-art indoor vertical farm boasts a cutting-edge design facilitating the annual production of up to 4.5 million pounds of leafy greens within a single city block.
Plenty, a pioneer in indoor farming, utilizes a unique 3D vertical architecture that stands as a key factor behind its impressive yield, reaching up to 350 times the output per acre compared to traditional farms. The farm's establishment marks the fruition of nearly a decade of research and development by Plenty, culminating in what CEO Arama Kukutai describes as a scalable platform for indoor farming. Kukutai highlights the farm's potential to provide a consistent, year-round supply of fresh produce with economically favorable unit dynamics, emphasizing the significance of this advancement for the global food supply.
Distinguishing itself from conventional greenhouses and "vertical" farms operating on flat planes, Plenty's innovation resides in its 3D growth approach, employing vertical towers that extend almost two stories high. This distinctive architecture enhances efficiency, enabling increased produce yields in less space while facilitating full automation throughout the growth cycle—from planting to harvest. Such advancements contribute to the reduction of production costs, aligning with Plenty's commitment to making affordable produce accessible across diverse communities.
Mayor Emma Sharif of Compton lauds the project, citing its role in reintroducing field-scale farming to the community. Over 30% of the farm's workforce hails from Compton, presenting job opportunities and cultivating interest in agriculture careers. Sharif sees the Plenty Compton Farm as a model for enhancing access to fresh, locally grown food in urban settings and supporting economic development in cities.
Plenty's approach to indoor farming addresses future challenges in the agricultural landscape. With an anticipated 50% surge in food demand by 2050 and a concurrent threat of soil degradation, Plenty's method proves resilient. By utilizing minimal land and water compared to conventional farming, the Plenty Compton Farm aims to save millions of gallons of water annually. Secretary Karen Ross of the California Department of Food and Agriculture applauds this innovative farming model, emphasizing its role in building climate-resilient food systems.
The initial produce offerings from the farm include four varieties of leafy greens: Baby Arugula, Baby Kale, Crispy Lettuce, and Curly Baby Spinach. Notably, the spinach, released as Plenty's newest product, is among the world's few vertically grown, pesticide-free spinach varieties. The meticulous development process involved designing a new filtration system and analyzing vast data inputs to create a spinach environment with a distinct sweet flavor and unique crunch.
Plenty's pesticide-free leafy greens are currently available at Bristol Farms, select Whole Foods Market stores in Northern California, local grocers in Compton, and as a featured ingredient on Singapore Airlines flights departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Additionally, a collaboration with Walmart has introduced a new brand for indoor-grown, pesticide-free produce supplied by Plenty in Southern California Walmart stores. Plans for expanding Plenty's retail presence throughout California and beyond are set to unfold in the coming summer months. For updated availability, interested consumers can refer to the store locator on Plenty's official website.
The 2023 Formula 1 season has seen Daniel Ricciardo take on the role of reserve driver for Red Bull, sparking speculations about his possible return to the grid with a full-time drive. Recent events, however, suggest that replacing AlphaTauri's Nyck de Vries midseason might not be in the cards, as the rookie's form has improved, and Red Bull's focus remains on nurturing its crop of young talents.
Nevertheless, Ricciardo has been candid about his desire to return to F1. In an interview with RaceFans, he expressed that he doesn't want his story to end without giving more to the sport. If the right opportunity arises, he would love to make a comeback.
And he has a specific "fairytale" ending in mind: returning to Red Bull. Speaking with ESPN, Ricciardo revealed that returning to the grid with Red Bull would be his dream scenario. However, securing a seat with the team may prove challenging, as Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez have existing contracts until 2028 and 2024, respectively.
Ricciardo has shown enthusiasm for a potential drive with AlphaTauri in 2024, but he firmly believes he can return to his prime form next season. His performances in the simulator have impressed Team Principal Christian Horner, and Ricciardo is set for a test at Silverstone after the British Grand Prix.
