Converse

As the lineup for summer 2011 Big Day Out has just been announced we thought we would go for a stroll down memory lane. Anyone lucky enough to be at the Sydney 2010 events, you may remember our Spark Art installation that ran for two days.

We brought together 3 talented artists (in true Converse tradition) from the National Arts School harnessing their talents of projection, animation, and sculpture to create an art installation piece. Located next to the Converse Essential Stage the entire design and construction process was captured on film.

Now watch the full video of the installation to the sound of local electronic and 2010 Big Day Out act, Seekae, while you impatiently wait for the 2011 event!

Click read more to learn about what inspired Harri, Juju and Todd.

Kwangho Lee is a modern day craftsman whose timeless methods reveal the beauty of everyday raw materials. Growing up in the Korean countryside inspired his hand crafted style and a vision that combines art with function.

Converse asked Xiao Gan to present us parts of Beijing that are special to him, good or bad. This is an opportunity to visit parts of this overcrowded and everchanging city through the eyes of a local artist.

In my eyes, Kunyu River refers to the area from Bali Village Bridge to Zizhu Bridge. It's the only way you can get from Gu-Lou East Street and Xin Jie Kou to my home. I feel extraordinarily calm when I cross this river. especially at night, the darkness and the light mis on these waters that have washed away so many tragic stories. Every time I drive past here, I can't help but checking to see if there is anything in the backseat. I'm not joking, I look everytime. I haven't done anything bad, but i'm scared we'll anger the ghosts!

It's quite pleasing to walk here in the daytime, so I walk as slowly as I can. Especially in the summer, the quiet river and the willows are so beautiful. If I ever compose a love song for Beijing, this place will be my first choice. Welcome to Bali Village Bridge, but take notice: No Fishing!

Converse invited Madi Ju, a young photographer from Beijing, to present us the city through her own eyes. She talks about her likes and dislikes, the good and the bad of this one of a kind city.
In this post Madi Ju presents us the Kubrick Bookstore.

I often went to Hong Kong when I lived in Guangzhou, not for shopping but to walk and feel the energy of the streets. The Kubrick bookstore, next to Yau Ma Tei, started as a cinema, then they began to sell books, then posters, video and audio discs related to film, then local independent publications and crafts. Now they hold cultural events. using the bookstore to help the local creative community.

The Beijing branch of Kubrick opened at the end of last year. I'm curious to see how a store with such deep Hong Kong roots will blend in with Beijing. My friends and I have been hanging out here for a few months now and it has a lot in common with the original store. Wether it's the free movie screenings, film events, lovely selection of books and foreign magazines, or comfortable reading room, there's always a good reason to spend an afternoon there.

Xiao Gan, a musician from Beijing, shares with us one of his favorite sports in the city: The east drum-tower street. Madi Ju also comments on her thoughts about this part of Beijing.

Xiao: 

It's easy to get a perking ticket here, but I have to come, because I spend at least half my time here in the practice studio at Hutong 6. There are two trees in the field. One is a date tree and the other one...is a date tree too. Almost every song by THE BIGGER BANG was written here. The Small field is filled with joy and beer bottles; I feel sorry that we've thrown so many cigarettes in the drain.

The landmark here is MAO, many of our bands performances have been here. There is no need to mention how important MAO is to everyone. South LUOGUO street is close but I've never been. Gu-Lou East is neither old nor new/ There are so many fashion stores on Gu-Lou East street but I have no interest in clothing. There are so many restaurants, none of which are very good, but I still eat there sometimes.

Madi:

For me, even though I haven't lived in Beijing too long, I spend most of my time around Gu-Lou. I want to avoid recommending it, but there is always something to eat and to find in the vintage stores there. As Xiao Gan says, maybe we don't love Gu-Lou East but we spend most of our time there. It's a miniature BJ.