Jeff Koon’s “Moon Phases” was launched into space with NASA’s historic moon return on February 15. The sculpture is a far cry from his earlier works.
A sculpture by Jeff Koons has become the first ‘authorized’ artwork on the moon
Xiaomi launches photography-focused 14 Ultra smartphone
Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship photography-focused smartphone, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, as it seeks to take on Apple’s iPhone and Huawei Technologies in the competitive high-end segment.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, launched on Thursday, is the latest member of the Xiaomi 14 series with prices starting from 6,499 yuan (US$903). This compares with a starting retail price of 5,999 yuan for an iPhone 15, and 7,999 yuan for an iPhone 15 Pro.
Pre-orders are under way and the handset will officially go on sale on February 27, during this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC), an annual flagship industry event that will take place in Barcelona, Spain.
Huawei tablet shipments rise in 2023, bucking global decline
Huawei tablet shipments rise in 2023, bucking global decline
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra hits the shelves amid cutthroat competition in the high-end smartphone segment following Huawei’s return to the scene with its 5G-capable Mate 60 Pro handset, launched in late 2023.
Xiaomi has been promoting its camera and photography features as selling points following a partnership with Leica in 2022, after the German camera maker ended its seven-year deal with Huawei.
Xiaomi president Lu Weibing described the Xiaomi 14 Ultra as “a new flagship in mobile imaging” with upgraded photography kits, including a main camera with a large one-inch sensor and a variable aperture.
The new handset is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and is equipped with Xiaomi’s proprietary HyperOS operating system.
Other new products launched this week include a new tablet, the 6s Pro 12.4, the laptop Redmi Book Pro 2024 and Remi Monitor G Pro 27.
Lei Jun, the co-founder and CEO of Xiaomi, said in late 2021 that the company aimed to become the world’s biggest smartphone maker in three years by exceeding Apple.
However, Xiaomi has kept its third place globally for smartphone sales for 14 quarters in a row, behind Apple and Samsung. According to IDC data, China’s mobile shipments in 2023 dropped 5 per cent from a year ago to 271 million units, the lowest in over a decade, although a recovery is expected in the coming year.
Lei wrote in a social media post this week that Xiaomi’s smart factory in Beijing has completed construction and is capable of producing over 10 million phones per year.
Xiaomi’s stock price closed 1.34 per cent lower at HK$13.22 in Hong Kong on Friday.
Dahomey review – interrogative reverie about looted Benin bronzes
Mati Diop’s documentary is told partly in the ‘voice’ of one of the looted treasures, in a realist jeu d’esprit about the legacy of plunder
Meow Wolf Announces the 40+ Artists Transporting Viewers to a Strange Alternate Reality in Houston
Adela Andea, “Chaos Incarnate.” All images courtesy of Meow Wolf, shared with permission
More than 40 local and international artists have signed on for the fifth iteration of Meow Wolf Houston, an immersive exhibition vaulting viewers into an otherworldly universe of color and chaos.
Known for her fantastical creatures with intensely emotional eyes, Houston’s Ana María Ortiz will create a new work for the project that departs from what she’s done previously. The mural will be “closer to elements and ideas that I often keep reserved in my head. So I believe it will be a very honest and almost intimate representation of my feelings and imagination,” she tells Colossal.
Leaning into Meow Wolf’s mission to create “portals of possibility,” Adela Andea (previously) will install “The Adela Oceanic Trench,” a frenetic, kaleidoscopic work of LED lights, cables, and recycled plastics that envelop the space with luminous color. While working with synthetic materials, Andea entwines nature and technology “to make the point that in the future they will blend together, complement each other and fuse together,” she says.
For this project, Andea will install a piece similar to the “Chaos Incarnate,” an immersive, otherworldly environment shown above. “For a more in-depth sensory experience, I will also incorporate projection and sound,” she says. “The installation will have my signature artistic flair, with a lot of chromatic elements, lights, and nature and technology convergence themes.”
Artists El Franco Lee II and Kill Joy, whose works are familiar sights in the Texan city, will also contribute to the new exhibition. The name, theme, and opening date of the 5th Ward location haven’t been announced yet, but you can follow updates on Meow Wolf’s Instagram.
El Franco Lee II
Kill Joy
Ana María Ortiz
Killy Joy
Ana María Ortiz
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A Photographer’s Empathy
On January 16, Dmitry Markov, 41, known for his depiction of everyday Russia through smartphone photography, died in Pskov. Markov was a recipient of the esteemed Russian photo competition Serebrynaya Kamera (“Silver Camera”), the Getty Images Instagram Grant, and the author of the photobook Chernovik (“Draft“).
“The place that Dima occupied in our photography was completely empty before his appearance. I can’t recall anyone who photographed Russia with such affection and authenticity,” said publisher Leonid Gusev.
Born in Pushkino, Moscow Oblast, Markov honed his craft under the tutelage of Alexander Lapin, a prominent Russian photographer and educator. He contributed his talents as a photographer and journalist for the newspaper Argumenty i Fakty (“Arguments and Facts”) and collaborated with independent publications such as Meduza and Takie Dela.