Despite the challenges, Ricciardo seems willing to make the necessary sacrifices for his return. During the alternate telecast of the Canadian Grand Prix on ESPN's The Grandstand, he humorously mentioned that if he's back on the grid next year, he won't be able to enjoy eating during races anymore.
While Ricciardo's desired "fairytale" ending may require some twists and turns, the talented driver remains optimistic about the possibility of writing the next chapter of his F1 journey with Red Bull. Racing fans will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on how this story unfolds.
It's been a wild ride for the past four decades with the rugged archeologist, Dr. Henry Jones, better known as Indiana Jones. With his iconic fedora and leather jacket, he has entertained and thrilled us through countless adventures, chasing precious relics that, in his gruff voice, "belong in a museum." But now, as "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" hits theaters on June 30th, we brace ourselves for the bittersweet truth that this will be Harrison Ford's final outing as our beloved Indy.
Let's set aside the debates over whether the new film will be as good as the original or if it merely trades in nostalgia. Instead, let's celebrate the quirky legacy of Indy and the amusing titles inspired by his character, like "The Indiana Jones of Anesthesiology" and "The Indiana Jones of Spanish Baroque Music." The Internet never fails to surprise!
However, as we bid adieu to our adventurous uncle, it's time to ponder his impact on the world of archaeology. While some experts thank Indy for bringing popular interest to their field, others protest that his fiction leaves an inaccurate impression. The character's roots lie in real-life explorers like Hiram Bingham, the "real-life Indiana Jones" who had his own struggles with Peruvian scholars over the tombs and "lost cities" of the Incas. Indy's escapades may be outré, but they are not divorced from reality.
As we explore the depths of history, Indy becomes a mirror reflecting the darker side of archaeological practices, including harassment, exploitation, and colonial attitudes. The more we learn about the past, the less escapist Indy becomes. He now symbolizes a reckoning with the skeletons in anthropology's closet.
But despite this critical examination, it feels disloyal not to express why many of us adore Indy. The heart of the franchise lies in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," which humanizes him through his complicated relationship with his father. The emotional connection and reconciliation between the two Jones men touched audiences and gave the series its soul.
For many of us, our love for Indy goes beyond the movies. He represents cherished memories with our parents and an outlet for big feelings through toys and play. Even after growing up and recognizing the franchise's flaws, Indy remains a nostalgic anchor.
As we pass on the legacy of Indiana Jones to the next generation, we remember the joy of adventure and the importance of exploring the world's secrets with loved ones. So, while we say goodbye to Harrison Ford's iconic portrayal, we carry Indy's spirit within us—braving the challenges of life's adventure, just like our beloved archeologist.
Maia Kobabe, the author-illustrator of "Gender Queer: A Memoir," is a nonbinary and asexual person whose journey of self-discovery is chronicled in eir autobiographical graphic novel. The book, released in 2019, received critical acclaim and won several awards, becoming a valuable resource for those seeking representation and understanding of nonbinary and asexual identities. However, it also faced challenges, with conservative groups attempting to ban it, making it the most-banned book in America, according to the American Library Association.
Despite the challenges, the book's impact has been profound for many readers who finally found representation of their identities. Kobabe's memoir has inspired and comforted individuals who could relate to the struggles and triumphs depicted in the book. It has become a powerful tool for LGBTQIA+ teenagers and adults, helping them find solace and a sense of belonging.
Unfortunately, book bans and challenges have been on the rise, with conservative groups targeting LGBTQIA+ books and characters of color. The surge in anti-trans legislation in the U.S. is seen as part of a broader effort to keep the religious right voting Republican.
Despite the challenges and backlash, Kobabe remains determined to continue writing authentic and extremely queer stories. Eir next book, "Saachi's Stories," written in collaboration with nonbinary comics author-illustrator Lucky Srikumar, is a graphic novel for a younger audience and is set to be released in 2025.
Kobabe encourages other writers not to be silenced by fear of book bans and censorship. Instead, e urges them to continue telling their authentic stories and taking action against censorship efforts. The support from the Bay Area's queer-comics community and the Charles Schulz Museum has been a source of strength for Kobabe.
