"Socially dangerous behavior"

Here's an interesting story of an artist - Artem Loskutov - the Russian government is afraid of. The blog describes other recent clashes between artists and police there. On June 10 Artem was released until trial.

The interesting thing is not really that these particular events have happened (it's been the same story for thousands of years), but that once again young artists are openly challenging the controlling regime (and its police force) in Russia. Governments always get nervous about people who can generate a mob in the street no matter the reason. "Socially dangerous" means you can change people's minds.

Spreading the news of their struggle is essential to keeping artists safe when they embark on such dangerous missions as these. Oppression works best when it's a well-known secret rather than when it's embarrassing international news. Artists inside Russia are at more risk, so artists outside Russia should support them in their efforts.

Blade, King of Graff

Check this graffiti gallery in Denmark for Blade's artwork from the show and other Danish graffiti delights.

Shoe

Shoe's new Calligraffiti expo at Rush Hour Records in Amsterdam

The artist known as Shoe, aka Niels Meulman (1967, Amsterdam) is the inventor of Calligraffti - calligraphy and graffiti merged into one art form. Shoe began tagging when he was 13 years old and now he's a locally and internationally renowned artist, designer, art director and owner of Unruly, a brand of designer silk scarves.

AN EXHIBITION OF TITLES - BY NIELS SHOE MEULMAN
RUSH HOUR - SPUISTRAAT 98 AMSTERDAM
19 DECEMBER - 18 JANUARY 2009
OPENING THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER - 18:00

[Shoe is one of the most respected style masters in the world. Don't miss this chance to see his work in person!

Speaking of Shoe's silk scarves ... Santa, please.]

Rezine69 Light Graf Exhibition

Missing Hungarian Writer

Maybe you heard about Miki going missing this spring, but it turns out he's still out there somewhere (Europe) and maybe in trouble.