After joining Instagram in 2012, Markov embraced the concept of David Alan Harvey’s Burn Diary project, exclusively utilizing a mobile phone, and only posting images on the day they were taken.
Markov’s signature style culminated in his participation in the 2016 iPhone 7 advertising campaign “Taken on the iPhone,” marking him as the first Russian contributor among 15 photographers from around the world.
He focused on life in Russian locations that are distant from urban centers, and on marginalized communities, including the homeless, correctional school alumni, substance users, individuals with disabilities, and prisoners. Despite criticism alleging that he offered a bleak portrayal of Russian life, Markov defended his focus on the gritty details, citing his empathy for those facing hardship, which was rooted in his upbringing in impoverished conditions and his journey overcoming substance abuse.
Markov also documented protests, capturing poignant moments, such as a 2021 photograph depicting a police officer clad in uniform and a balaclava beneath a portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin, symbolic of the repression against dissenters in the way of Alexei Navalny’s arrest. Recognizing the impact of his work, Markov auctioned the popular photograph to support an organization aiding political prisoners (it brought in over $21,000).
Markov also documented the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including scenes of Russian military departures. One of Markov’s final images showed a Russian war participant in Alexandrov, Moscow region, concealing his face while reflecting on the horror of witnessing death.
Dmitry Markov’s indelible contributions to photography offer a poignant testament to his empathy, capturing the essence of Russia with sincerity and compassion.
Exteriors – Annie Ernaux and Photography
The Nobel Prize-winning French writer Annie Ernaux has long been regarded as a master of recording her inner life and how we experience identity and memory. Her book Exteriors (2021) looks outwards, focusing on the ‘ephemeral encounters that take place just on the periphery of a person’s lived environment’. This exhibition at the Maison Européenne de la photographie (MEP) finds parallels between Ernaux’s writing and its own collection of candid snapshots of everyday life to reflect on how we perceive and relate to other people (28 Feb–26 May). It includes photographs such as Hiro’s Shinjuku Station, Tokyo (1962) and Jean-Christophe Béchet’s Istanbul, Turquie (Turkey) (1986), which depict strangers passing by in a flash, echoing the sentiments of Exteriors and emphasising how photography and literature can complement and inform one another. Find out more at MEP’s website.
Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here
18 heures, Pont de Bercy, Paris (18 hours, Bridge of Bercy, Paris) (1979), Claude Dityvon. MEP Collection, Paris; © the artist
Istanbul, Turquie (Turkey) from the European WE 2015 portfolio (1986), Jean-Christophe Béchet. MEP Collection, Paris. © the artist
Nabari Mie (1977) from the Fushikaden series (1971–78), Issei Suda. MEP Collection, Paris. Courtesy Akio Nagasawa Gallery; © the artist
Nature is his muse: Works by photographer Lou Wallach on display at Salmon Falls Gallery, Feb. 22 to April 28
Greenfield Recorder – Nature is his muse: Works by photographer Lou Wallach on display at Salmon Falls Gallery, Feb. 22 to April 28
Lou Wallach’s photography is on display at Salmon Falls Gallery, Feb. 22 to April 28. Contributed Photo by Lou Wallach
Lou Wallach’s photography is on display at Salmon Falls Gallery, Feb. 22 to April 28. Contributed Photo by Lou Wallach
Lou Wallach’s photography is on display at Salmon Falls Gallery, Feb. 22 to April 28. Contributed Photo by Lou Wallach
Traveling around the country on his motorcycle, Lou Wallach sees nature like no one else.
Thirteen hanging framed prints and 22 unframed works of Wallach’s black-and-white photography will be on display at Salmon Falls Gallery, located at 1 Ashfield St., from Feb. 22 to April 28.
Wallach, who had a 20-year career as a commercial photographer in Manhattan, takes stunning photos of nature, prompting his audiences to contemplate the natural world in a new light. Now 68, he began taking photographs at age 9 when he sneaked his father’s camera out of the house. He later studied photography at the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Wallach rides his Honda cruiser on country roads with a camera hanging around his neck; he stops frequently to document the beauty he finds, keeping the subject matter imbued with spontaneity. His current practice involves taking digital color photos which he edits, converting them to black and white, and controlling which grays correspond to what colors.
He explained that black and white photography allows him to draw attention to certain parts of the photo he hopes to highlight.
Seldom do people or human-altered landscapes appear in his work. Wallach focuses on things in their original form. “I’m open to what Mother Nature has to show me,” he said.
His work for the show spans from the northern tip of Nova Scotia to Colorado. He explained that traveling to different places and “reporting on his findings” keeps his photos varied and interesting.
Living across county lines in Stockbridge, Wallach resides on a farm where he has a showroom space that he invites guests to for open houses about four times a year and allows viewing of his work by appointment.
Along with photography, Wallach is also a skilled wood-turner. His work is available year-round at Salmon Falls Gallery and at his showroom. He explained that his sense of design applies to all of his creative endeavors and is evident in all of his works.
