Alexa Meade: Painting on People

I love it when art plays with your expectations, completely catching you off guard and ripping away what you thought you knew. I think one of the best examples of this can be found in Alexa Meade.

I first found out about Alexa in an issue of Nylon magazine last year. Completely amazed by the pictures of her work that accompanied the article, I could not stop looking at them.

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"Alexa Split in Two"

This piece gives you an idea of how awesome and breathtaking her style is.

The 25 year old artist paints directly on her subjects, creating 2 dimensional representations of the person on their own 3 dimensional form. Her website describes her work as lying at "the intersection of painting, photography, performance, and installation.

When she paints somebody, she will often also paint the background, completely involving the atmosphere in the painting.

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"Aligned"

It blows my mind that this is an actual man sitting here. Way too cool, no?

Sometimes she will also take her subject and place them as an installation in an everyday place.

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"Transit"

What would you do if you saw a painted old man on the subway? I love the juxtaposition here of the surrealism of the man and the realism of the world around him .

I think that Alexa Meade is really unique and that her style is fresh and innovative. If you're looking for a new artist crush, definitely check her out.

-Julia Jessen

Rakin' in the new albums

The music biz usually releases new albums by their biggest acts during the fall, just in time for the holidays. This year is no different. We’ve scoured the world wide web and have found (so far) 20 albums yet to be this in Autumn.

The Fall lineup is…

Rock n’ Roll-

Nirvana, “Nevermind” (a anniversary rerelease) (Oct. 25)

Tom Waits, “Bad as Me” (Oct. 4)

Björk, “Biophilia” (Oct. 11)

Coldplay, “Mylo Xyloto” (Oct. 24) – Stay tuned for my album review after its release

Lou Reed and Metallica, “Lulu” (Nov. 1)

U2, “Achtung Baby (Super Deluxe Edition)” (Nov. 1)

Beach Boys, “The Smile Sessions Box” (Nov. 1)

The Who, “Quadrophenia: The Director’s Cut” (Nov. 15)

Country-

Rodney Atkins, “Take a Long Road” (Oct. 4)

Scotty McCreery, “Clear as Day” (Oct. 4)

Hank Williams Sr., “The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams” (Oct. 4)

Martina McBride, “Eleven” (Oct. 11)

Toby Keith, “Clancy’s Tavern” (Oct. 24)

Miranda Lambert, “Four the Record” (Nov. 1)

Pop-

Feist, “Metals” (Oct. 4)

Susan Boyle, “Someone to Watch Over Me” (Nov. 1)

Kelly Clarkson, “Stronger” (Oct. 25)

Hip-hop/R&B-

DJ Shadow, “The Less You Know, The Better” (Oct. 4)

Drake, “Take Care” (Oct. 24)

Mary J. Blige, “My Life II … The Journey Continues (Act I)” (November)

-Jordan Montgomery (will not be releasing an album this fall)

Seeing Red at the Emmys

Last Sunday, September 18, was the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards, and a slew of celebrities showed up in gowns to match the carpet beneath their feet. I've ranked 5 of the standouts here from best to worst. See if you agree!

Winner: Nina Dobrev

The Vampire Diaries star wins in the categories of: perfect fit, perfect shade, perfect accessories. Overall perfection.

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Runner up: Kate Winslet

I love Kate, and I love her in this dress. It has a classic timelessness despite the bold color and plunging keyhole neckline. Elegant but still exciting.

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#3. Lea Michele

Not bad, Lea Michele, but it seems a bit safe and boring. I expected a little more glitz and glamour from you. Also, I don't like those weird rosette things on your shoulders. Slightly Blah.

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#4. Kerry Washington

There's a lot going on this dress; from the sparkle, to the see-through, to the thick hem. I think I might like this a little better without that thick hem, something about it just looks heavy and bulky. It looks a bit cheap if you ask me.

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#5. Angela Kinsey

I think the style of this dress is overwhelming the petite star. There isn't much structure, and the band of ruching in the middle makes her look squat and wide. Not the most flattering, but I like the bold color choice!

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Moral of the story: Everybody loves a lady in red.

-Julia Jessen

TV's most addicting reality shows

I thought nothing could compare to the guilty pleasures that MTV's "Jersey Shore" and Bravo's "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" gave me, but after flipping through the channels of my TV last night, I was clearly wrong.

I happened to land on TLC's newest reality show "Big Sexy." If the title isn't captivating enough, the girls on the show are trying to promote that you can be "sexy" and overweight.