In the face of challenges, Kobabe finds respite and joy in hobbies like reading, and eir love for K-pop has connected em with a vibrant community. Despite the difficulties, Kobabe remains optimistic and continues to embrace eir identity and share eir truth through eir creative work.
Google's recent addition of eight new top-level domains (TLDs) to the Internet, including ".zip" and ".mov," has raised concerns among security experts. While Google marketers claim the new TLDs represent concepts like "tying things together" and "moving pictures," they are commonly used as extensions for archive files and video files. The worry is that when displayed in emails or social media, these TLDs can be automatically converted into clickable links, potentially leading users to malicious websites.
Security practitioners are warning that scammers could take advantage of this confusion by registering domain names similar to commonly used file names, luring people into clicking and downloading malicious content. For instance, a scammer could register a domain like "photos.zip" and trick users into downloading malware instead of a legitimate file.
Moreover, the use of Unicode characters in URLs can make malicious domains appear almost identical to legitimate ones, further complicating the matter. Critics argue that these new TLDs may facilitate phishing attacks and other forms of online deception.
While Google defended its use of these TLDs and highlighted browser mitigations such as Google Safe Browsing, which warns users of malicious websites, some security experts are calling for the removal of ".zip" and ".mov" from the public suffix list (PSL) to prevent their misuse.
The debate highlights the complexities and potential risks associated with introducing new TLDs, particularly those that may lead to confusion and increase the threat of online scams and phishing attacks. As the Internet continues to evolve, striking a balance between innovation and security remains an ongoing challenge for domain name management and regulation.
According to a leaked document obtained by WIRED, Spain has advocated banning encryption for millions of people within the European Union. The document, a survey of member countries' views on encryption regulation, revealed strong support among EU member states for proposals to scan private messages for illegal content, particularly child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The proposed law would require tech companies to scan their platforms, including users' private messages, to find illegal material. However, this proposal has faced criticism from cryptographers, technologists, and privacy advocates due to its potential impact on end-to-end encryption, a privacy measure that allows only the sender and receiver of messages to access their contents.
Of the 20 EU countries represented in the leaked document, the majority expressed support for some form of scanning of encrypted messages to combat CSAM. Spain's position was the most extreme, suggesting that EU-based service providers should be legislatively prevented from implementing end-to-end encryption.
End-to-end encryption is designed to protect users' privacy, but law enforcement advocates argue that it hinders their ability to investigate crimes. However, experts have warned that weakening encryption can introduce vulnerabilities that compromise user privacy and security.
The leaked document provided insight into which EU countries support the proposal and highlighted varying opinions on encryption regulation. While some countries supported scanning encrypted messages while protecting end-to-end encryption, others sought to circumvent encryption altogether. Countries like Italy, Estonia, and Finland expressed concerns about the proposal's impact on privacy and online security.
The issue of encryption regulation has been a long-standing debate in the EU, with advocates emphasizing the importance of privacy as a fundamental right and critics pushing for measures to combat illegal activities. The leaked document sheds light on the complex and ongoing discussions surrounding encryption and its implications for online privacy and security.
The Giving USA report, released recently, revealed that charitable giving in the United States experienced a decline in 2022, marking only the fourth time in four decades that donations did not increase year over year. The total giving dropped by 3.4% to $499.3 billion in current dollars, amounting to a 10.5% decrease when adjusted for inflation. This decline comes at a time when many nonprofits, especially those serving the needy, report an increase in requests for assistance.
Despite the drop in donations, the results are seen as relatively positive considering the challenging economic climate of late 2022. Josh Birkholz, chairman of the Giving USA Foundation, expressed his mixed feelings about the figures, highlighting the resilience of Americans who still gave nearly half a trillion dollars despite a 20 to 25% decline in the stock market and an 8% inflation rate.
The drop in giving follows two record-setting years for charitable donations, driven by the urgent needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Una Osili, the lead researcher of the Giving USA report and associate dean at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, pointed out that giving has grown, but there is a concerning trend of fewer people participating. At the beginning of the 21st century, around two-thirds of Americans gave, but that number has now dropped to under 50% for the first time.
