All the Worlds’ Futures: The Venice Biennale

The 56^th International Art Exhibition swung open its doors to the public on Saturday 9^th May claiming instantaneous attention. Countless waves of art enthusiasts flocked to the contemporary art exhibition situated in various locations around the beautiful city of Venice. All to witness the exquisite exhibitions, exceptionally crafted by an amalgamation of 89 participating countries.

Founded in 1895, the exhibition now claims the remarkable age of 120. Capturing countless creative minds around the world once every 2 years, the popularity of the infamous exhibition appears to mature with age, as year on year additional countries eagerly participate.

The theme “All the World’s Futures” has clearly manufactured some inspiring and thought-provoking ideas, as the world witnessed the revelation of eagerly awaited exhibits. From the vast amount of stunning displays, we've compiled a (watered-down) collection of some of our much loved favourites.

http://uk.businessinsider.com/art-at-the-venice-biennale-that-will-give-you-pause-2015-5?op=1?r=US

Extravagantly constructed in the Japanese Pavilion, Chiharu Shiota’s “The Key in the Hand” project draws in spectators with mass admiration. The collection 50,000 keys dangling from an enormous tangled web of red yarn are suggested to represent the notion of memory.

http://www.designboom.com/art/patricia-cronin-venice-shrine-for-girls-venice-art-biennale-04-05-2015/?utm_campaign=daily&utm_medium=e-mail&utm_source=subscribers

Patricia Cronin’s exhibit “shrine for girls” strives to remember the repressed and pay homage to females around the world facing violence.

http://uk.businessinsider.com/art-at-the-venice-biennale-that-will-give-you-pause-2015-5?r=US#i-scream-daddio-is-one-of-many-provocative-sculptures-created-by-british-artist-sarah-lucas-yes-that-is-a-cigarette-you-see-there-she-describes-the-works-as-bringing-strangeness-into-the-sunny-light-of-day--note-the-bright-yellow-walls-1

This suggestive sculpture is just one of an array crafted by Sarah Lucas featured in the British pavilion. The accommodating room is covered with sunny yellow with the intention of “bringing strangeness into the sunny light of day”.

http://www.designboom.com/art/celeste-boursier-mougenot-venice-art-biennale-french-pavilion-05-06-2015/?utm_campaign=daily&utm_medium=e-mail&utm_source=subscribers

The work of Céleste Boursier-Mougenot is situated in the French pavilion unexpectedly presenting a kinetic forest. A mesmerising tree moves about in the clean open space with the innovative assistance of a low-voltage electrical current. Envisioned as a place for reflection and retreat, a semicircle of surrounding steps accommodates tiring spectators.

http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/culture/70820-150511-images-from-the-56th-venice-biennale

Artist Antonio Manuel displays his work ‘Occupations/Discoveries’ in the Brazilian Pavilion. The brick wall, cement and paint installation encourages participation from spectators as they climb through the punched out walls.

Ruby+Ed x

AN INSPIRING DAY OUT

We are all preparing for the launch of AW13, and the time has come to re-inspire the creative team. Naz our brand director surprised Ed (creative design manager) and Lorna (graphic designer) on Friday morning with a trip to the city. Driving down to London, singing along to Capital FM, the creative team did not have any idea of what was in store for them. As soon as Monday morning came, I quizzed Lorna about her day out and this is what she filled us in on. 

Where did you go on your day out Lorna?

We started the day at The National Portrait Gallery, then moved onto the National Gallery and then went to the Royal Academy of Arts to see the Summer Exhibition. We finished the day at the Natural History Museum.

I really enjoyed the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts as the work on display there was so varied and different. There was everything from sculptures to paintings on every subject matter you can imagine. The exhibition was full of colour and life and included works from new and upcoming artists. Its always great to see new things that you wouldn't usually come across.

Which was your favourite place and why?

I loved the room in the National Gallery devoted to 18^th to early 20^th century paintings as it showcased some of Manet’s work, which really inspires me. Manet was a great artist and I love his use of colour and tone.

Two of my favourite creative pieces were both displayed at the Summer Exhibition. One of them was a piece by Marilene Oliver called ‘Dreamcatcher’. It was a combination of lasercut acrylic, ostrich feathers and fishing wire and consisted of a long line of different sized dreamcatchers, all coming together for a stunning final effect.

The other was a piece titled ‘Geography’ by Jadranka Bekavac-Kononenko. It depicted an open book with letters climbing out of the page. I love reading and agree with people when they say the words of a good book jump out of the page so this piece was a particular favourite.

How has this inspired you?

I’ve been inspired by the amazing use of colour and the creative, new ways of displaying things. Both old and new have something to offer and being able to see both in one day was brilliant. I have got lots of inspiration for my photography from the day and it would be great to make some of our images look painterly!

The creative team had a brilliant day out, and we would love to hear more about your creative experiences and places we should visit. We may even feature you on the blog too.

We will look forward to hearing from you!

Love Ruby+Ed x 

IT IS TIME FOR FESTIVAL FASHION

There is less than a week to go until Glastonbury so it is time to reinvent our festival wardrobe. The weather is still fooling us this June and it is proving to be a little tricky when planning our frocks for the week. We know that it can be tough when styling for such unpredictable weather but somebody has to do it, so we have trawled through the entire Ruby + Ed collection to cater for your every festival need.

First on the list is the Dove Suede Boot, everybody needs to have a great pair of boots to stomp around in, whether you team it up with some shorts or with a floral midi skirt it will be the ultimate item to keep your toes warm.

It is also very important not to burden yourself with too many layers, the last thing you will want to do is leave the pumping crowd and retreat back to camp to drop off a heavy coat. Avoid this and cover up with our Indra Olive Parka, most people agree that the Parka is essential for festivals and we have added a feminine touch to make sure you still feel and look great. The parka has a great water resistant satin finish and a contrasting chalk pink lining. Although the weather is looking good for Glastonbury, an integrated hood and high neckline may save the day if it decides to rain!

We are hoping that the festival stays dry for you, so we have even added a chic bohemian number into the mix. The Aruna Dusty Rose Dress will make an appearance this festival season, a sweeping necktie and frilled cuffs will add a little boho twist to your backpack.

The last key statement item on our festival list is the Ria Emerald Blouse, slightly oversized and inspired by a vintage sari print, it will add a light touch of colour to any look. A light and floaty top will keep your spirits high during some cloudy episodes.

We would love to know what you are wearing this festival season, so fill us in on what you are packing and let’s chat some style inspiration.  We hope you have a great time this weekend!

Ruby + Ed x