"Big Sexy" premiered August 30 at 10 p.m. It follows the lives of Leslie, Tiffany, Audrey, Nikki, and Heather as they strive to be plus size models in New York. These girls are into fashion and partying and they are not afraid to let the camera capture their honesty. But I couldn't help but laugh while watching the episode. It seems that reality shows are getting more outrageous by the minute, and to have a plus size model say that she would rather be naked all day then wear clothes, is an image I just don't want to picture.

So you be the judge. Tune into TLC on Tuesday nights and watch "Big Sexy." Is it really a reality show worth our time? Or is it simply just on air for the purpose of a guilt pleasure? I think it's more of a so bad it's good situation.

Pepper Brings Island Sounds Inland

This weekend, Pepper will spice up Iowa City's live music scene playing at the Blue Moose Tap House on Friday night.

Pepper is a three man ensemble from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The band has been active for nearly fifteen years, specializing in a mixture of rock, raggae, dub, and ska.

Pepper is a modern reggae favorite, ranked by many as the second best reggae-rock band in the last twenty years with the first being Sublime.

Pepper has released five studio albums and one live album. During their stop in Iowa City, their set list will likely feature tunes from their latest studio release, 2008's Pink Crustaceans and Good Vibrations. But since that album came out three years ago, I wouldn't be surprised if the band tries out some new material this weekend.

Below is 'No Control', the bands most popular song to date off of their No Shame album.

MTV VMA'S live blog

Lady Gaga dressed as a man, i'm sure it's already on YouTube.

Britney Spears won best pop video...shes still one of my idols

Kanye and Jay-Z performed from Watch the Throne "Otis" pretty great duo, but I do think Jay-Z makes Kanye look short!

Foo Fighters won best rock album, well deserved.

KIA Sol's are the cars of the future I guess...Hamsters driving and robots groovin'.

8:47 Best Collaboration goes to Kanye and Katy Perry with the pink hair. I think she's pretty awesome AND she was nominated for 10 vma's!!

8:50 Neyo ft. Pitbull and Nayer perform "Give Me Everything" ...is she wearing a body suit? making her look naked?

Kim looking "dashing" as usual

Debut VMA performance for Adele. She is so talented and what a gorgeous face. Her album "21" is something to hear. She sounds just as great live as on the cd.

9:05 BRITNEY IN 20 minutes!!

9:11 Nominees for best male video announced by Kim Kardashian:
cee lo green, kanye west, bruno mars, eminem, justin bieber

...goes to JUSTIN BIEBER. And there is that rumor about Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber being in love. They probably get paid to do that!

Chris Brown is finally back on top of his game and that whole violence dispute with Rihanna. He is a great performer.

"Beautiful people" and flying through the air in a white suit. Beautiful timing but its pretty insane. This performance is a statement about his career in a way, he is back, he is the future kinda thing.

CANNOT WAIT FOR ALL OF THE 'POP QUEENS'

Does anyone know who this singer girl is?

Lady or shall I say Lad Gaga's biggest inspiration was Britney Spears! And honestly she was sooooo amazing back in the day.

9:28 Tribute to Britney starts with Hit me Baby one more time..oops i did it again..toxic..slave 4 u...till the world ends. STANDING O for Britney who looks great! But Gaga was taking away from her speech.

#itsbritneybitch

Are they gonna make out

BEYONCE is performing in a sparkly purple suit, but she's still rocking it hard, never heard this song but I love it, so powerful and confident!

And she reveals the BABY BUMP! congrats honey-B and Jay-Z

Who is gonna be the best new artist? Nominees are Foster the People, Wiz Khalifa, Tyler, the Creator, Big Sean, Kreayshawn

and it goes to Tyler, the Creator!!!

9:45 VMA Debut, Young the Giant, Indie group gone famous. They put on a good show.

Just found out the singer is Jessie J...an english, R&B, and soul artist

DO you think the jersey shore girls coordinated their outfits ?

9:58 BEST FEMALE VIDEO: Lady Gaga "Born this Way" I'm nervous for what Gaga is doing right now.

I would be kind of pissed if I was sitting behind Katy Perry in that Hat.

Gaga is accepting of all people no matter what and I think that's pretty cool of her. She is clearly making a statement with her song and outfit tonight.

Russell Brandt tribute to Amy Winehouse acknowledging alcoholism and drug addiction. Her death did effect all of us she was a great talent.

10:08 Tony Bennett speaking of Amy and their recording together. Calling her a true "jazz artist" along with Ella Fitzgerald! Recording of "Beautiful" from March 23, 2011. What a great way to celebrate her life and talent.


-Carly Hurwitz

Feel Good Movies

Now that classes have started up again, it won’t be too long until we’re all stressed, crabby, hopped up on coffee, and sobbing silently into our pillows.

