Two of my closest friends are modern art haters, they "just don't like it", opting for more classical and ancient art styles while remaining unappreciative of contemporary works. I have separate appreciations for both, I love the majesty of classic art and the fresh exciting and unconventional ways that modern artists push the envelope. There are so many mediums available today such as a/v and certain establishments in science that have completely changed the art game, and in a time where everyone thinks they can become an artist (thanks to blogs, social media, photoshop etc.) we need to regroup and reinvent now more than ever. Modern art does the unthinkable, not many individuals can morph woman into alien insect, make every human being on earth share one skin color, and redefine film making.

Select images for photographer credits via flick

From global artists to neighborhood innovators, every meaningful work counts and London based artist Ben Wilson has re-purposed a substantially unconventional canvas to send his messages to a broad scope of viewers.


Wilson began working with chewing gum paintings in 1998 and in 2004 they became his primary project. There are currently over 10,000 of Wilson's works in the UK extending across all countries in Europe. Each message tells a story, whether it be a current event, life lesson, death of a loved one, or a tale of British culture. Taking up to 10 hours to create, Wilson torches the gum, applies lacquer to harden its surface and begins painting his miniature works using acrylics.






8<3Track Honey

i am completely speechless from the closing ceremonies.  how could you not be entranced by the choreography of hundreds of people not only to utilize their movement but also their costumes and the structures built in a matter of hours.  then there's another component of choreography that only the chinese could do this well.  from the countdown with simple bottle rockets to incredibly timed showering mortars, there is little that can be said.  i'm going to completely ignore the "theme" of this olympics, "beijing, beijing, oh i love beijing," catchy... kinda but how about the wide array of drummers? the beginning had 6 or 7 year old stick handlers (don't try to verify their age with the chinese government...) and then a couple chic 20 somethings going at it.  and ... jackie chan!!!! i'm going to agree with nbc's chris collinsworth and say that it will be a long time until we see another host nation that takes so much pride in their athletes, venues, and performances as china did. well done china.

all and all a wonderful, rather controversy free olympics (ignoring the whole age thing). china dominated the golds, the u.s. won the total medal count, and jamaica defined themselves as the premier sprinting nation. and now, what's next?  well since there was a david beckham kick and london's mayor waving a flag, i guess that means we will be doing this in the uk this time 4 years from now.  will they have the guards in hats dancing. correct answer: yes. 

in london, i look forward to the records being broken, parents crying for the success of the children, the chills of unfolding stories and the passion of patriotism that comes from host countries and the athletes that play for their nations.  as for this glorious event that will be back quicker than we say, "how many medals did phelps win?" we close this fairy tale and say goodbye.  thank you to all the athletes, coaches, volunteers, referees, anounchers, and fans.  cheers.