This decline in giving has had significant impacts on charities across the country, such as Community Help in Park Slope (CHiPS) in Brooklyn, New York. CHiPS, which operates a soup kitchen, food pantry, and provides support to single mothers and their infants, has faced challenges due to rising inflation and decreased donations. As the cost of living increases, people have less to donate, which puts greater strain on the charity and the individuals it serves.
The situation is further complicated by the presence of asylum seekers near the charity's location, increasing the number of people in need of assistance. While the decline in giving has presented hardships, CHiPS continues to work tirelessly to provide meals and support to those who depend on their services.
Large-scale nonprofits, like the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, are also grappling with the effects of inflation. While some areas saw a slight increase in donations in 2022, others experienced a decline. The foundation, which grants wishes to children fighting critical illnesses, has had to deal with soaring travel costs, impacting 75% of the wishes they fulfill. They have turned to creative solutions, such as encouraging supporters to donate airline miles and hotel points to help manage expenses.
The Giving USA report indicates that individual donors contributed 64% of donations in 2022, followed by foundations at 21%, bequests at 9%, and corporations at 6%. Engaging new donors has become a priority for many nonprofits, especially as the trend of "dollars up, donors down" continues. To sustain their operations and fulfill their missions, charities are reaching out to potential donors, both individual and corporate, to make a positive impact on their communities.
While charitable giving faced a downturn in 2022, the underlying spirit of generosity remains strong in the US. Nonprofits continue to make a difference despite challenges, and the efforts to engage new donors offer hope for a brighter future for those in need.
Diablo 4, the latest installment in the iconic action RPG series, offers a mix of familiarity and innovation in the gaming realm. Set against the backdrop of Fractured Peaks, players find themselves engaging with demons and navigating a story centered on Lilith, the daughter of hatred, and a cosmic conflict between heaven and hell.
The narrative, while familiar in its overarching themes of good versus evil, presents a fresh twist by gradually revealing the intricate layers of secrets surrounding Sanctuary's creators. Human struggles take center stage, exploring the consequences of choices in a world torn between faith, ideals, and the pursuit of knowledge. The tale unfolds with a touch of familiarity, reminiscent of certain thematic elements found in recent adaptations like HBO's His Dark Materials.
Despite the main narrative's occasional melodramatic moments, Diablo 4 shines in portraying the human tragedies occurring on the sidelines. The exploration of Sanctuary's broken society and political landscape adds depth to the overall story, offering a broader perspective that could have played a more significant role in the main campaign.
The protagonist's increased visibility in cutscenes, a first for the series, establishes a stronger connection with the player. However, the character remains somewhat bland, lacking a significant impact on the world or the fates of encountered characters.
Introducing a groundbreaking feature, Diablo 4 unveils its first open-world map, allowing players to explore Sanctuary's vastness. While the exploration doesn't always yield practical rewards, the attention to detail in creating a darkly beautiful world is evident. The art team's meticulous work ensures a visually captivating experience, with defiled landscapes gradually revealing flashes of natural beauty.
The addition of strongholds, complex dungeons with visual diversity and meaningful consequences, stands out as a positive change. Clearing strongholds not only yields valuable gear but also impacts the game world, providing a refreshing departure from the series' usual lack of player-induced changes.
Class balance, a concern raised during the beta, shows improvement in the final build. While some classes, like the sorcerer and necromancer, excel, others, such as the druid, still lag behind. The game's online nature encourages group play, but each class remains viable for solo experiences. Despite the familiarity of class archetypes from previous Diablo games, the effective gameplay and variety within each class contribute to an enjoyable experience.
In summary, Diablo 4 combines the familiarity of its predecessors with notable innovations. The captivating narrative, immersive world design, and improved class balance make it a worthy addition to the beloved series. While certain aspects, like the protagonist's impact on the world, could be further developed, the game successfully captures the essence of what makes Diablo an enduring and engaging franchise.
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