It started last night: low-flying planes released the first clutch of insecticidal mist. We stayed indoors, ruminating on the state of things.
Gas masks are a favorite theme in street art, but due to their apocalyptic nature they've also been the muses of classically trained painters, sculptors, video artists, photographers and clothing designers. Let's look at a few favorites.
This designer label gas mask (above) is one of a series called "High Fashion Protection" by conceptual artist Diddo Velema. This Louis Vuitton style is joined by Gucci and Channel models -- proof that in the most dire times, it's so important to look great. Another winky punch by Diddo, comes from a collection called "Jewelry Weapons," where a glittery rock of an engagement ring acts as the pin in a hand grenade.
Grant Wood couldn't have predicted the turns American Gothic would take over time. Now that folksy painting of his dentist and sister standing in front of an old farm house has morphed into thousands of forms. I like this one. It's a pop take on an old, artistic work horse.
Madrid artist SpY gave a new personality to city sculptures by dressing them, lighting them and even smacking 'em in the face with pies. The photo evidence of this spree is great.
It's an oldie from a 1940 Life Magazine, and I'm including it for all of you romantics.
This photograph by Tom Mortimer is especially haunting.
Here's one from a recent show at local gallery, Studio 500X. We're still searching for the artist's name, so if it's you, hit us up in the comments.
As a beekeeper who is frustrated by this dusting, I'll need to buy this shirt from Etsy artist EMEK.
Designed by Chris Domino, this art as functional decor is terrifying. Check out some of his other creations here.
I like this greeting card, available on Etsy. It would make a nice Valentine's Day, break-up or "I'd like to get to know you" letter.
Love it or hate it, Cremaster 3 is classic Matthew Barney. Like many of his video art pieces, it's heavy on the Vaseline and the gas masks. In this long scene, it serves as a nefarious tie-in lurking beyond the fray.
