CONTEE CREATION
A NOVEL
FASHION NEWS
"DANIEL IN THE LIONS DEN"
YEAR: 2014
DIMENSION: 3FT X 4FT
ORIGINAL PRICE UPON REQUEST
"THE BIG KISS"
YEAR: 2003
DIMENSION: 14" X 18"
LIMITED EDITION: 1,000
RETAIL COST: $125.00
"THE US CAPITOL BUILDING"
YEAR: 2011
DIMENSION: 19" X 26"
LIMITED EDITION: 300
RETAIL COST: $230.00
CONTEE CREATION
PORTRAITS
Custom Portrait Painting for any occassion...
-CONTEE REPORT
July
"THE HIGH STAKE TRADE...
GUNS...ART... DRUGS"
ART TRENDS
Yes it has been exhilirating to say the least, with President Obama in office. But, being the head of our government isn’t as easy as most think. Government officials have not so easy political decisions to make, and at times it is related to stolen art! Hollywood portrays art theft as sexy and mystique. This illicit crime has been glamorized in movies played by actors and actresses such as Katherine Zeta Jones and Pierce Brosnan. Don’t be fooled art trafficking holds serious penalties and is very much alive. Art theft is the 4th largest growing international criminal industry. Drugs rank top of the list followed by guns number 2 and money laundering number 3. International art theft is estimated to pull in 6 to 10 billion dollars on an annual bases. A more precise number is difficult to calculate because of its illegal transgression. This also validates the fact and bears no surprise that only 5 to 10% of all art crime is ever even solved! Even with such a small percentage found it still takes on average 13.4 years to recover the stolen loot.
So how precisely does this illicit trade transpire, one may ask? Well master thieves have proven in most cases that getting the loot can be as easy as swiping candy from a baby. Selling a high profiled Chagall painting worth about 2 million bucks on an open market can be quit nerve raking. Which is why instead of selling the stolen merchandise on eBay, the high-staked merchandise is traded for equal value on what’s known as a closed black market for drugs and guns. The black market was created to evade ant legal requirements while trading. Now here is the bigger picture in Afghanistan there has been a staggering rise in both jihadi salafism and opium production just following the intervention there about two decades ago from the United States and the Soviet Union. Afghanistan is also one of the largest heroin producers in the world. Afghan drug leaders and Mafia heads alike interact with organized crime syndicates through which these gone forever masterpieces magically appear; and the trades begin. The organized crime syndicate was founded by leading underground figures such as Al Capone, Johnny “The Fox” Torrio, Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and about ten others. Shockingly though, this sort of illegal art trade has been going on for roughly 3 to 4 thousand years now, if not longer.
Drug trade has estimated to be about $321.6 billion. Drug smuggling carries severe penalties in some countries this includes death. On March 30, 2011 three Philippines were executed by the Chinese government for drug trafficking. Destroying a dozen or more labs that government officials are aware of, seems to be the best remedy to a problematic drug rampage. But this is a move the government will not make because the head hunters of these labs are politically connected. Therefore the US opts not to tip off there alliances even if it means a vast reduction in worldwide drug production. It’s been proven that the IRA (Irish Republican Army) was known to loot fine art to interchange for guns and drugs. Not only that, but evidence of this trade was unveiled by police during black market warehouse raids. Yes, some wealthy fellows Monet piece could very well be propped against a couple of kilos and a ton of ammunition in a dark and dusty storehouse in a random foreign country. Sorry, however ambiguous this may seem, I only state the facts. The truth is, even on stings where an heirloom painting is discovered and returned to its owner, how often does this miracle occur, not often.
Not all stolen art thief’s trade or sell their goods to private collectors some steal valuable pieces for their own private collection. Back in 2005 art thief Stephane Breitwieser one of the most infamous secret art collectors began a 26 month prison sentence. Breitwieser is a devoted art connoisseur, and had stolen 239 artworks. His collection valued at an amazing 1.4 billion dollars. In the United States art theft differs from art theft in other parts of the world. Most heist of expensive art is stumbled across from non-connoisseurs who steal goods from suburban neighborhoods. This is why a lot of art in the U.S. ends up in yard sales or flea markets. In other parts of the world however stolen works are often poorly documented at the time of theft. Collectors and curators are not required to submit reports or descriptions to databases, and the art market is unregulated and lacks the protection and recovery procedures other stolen property have. An example of poor documentation occurred with actress Lana Turner when a thief stole a portrait from her home before it was finished. Fifty years later the painting resurrected in the possession of a legitimate art collector, who in fact had no idea it was stolen property.