But have no fear, I’m sharing my favorite feel-good-distract-you-from-your-troubles-temporarily movies. Admittedly, most are somewhat sappy; I can’t help it if I enjoy a good romantic comedy. If it’s not for you, it’s not for you, but if you give one a try, you just might like it.

1) Annie

Seriously, Annie is such a classic. Both the 1982 and the 1999 version are great, with really excellent people and that adorable dog. If you’re craving some edginess, go with the 1982 version; it’s much scarier than the remake (Rooster chasing Annie on the bridge, anyone?) This movie is a nostalgia rush.

2)The Princess Bride

This was my favorite movie when I was 5 years old. So many excellent quotes, and Westley (Cary Elwes) was a total babe. I like my fairy tales with a good dose of tongue-in-cheek humor and this movie satisfies that requirement. Buttercup is a bit wishy-washy for my taste, but Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Westley make the film. A movie trailer, you say? “As you wish.”

3) The Holiday

I don’t even like Cameron Diaz, but I love her in this movie. Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law, and Cameron Diaz are perfect together. This is a great distraction movie-amazing vacations, romances with adorable men; Your heart will be glowing in no time.

4) About a Boy

I will always have a huge crush on Hugh Grant. I don’t care what anyone says; he is a dreamboat. This movie may not seem like your typical feel good movie (suicide, womanizing, bullies), but it’s probably my favorite movie ever, and it always makes me feel better.

5) Elf

Will Ferrell at his best. A delightful movie at any time of the year, a heaping helping of Christmas spirit will always brighten your day. I love Christmas. I love Christmas movies. Be careful with this one though; if you watch it a few weeks after Christmas, you will feel depressed because Christmas is over. This is a very real concern.

If you don't feel better by now, I don't know what to tell you; my area of knowledge is pretty much solely located in goofy movies that make me smile.

-Julia Jessen

Back to School, Back to School

The Daily Iowan Arts and Culture blog is now back in full swing. Sort of...

Check out the first print and online publication of 80 Hours in The Daily Iowan tomorrow, Thursday, August 18.

Enjoy your last weekend of freedom before the lectures, labs, homework, studying and days with little sleep commence.

Go see some of the fun bands, art exhibits and "foody" events that are featured in this week's 80 Hours!

More to come next week...

So You're Graduating.. Here's a Playlist

College is a good time. Sure, it's not quite like every B movie about frat boys and endless partying, but few will deny that they will be a little bummed when it's over. Call it a mid-college crisis, but as more and more of my friends graduate every spring, that diploma starts to seem right around the corner for me as well.

I feel for you seniors. The least I can do is make an obligatory, end-of-the-semester playlist, because that's how the iTunes generation copes with stuff.

1. "Unstoppable" - Foxy Shazam

The perfect anthem for you to face the real world. Way to go, you did it! You're a champ!

2. "The End" - The Doors

Oh wow.. the real world, huh? Here's a song for when reality sets in.

3. "Grown Ocean" - Fleet Foxes

Come on, it's not so bad. You get to go after your dreams and all that good stuff now.

4. "Chicago" - Sufjan Stevens

Move to Chi-town, because you can!

5. "Someday" - Tegan and Sara

Be something someday, like Tegan and Sara.

6. "Journey Of The Magi" - Frank Turner

English songsmith Frank Turner reminds us of people throughout history that didn't play it safe and were happier because of it. Comforting, right?

7. "Chasing Pavements" - Adele

This one's for Arts Editor Josie Jones. She's graduating this spring and just happens to love Adele. Good luck Josie, we'll miss you!

-Riley Ubben

Social Networking Sites Gone Viral

Whether you're procrastinating on homework or just looking for something to amuse yourself with, Facebook and Twitter are usually always up on your computer screen, at least that's my case. But now these social networking sites are being used for a lot more than just creeping on new photos from the weekend, or seeing what your favorite celebrity is gossiping about. They are actually covering breaking news. With the recent death of Osama Bin Laden, almost everyone's status had something to do with the death or props to the U.S.A. My personal favorite had to be "Congratulations Osama Bin Laden on being the Hide-and-Seek champion for 10 years" or something along those lines. For me, these statuses is how I found out about his death in the first place. It's sad to think that as a Journalism major, my Facebook page is up more on my computer screen than CNN.com, but after talking to a few people, I wasn't the only one who found out from Facebook. So I guess my question is, are social networking sites acting as a beneficial tool for finding out breaking news? Or has it gone completely viral leaving people with only the status instead of the full story?

-Sam Gentry