things worth pondering

More illustrations from Patrick Moberg’s blog.

2008–NYT Year in Pictures

Here’s a look at NY Times’ 2008 Year in Pictures and I must admit there where some stunning photographs taken in ’08. Make way for the year of the OX.

Banksy: graffiti and Louvre

British urban and graffiti artist Banksy and some of his latest pieces. Banksy hails from Bristol, UK and his artwork is often satirical pieces of politics, culture, and ethics.

People say graffiti is ugly, irresponsible and childish… but that’s only if it’s done properly.

Subconscious art of graffiti removal

A film by Matt McCormick & Rodeo Film Company; I recognize this everyday while  cruising the cut-through.

The official website is here.

Urban Nostalgia

Vintage photographs of American cities in the 1950s here.

Want a culture of innovation? Fund our artists.

Innovation is the new buzzword for the so-called value-added economy: Wealth is now created primarily through intellectual capital, not natural resources. Japan and Microsoft taught us that we don’t need coal and wood and mounds of potash: We need smarts.

Our view of the societal importance of art has shifted over the last half century.

Here you can read the entire article.