All stolen art and antiques are not just used in illicit drug and gun trade, art is also sometime stolen to finance global terrorism and money laundering schemes. An example of a heist constructed for collateral purposes, occurred in 1986. A man by the name of Martin Cahill formulated an art heist where he and his partners in crime stole eighteen works of art from an extravagant estate in Dublin, Ireland. Martin Cahill orchestrated the heist to use as collateral for a $1 million loan from a diamond dealer. With that money Cahill then purchased a stake in an Antiguan bank which served as a vehicle for laundering his drug profits. One year later a Pissarro, Renoir and six other valuable pieces were stolen by two men and a woman from an art gallery in Ireland. The 17th and 19th century paintings were discovered by Dutch police 22 years later. The thieves intended to sale the paintings to the insurance company who had paid a whopping 2.27 million euros to the owners after they went missing. There are also incidents with art theft where the thieves aren’t members of underground gangs but are instead fall under the category of career criminals. David Maluk in 2009 was caught trading stolen art from Yale University and the New Haven Free Public Library for his heroin addiction.
Still there are a gasping 90% of cases that will remain unsolved. And in some cases, where luckily an art collector’s prize possession was properly insured, monetary value could never replace the sentimental value nor the effervescing energy of having the original work of art in their presence. Regardless of extreme security or legal ramifications, you can’t win in this high stake game. Art trafficking will forever remain resilient primarily due to the high price tag.
August
"DAMIEN HIRST BAD BOY OF
ART"
EXTREME ARTIST
The whole world, not just the art world has been captivated by bad boy British artist Damien Hirst. Damien Steven Hirst was born on June 7, 1965 in Bristol, England. His work has been described as provocative, thought provoking and more recently a billionaire’s bling!
Hirst is classified as a conceptual artist and first arrested the worlds attention with an exhibition of a shark preserved in formaldehyde back in 1991. This work of art was shocking to the contemporary art world but remained an iconic symbol of Brit art. By showcasing a shark in this capacity, Hirst successfully played on human emotion such as fear death, injury etc. Formaldehyde continued to be a medium of choice for the young artist. Apparently while studying fine arts at Goldsmith, University of London Hirst took a job at a mortuary. The experience there was where his passion for the unconventional liquid substance took form. He felt that life was short and you shouldn’t take it for granted, he also recalls being taught at a young age to face the things you can not avoid. This explains his fascination with death and this exploration has been very evident in his exhibitions. Hirst also joined the YBA (Young British Artist) and has grown to become one of the most renowned members.
His mother remembers him as being an uncontrollable child, yet she always knew he had a special talent for art. Hirst once stated that he “couldn’t wait to get into a position to make really bad art and get away with it. At the moment if I did certain things people would say “f off”. But after a while you can get away with things.”
Well, I guess his wish has come true! Not only has elements such as sharks, razors, blood and decapitation become the talk of the contemporary art world, but viewers are busting through gallery doors to get a glimpse of how the artist so remarkably is able to transform what is categorized as insane by most, into a glorified masterpiece. In 2008 he decided to shake things up even more with a very bold decision to overlook eagerly awaiting galleries and instead auction his high demand collection of over 200 works at Sotherby’s auction house.
There was tremendous controversy surrounding this auction primarily due to the economical downturn. With the world filled with mixed emotions over the economy, it was even more mystifying that contemporary art sales were at a peak. In fact on the same day of the highly contentious auction took place, Liemen Brothers bankrupsy catapulted a global financial crisis. Needless to say Damien Hirst remains one of Britian’s wealthiest living artist. He claims though that his decision to partake in the auction wasn’t solely for monetary purposes, he wanted to prove that artist had other options. Shaking up the status quota is what he has always intended, as he continues to intentionally create repulsive works of art, such as a piece that includes live maggots and animal guts. Even though all of his work isn’t surrounded by death he has created beautiful collection inspired by authentic butterfly wings which appeal more to the non-connoisseur market. Other artist still have had a difficult time understanding the Hirst movement of gore, when there more traditional works are passed by for pieces that are more savage like.
The artist is also known for his spot paintings, which are completely abstract and take your eyes on a hypnotic journey. These pieces seem to be most popular in Asian countries. Also his spin paintings are incredibly colorful abstracts paintings created on massive circular shapes and some of the pieces actually rotate! Hirst’s body of work is paramount, which is excellent and fantastic because his work is so heavily traded. This is a great sign that the artist will continue to have a healthy career. However starting out, like most artist he went through a period of trial and error. Noteably his first fly painting was bought by Miuccia Prada. She claims she couldn’t keep the painting in her house because the smell of the flies were horrific! Damien had neglected to apply resin to the flies to preserve them properly.
