The Cosmic Blue at the Bottom of the Ocean

Over-the-top interiors, Japanese ambient, Tauba Auerbach interview, Desert X, bagel branding and more

Mar 20, 2023

Hello there, happy Monday 🤗 For this week’s edition of TFIB I decided to take a highly visual approach, opting for lots of large, beautiful images. I felt it may be more interesting to see everything more as a series of small blog posts, as I’m currently in development of a new web-based home for The Fox Is Black. You’ll have to let me know what you think of this approach.

Hope your week is chill and your weather is warm 💙

🏠 — The Hilltop House

Let’s start with some interior design eye candy, namely the Hilltop House, a home in Illinois built in 1932, that’s been brought to life by it’s current owners, Graham Kostic and Fran Taglia. They’ve deployed the richest of tones, think deep tangerines, lemon yellows, and beautiful turquoise tones, and then doubling down with some of the most eclectic wallpapers I’ve ever seen. A gaudy, maximalist gem, I’m entirely obsessed.

A vibrant, high-gloss red walk-in closet with a vanity desk.

💿 — Dream Dolphin / Gaia: Selected Ambient & Downtempo Works (1996-2003)

Released earlier this month, I’ve had this compilation by Japanese musician Dream Dolphin, aka Eiji Taniguchi, playing pretty much every morning as I get my day started. Super chill, beautifully atmospheric, highly recommended.

Gorgeous album artwork by Kazuhiro Aihara.

🫧 — Tauba Auerbach, Artist’s Questionnaire

Tauba' Auerbach’s work has always wowed me. I remember seeing their RGB Colorspace Atlas in person and my mind was blown. They recently did an interview and a tour of their space with T Magazine in advance of their new show at Paula Cooper Gallery. I love being able to see the space where artist’s create, kind of like seeing a glimpse into their mind.

Printouts of digitally altered photographs of soap foam taken under a microscope.

🌵 — Desert X 2023 - Coachella Valley

Each year, Desert X continues to bring art to the masses, and their 2023 programming seems like an amazing line-up. I think land art, outside installations, and generally public art are all so important. The fact that you can drive around the desert and experience these works is phenomenal.

🥯 — Identity design for Mile End Bagels by U-P

I love bagels so much and I really love this identity design for Mile End Bagels by U-P. It’s kind of giving me Scott Barry for Sqirl vibes from a few years back but that’s not a bad thing. It’s equal parts ordinary and funky, bridging the world’s of utilitarian while still communicating an eclectic nature.

❇️ — Appartement Saint Pères by Hugo Toro

There’s this very modern idea that minimalism means empty white boxes. A lot of modern homes are these boring white and grey and marble rooms, lacking any charm or character. So when I saw this Paris apartment by Hugo Toro, I thought it was a perfect example of what minimalism should feel like, more akin to simplicity. Everything in the entire home is so thoughtfully curated, with only the finest of items and objects. This is peak luxury.

A gorgeous combination of materials, colors, and objects.

🏺— Jaime Hayon Monograph

Being in Barcelona, it’s been interesting to see what a massive following Jaime Hayon has here, and all the incredible projects he’s created. Gestalten has released a beautiful monograph simply titled Jaime Hayon, collecting his work from the last few decades, from interior design, furniture, sculptures, you name it, he’s made it. This book has been hugely inspirational for me lately.

The color palette of this cover is so pleasing, love some jewel tones.

🌸— Xiyadie: Queer Cut Utopias at The Drawing Center

If you’re in New York you should check out this exhibit from Xiyadie called Queer Cut Utopias. Featuring more than thirty of Xiyadie’s intricate paper-cuts, dating from the early 1980s through today, each of which articulates his longing to fully express his queer desire. The gentleness of the cut paper with these dreamy colors is such a stunning combo. Shoutout to Dan Funderburgh for making me aware.

Xiyadie’s “Double happiness (Lovers are often together)” 2018

🗿— Sculptures by spookywoods

Stumbled on the work of spookywoods, a DC-based sculptor who does these kinda neo-Gumby scenes that I found really interesting. The way the pieces are lit, plus the negative space utilized reminds me a bit of James Jarvis back in the day, especially when he was doing a lot of work in Japan. I feel like we’ll be seeing more of spookywoods soon.

“shooters,” spookywoods’ spin on an uzi.

🧴— Kankan branding by Morrama & Two Times Elliott

I know, you’re thinking “wow, that drinks looks delicious!” Jokes on you, it’s soap! Morrama and Two Time Elliott worked together on the branding for Kankan, a brand that makes hand and body wash. It’s great to see recyclable packaging take an interesting twist here, and overall, the design feels very contemporary without being clinical.

The letterforms are inspired by the idea of being stackable and uniform, like the can itself.

The Trend Report™

by my partner, Kyle Raymond Fitzpatrick, is a sharp and insightful take on culture from around the world. Arrives every Sunday to your inbox. Highly recommended, obviously.