“Whether traveling or stepping out the front door, hand-held stream-of-consciousness or slow careful study, I photograph as the surroundings call my attention. Often, I’ll pre-visualize some desired outcome, only to have that photograph altered by the light, structure, and nature of the location. Sometimes I’ll find an image I’ve sought for years, though generally not where I expect it,” Wallach said.
Reach Bella Carmela Levavi at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.
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Motaz Azaiza: ‘I Didn’t Want to be a War Photographer’
A Palestinian photographer who rose to fame for his raw imagery from inside Gaza has reflected on his new-found celebrity since being evacuated from his war-stricken home.
Before the October 7 Hamas attacks and the subsequent Israeli assault on Gaza, Motaz Azaiza had around 27,500 Instagram followers. Since then, the photojournalist has grown his following to 18.6 million.
His unflinching photos are often graphic — frequently showing the wounded and dead. Instagram often slap a “Sensitive content” warning on many of his posts that incorporate raw mobile phone footage capturing the horrific realities of war.
“With my phone, I can show you everything,” Azaiza tells The New York Times. “This is my country. I did this for my family. I did this for Gaza, to show the world without any filters, without any lies.”
Azaiza says he is now regularly stopped in the streets by people who recognize him and want a selfie. He is currently living in a hotel room in Qatar, something he says “feels strange.”
The photographer gave a round of media interviews recently where he expressed hopelessness saying that his endeavors are “all worthless” because nothing has changed.
“We are talking about the UN’s highest court and it wasn’t even able to make Israel suspend its airstrikes or call for a permanent ceasefire,” he tells The Guardian.
Azaiza says that he found his passion for photography when he was 16 years old (he is 25 now) and found it to be a therapeutic hobby.
“I always dreamed of being a travel photographer. I wish I reached people with my beautiful pictures of Gaza, not with our suffering,” he says.
“I didn’t want to be a war photojournalist. But you don’t have the option, you don’t have the freedom to choose.”
Azaiza says that he was operating with a “damaged camera body and lens” while documenting the war which he says is “unlike anything we’ve ever experienced” despite living through numerous Israeli offensives.
He also says that the Israel Defense Force (IDF) deliberately targets journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists says at least 83 members of the media have been killed in Gaza since October 7. An investigation by Reuters news agency found that an Israeli tank crew was responsible for killing one of its visual journalists in southern Lebanon.
“Journalists were like the most targeted people,” he says while speculating that perhaps his huge Instagram following may have protected him.
Israel denies targeting journalists and says it “takes all feasible measures to mitigate harm to civilians.”
Image credits: Photographs by Motaz Azaiza
Navigating the Future: The Impact of AI on Creativity in Photograp…
In a world where the boundaries between the tangible and the digital blur, the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the creative industries sparks a fascinating debate. At the heart of this conversation are professionals like Nino Batista, a renowned photographer, and Renee Robyn, a celebrated Canadian digital artist. Their insights shed light on a topic that’s as controversial as it is evolutionary: the impact of AI on creativity, particularly in photography and digital art.
The Creative Conundrum
On one side of the canvas, Nino Batista articulates a sentiment shared by many artists: the lack of authenticity and human intent in AI-generated art. Batista’s perspective underscores a critical element of creativity — the human touch, which he argues, AI cannot replicate. Across the spectrum, Renee Robyn offers a nuanced view, acknowledging the revolutionary potential of AI while also pointing out the challenges it poses, such as the devaluation of human effort in the creative process. Both Batista and Robyn emphasize the importance of education and awareness in understanding and navigating the future of AI in their fields.
A Historical Perspective
Reflecting on the evolution of technology, both experts draw parallels between the advent of AI and past technological disruptions, such as the introduction of photography and Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI). These technologies, once viewed with skepticism, have become integral to the creative industries. This historical context suggests that while AI presents challenges, it also offers opportunities for integration and acceptance. The key, according to Batista and Robyn, lies in adapting and evolving with the technology, rather than resisting it.
Looking Ahead
Despite the apprehensions surrounding AI, there’s consensus among experts that a dystopian future of machine dominance is unlikely. Instead, the focus is on how AI can be managed and utilized positively, with an emphasis on the collaborative potential between AI and human creativity. This perspective is echoed in the broader discourse on AI’s impact on the creative industries, including AI in art and creativity and AI-generated visuals in music. The consensus is clear: with mindful management and educational efforts, AI could enhance rather than diminish the artistic process.
In conclusion, the dialogue surrounding AI in the creative industries reflects a broader conversation about technology’s role in society. As professionals like Batista and Robyn navigate these waters, their insights provide valuable guidance for artists and technologists alike. The future of AI in creativity is not a question of replacement but of collaboration and innovation. By embracing this perspective, the creative industries can forge a path that respects the integrity of human artistry while exploring the vast possibilities AI offers.
North St. Paul to get more snowmen sculptures
The Ramsey County suburb of North St. Paul is set to get more versions of its signature “Snowy” snowman sculpture, decorated by Minnesota artists and placed around the city.