During the beginning phase of his career he developed a compulsion for collecting things and artistically arranging them in space. This also became part of his signature and set him apart from the pack. He has collected drugs, drinking glasses, cigarette butts and maggots. Hirst has pushed the envelope in every way possible artistically in search of boundaries, hoping some one would stop him! Instead he discovered that there were none, in fact he was actually encouraged to exhibit provocative and sometimes repulsive works of art. The artist has attempted to create art that were inspired by love or sex, he claims that his attempts “always turned into murder”. However he did create a diamond encrustd skull title “For The Love of God”. This work of art is owned by himself and two other investors. He also has published an autobiography and art book titled “I WANT TO SPEND THE REST OF MY LIFE EVERYWHERE, WITH EVERYONE ONE TO ONE, ALWAYS, FOREVER, NOW.”
Damien Hirst also has a tender side. The artist teamed up with artist such as Jeff Koon, Jasper Johns and Richard Prince just to name a few, to donate works of art to the RED FOUNDATION which is a global fund that raises money to fight aids in Africa. Hirst actually took the time to handwrite letters to artist explaining what their art contributions, once sold will go towards. In the personal letters he further explains, if either of the artist would like him to donate works for any charity they were passionate about, he would return the favor. He jokes that, he hopes they don’t all ask him in the same week! Hand written letters must be pretty popular in the art world. The late, great artist Francis Bacon wrote a letter to Damien just before he died to explain how much he admired his work. I wouldn’t be surprised if these letters turn up in a museum some place years down the line!
I am sure his bad boy behavior was contributed to his ten year span of cocaine use and drinking obsessively. Luckily the artist gave up the narcotic and drinking in 2002. His wife Maia Norman though had to move out temporarily because Damien became unbearable to live with during his transition. This wasn’t the only change to take place in 2010 he vowed to end his formaldehyde and butterfly works. And with his more recent creations of a bronze “Virgin Mother” or a marble ”Anatomy of an Angel” the artist work seems to have taken a permanent turn. The art world is now eager to rediscover the art of Damien Hirst!
September
"PREHISTORIC ART HIDDEN
DEEP IN FRANCE"
COLLECTORS EDITION
South Western France is primarily known as a wine region. It is also home of Lourdes one of the most visited destinations in the area attracting over 6 million people a year. On September 12, 1940 four teenagers and a dog called Robot discovered the first prehistoric museum located on a private estate owned by Count of LaRochefoucault. Marcel Ravidat, Jacques Marsal, Georges Agnel and Simon Coencas heard of an old legend. Legend had it that a tunnel ran under the Vezere River linking the old Castle of Montignac to the Manor of Lascaux. The group of boys were intrigued by the tale because the tunnel was supposed to lead to a second tunnel and finally to a treasure hidden deep in the woods of Montignac.
As the four continued on their journey through the wooded area searching for hidden treasure their dog ran ahead toward a deep depression in the ground covered with overgrowth. The depression had been created by an uprooted tree the boys caught up with their dog and was delighted with the discovery. They were optimistic it would lead them to the legendary tunnel. After throwing rocks toward the bottom and surveying the area. The group decided to slide through the semi-vertical shaft. After climbing down about fifteen meters to a dark chamber one of the boys who was just fourteen recalled it being “terrifying”. Once inside they used their oil lantern to look around shining it on the walls and ceiling.
Marsal one of the young boys described one of the first images he saw cave being large than life animals painted on the walls and ceilings of the cave; each animal seemed as if it were moving. The group of boys was standing in the “Hall of the Bulls”. Mesmerized by what they had discovered they strolled to the end of the cave. Soon the light from their oil lantern grew dim, so they rushed back to the surface. The all were afraid of not being able to climb out because of the steep incline, when in fact because the shaft was so narrow they used it to their advantage. They used their knees and elbows to prop themselves up, climbing out was far easier than entering the cave. The young boys were ecstatic by what they and their dog had discovered and vowed to keep it a secret for the time being. Eventually they decided to tell their secret to their teacher Leon Laval a member of the prehistoric society of Montignac. Not long after a famed prehistorian, Abbe Breuil visited the prehistoric site also, from there the news spread like wildfire!!
The cave was actually opened to the public after World War II the year 1948; this actually changed the caves enviornment. By the year 1955 so many visitors had traveled to the site, that the carbon dioxide had damaged the paintings. Finally a decision was made to temporarily close the cave in order to preserve and restore the art. The paintings were restored to the original state and monitored on a daily basis.
The cave was divided into separate rooms, the Hall of the Bulls, the Passage Way, The Shaft, the Nave, the Apse, and the Chamber of Felines. The cave closed officially in 1963. However in 1983 Lascaux II a replica of the two halls were created about 200 meters from the original and opened to the public. This was an attempt to provide visitors a view of the cave without subjecting the original artwork to further damaging circumstances. There have been numerous attempts to preserve the original caves paintings. A new air conditioning unit was placed in the caves; this along with high powered lighting installed has been the cause of additional fungus growth within the environment. As of 2008 the cave contained black mold which scientist have been trying to keep away from the paintings. In January 2008, authorities closed the caves to scientist and even preservationist for three solid months. One individual was allowed to enter the cave for 20 minutes once a week to monitor climate conditions.
