Humanæ Project: Pantone Skin Tones

As designers we are all too familiar with the Pantone Matching System… the industry standard for classifying colors with an alphanumeric code, allowing for accurate recreation across media. We literally refer to it daily, and many designers can often rattle off Pantone numbers with great excitement and precision (we are guilty as charged). Brazilian-born, Madrid-based photographer Angélica Dass capitalizes on the familiarity of the Pantone system in her ongoing Humanæ Project, in an effort to “record and catalog all possible human skin tones.” This “chromatic inventory” is certainly a tall order, but Dass’s approach is a terrifically visually engaging way to broach the subject of social, cultural and racial identity, which is close to her heart. To date, Dass has indexed over 3,000 different shades from volunteers around the world (22 cities and 14 different countries on five continents, to be exact). Dass’s project has taken on a life of its own, even spawning educational and outreach programs developed by Dass herself. Not only do we love the concept, but Dass’s execution and philanthropic spirit really take it to the next level. Be sure to check out Dass’s TED Talk (here) to learn more about the origins and goal of this laudable project.

Via humanae.tumblr.com and Instagram

The Picasso of Pumpkin Carving

The (fleeting) art of pumpkin carving has certainly grown in popularity in recent years, partly due to increased exposure on social media, plus the rise of competitive television programs like Food Network’s Halloween Wars. Once called “the Picasso of Pumpkin Carving”, Arizona-based artist Ray Villafane finds himself in peak pumpkin season on this October 31, so we thought it fitting to take a look at his awe-inspiring work. Villafane, who naturally competed on Halloween Wars in its debut season back in 2011, is one of the most high-profile pumpkin carvers around, and for good reason. His work in a medium that is unfortunately very temporary is incredible on so many levels. From concept to execution, Villafane’s creations go well beyond the ubiquitous jack-o-lantern. In the hands of Villafane and company (collectively called Villafane Studios), these ghoulish gourds come to life with remarkable details and truly lifelike expression. We dare you to peruse through these few examples of his extraordinary work without an expression of utter wonderment and admiration. More spine-chilling posts here and here and here. Happy Halloween!

Via villafanestudios.com and Facebook

Rock Around: Public Scavenger Hunt of Grand Proportions

Painting rocks is a favorite pastime of many, but Michigan artist/illustrator/designer/author/educator Aaron Zenz has taken it to a whole other level. In preparation for what is now known as the “most-attended public art event on the planet”, ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan (happening right now), Zenz and his six children collected and painted over 1,000 rocks over the course of a year. Zenz describes the project in his own words: “I painted them 7 solid base colors, representing myself and my six children. I invited these family members to fill the rocks with any kind of faces they wanted. All the rocks were painted in matching pairs. I took half of the rocks, 500, and arranged them outside the Children’s Museum in a sprawling display, creating a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and patterns. I took the other matching 500 rocks and hid them all over Grand Rapids in random locations. As your family enjoys the day at ArtPrize, keep your eyes open! You will notice details of GR streets like never before. How many of the 500 hidden rocks can you spot? Who in your party has the quickest eyes? When you spot one, leave it where it is and snap a photo. View and share photo discoveries on social media with the hashtag #RockAroundGR to get the complete community building experience.” What a fantastic undertaking on so many levels. With all the often somber headlines lately, this home-grown, positive interactive art experience is certainly a welcome highlight. We only wish it was closer! Think of it as a Stone Age Pokémon GO.

Via artprize.org

Mind Blowing Celebrity Composites

Prepare to have your mind blown as we dive into a sea of celebrity mashups. German digital artist and Photoshop whiz simply known as Gesichtermix is a master of photo manipulation. We’re not talking Franken-celebrities here. His careful attention to detail, and keen eye for creating very believable composites of two highly recognizable faces is impressive, to say the least. As a viewer, part of the fun is instantly recognizing one of the celebrities, as the features of the second begin to emerge. We must admit, we could stare at these all day. Try it for yourself… can you guess the pairings? Answers below, but no cheating!

Via Instagram

 

Robin Williams and Brendan Fraser
Javier Bardem and Keanu Reeves
Sean Penn and Leonardo DiCaprio
Pierce Brosnan and Kiefer Sutherland
Pharrell Williams and Channing Tatum
Rihanna and Katy Perry
Tom Cruise and John Travolta
Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian
Justin Timberlake and Justin Bieber
Shaquille O’Neal and 50 Cent
Kate and William
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Adam Driver
Emily Blunt and Christina Ricci
Charlie Sheen and Ashton Kutcher
Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill
Idris Elba and Jay Z
Anthony Hopkins and Bill Murray
Ed Harris and Kevin Costner
Marco Rubio and John Kasich
Jack Black and Jason Bateman
Oprah and Beyoncé
Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift
Richard Chamberlain and George Takei
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone
George Clooney and Tom Hanks

Manipulated Paper Roll Masks

Using toilet paper rolls in craft projects is pretty common in the elementary school set. But not so much in the art world. Paris-based sculptor/paper artist Junior Fritz Jacquet defies convention with these remarkably expressive masks. Each made from a single toilet paper roll masterfully manipulated by Jacquet, this set of 40 masks is really something to behold. Inspired by the traditional art of origami, Jacquet sculpts the cardboard by hand, then applies pigment and shellac. Just terrific.

Via juniorfritzjacquet.com and matthieugauchet.fr

Digital Art Meets Fine Art: Metallic Faces by Anthony Gargasz

The worlds of fine art and digital art seem to be very slowly converging. There was a time not long ago when Photoshop “art” did not even exist, and traditional artists and art enthusiasts would have shuddered at even the thought. But technological advances, and out-of-the-box thinking have given rise to digitally produced works that are more than computer generated, but thoughtfully composed using time-honored techniques. Los Angeles-based digital artist and designer Anthony Gargasz is one such artist whose work seems to rise above. Gargasz’s thought-provoking series Metallic Faces takes an organic human form, and imposes mechanical attributes, with great effect, color and contrast. Fine, indeed.

Via anthonygargasz.com

Chart-Topping Typographic Portraiture

Typography geeks everywhere (including ourselves) are applauding (or should be applauding) Canadian designer/art director Sean Williams for a job well done on his growing series of musical artist portraits made entirely of lyrics and song titles. Many have tried, but we’re not sure any attempts are nearly as successful as these conceptually strong, brilliantly executed pieces. Williams masterfully warps typographic forms to create instantly recognizable faces of some of the biggest players in music today. What an amazing tribute by a super talented designer… hats off to him. Williams has even begun branching out beyond music; the possibilities are endless. Merchandise available here.

Via seaningsdesign.com