Damien Hirst’s spin paintings from the 1990s, made with the help of a rotating machine, are filled with movement, life and colour. And now, anyone with a smartphone can make their own version with the help of augmented reality.
Snapchat has partnered with the British artist to launch a new lens where users can pour virtual paint on a spinning canvas to create their own artistic wheels of colour. The finished creations can be shared on the platform’s “Our Story” feature to be seen by other users.
The app has also teamed up with the NGO Partners In Health, a social justice organisation that provides support, including testing and contact tracing, to vulnerable communities affected by the coronavirus pandemic. When Snapchatters use the Damien Hirst lens, they can tap on an option that leads them to the Partners In Health landing page, where they can make a donation.
In a statement, Hirst said, “I'm so happy that this partnership supports Partners in Health, a brilliant and forward-thinking organisation that helps communities in developing countries around the world cope with the devastating impact of Covid-19.”
At the time of writing, the disease has infected more than 3.5 million people around the world, causing at least 247,000 deaths.
Last month, the artist shared a rainbow artwork tribute to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), which is free to download on his website.
The work Butterfly Rainbow is a vibrant digital collage of a rainbow with butterfly wings embedded into its arcs. A limited-edition print will be available for sale, with proceeds going to the NHS. Hirst has also teamed up with a food distribution campaign that helps send out food to vulnerable and poor communities in London.
Western Clubs Champions League:
- Friday, Sep 8 - Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Bahrain
- Friday, Sep 15 – Kandy v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
- Friday, Sep 22 – Kandy v Bahrain
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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