The paintings contain nearly 2,000 figures and abstract signs. There have been several hypotheses as to what spawned the primitive depictions. Anthropologist and art historian also theorize that the paintings could be an account of past hunting endeavors. This later theory is supported by the overlapping images of one group of animals in the same cave location as another group of animals. This possibly suggested that one area of the cave was more successful for hunting than other areas. Some researchers argue that the paintings even included a prehistoric star chart. The debate has been that some of the non figurative dot clusters and dots within some of the figurative images correlated with the constellation of Taurus, The Pleiades.
If you are every in the South Western France area and want to visit the Lascaux Caves admission is 8.50 Euros for adults, children between 6 and 12 is 5.50 Euros and children under 6 admission is free.
October
"PSSST... SECRETS TO COLOR
WE ALL SHOULD KNOW"
COLOR THEORY
Market research proves the psychological responses to color are fairly universal. However there are some cultural biases. For example in the United States as well as Europe, black is the color of mourning. Contrary to this tradition in many tropical countries and in East Asian white is a color of mourning. Even more intriguing white is worn by brides in the United States, while brides in Asian countries typically wear red.
Psychologically color affects our bodies and shapes or mood. The following provides the psychological properties various colors are known to represent.
Blue: Trust, reliability, belonging, male gender, serenity, persistence, stability. Research has also unveiled this color facilitates productivity, which is why you may find most offices shades of blue. The shade of blue has been known to lower blood pressure, has a temperature cooling effect and inspires mental control.
Purple: Royalty, spirituality, dignity, wealth, respect. This is also the color of imagination and creativity. It helps our brain with problem solving by stimulating the imagination.
Green: Hope, freshness, growth which is why the spring season is associated with green. This color is also good for the heart it induces calming, nurturing and feelings of relaxation.
Brown: With holding information, retreating from the world. This is also a relaxing, zen shade.
Yellow: Happiness and energy, if an intense version is used it signifies high energy. Stimulates the brain and activates the lymph system. Also associated with intellectuality, builds self confidence and encourages optimism.
Orange: Ambition, fun and also a color representing energy. Stimulates the appetite and benefits the digestive system.
Red: Power, passion, desire, irritation, aggressiveness, vitality, ambition. Red is also the color of excitement and is the color people see it first. Which is why it is good to have red in important messages, stop signs are red! This color also stimulates adrenaline glands and increases stamina.
Pink: Love, romance and gentle feelings. Pink is just a lighter version of red so it carries some of the same psychological properties.
Black: Authority, fear, intimidation, control, sophistication, elegance and mystery. Black can also be associated with evil or death.
White: Purity, flawless, serenity, goodness, faith, innocence. White can also ignite the urge to surrender which is why the military uses a white flag.
Gray: Independence, wisdom, self-reliance, loneliness and lack of involvement. Just like black and white gray is depicted as a neutral color.
Silver and gold are not traditional quote on quote colors. However the two metallic tones do ignite distinctive cognitive thoughts within and affects us psychologically.
Silver: Prestige yet in a cold scientific manner, gracefulness, faith, elegance, high-tech, wisdom.
Gold: Prestige, faith, expensive, warmth, healing and blessings, power, royalty.
So this is why change in our moods can be a direct result of a change in our environment. Now you are aware of the power of certain colors, use this knowledge wisely. For instance if you have a child that is hyperactive, take a look at your child’s surroundings by simply changing an intense primary color in your child’s room or play area to a more subdued quieter color you will instantly alter their mood to a more manageable one. Colors have varying wavelengths. The color red has a longer wavelength which is why it stimulates our senses the most. While blue has a shorter wavelength which explains why it tends to have a more sedative effect. Red is very much known to grab attention even to animals. When a matador is ready for a bull he always waves a red flag which attract the bull’s attention. There is really no good or bad color. Color just has a wide mix of interpretations and to make them even more complex certain personal experiences, traditions and cultural backgrounds also effects how a person interprets color. Blue for example in some cultures is viewed in a negative way. Sure you have heard the cliché ”I’m feeling blue” or heard Elvis Presley’s hit song “Blue Suede Shoes”.
Because there is a profound way that color effect our mood, many cultures have used color as a type of therapy. The Egyptians and Chinese have since ancient times practiced chromatherapy, which sometimes is referred to as light therapy or colorology. Light therapy is based on the enhanced ideas surrounding how individuals are affected by color. So as you can see, there is a plethora of ways knowing the psychological triggers colors have can assist you in everyday life!
The content of this report is based on American-Euro societies.