CRYPTIK | FRANK 151

CRYPTIK | FRANK 151
"While many popular artists focus on the present and future, CRYPTIK is exploring the worlds of the ancient past. Just by scrolling through the artist's website, you will see interests in other cultures. This is also evident in some of the common themes seen in his soon to be released book, CRYPTIK: Eastern Philosophy, which features artwork and iconic images of several significant figures such as Buddha, the Buddha Palm, Ganesha and Gandhi. CRYPTIK also enjoys using ancient text including Sanskrit, Hebrew, Arabic and Hindi as seen in his "Sacred Syllables" show. In addition to solo shows, CRYPTIK has also been featured with the likes of street art giants. However, CRYPTIK has been enjoying success on his own and will be going on the Eastern Philosophy Series World Tour where he will be making stops in Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, and South East Asia as mentioned in a recent interview." @Frank 151

www.frank151.com

CRYPTIK BOOK | PRE-ORDER

CRYPTIK BOOK | PRE-ORDER
CRYPTIK: EASTERN PHILOSOPHY as Ethel Seno states in her introductory statement, TIME FOR AWAKENING - "The enigmatic artist behind the CRYPTIK Movement is inspired by concepts that challenge his perception of reality. His experiences have led him to discover that the world is not just as we see it or as other people tell us it is; that no one person or institution has it all figured out. His art reflects his deep interest in diverse philosophies and aims to give people a broader perspective; one that unltimately encourages the viewer to question their own beliefs."

The book focuses on CRYPTIK's street art and features many iconic images including Buddha, the Buddha Palm, Ganesha, and Gandhi. Images from many different photographers/artists are included, as they have captured his work in unique situations. The book documents a powerful body of work in both color and black/white plates... and it generates more questions than answers.

ABOUT ETHEL SENO
Ethel Seno moved to Los Angeles in 2003. She worked on books with photographers William Claxton and David LaChapelle, among other projects for TASCHEN publishing, before proposing an original title on the subject of street art and graffiti. The project evolved into Trespass: A History of Uncommissioned Urban Art (TASCHEN, 2010), edited by Ethel Seno. The result of years of research, she went on to work with Jeffrey Deitch on MOCA's landmark exhibition "Art in the Streets." She continues to coordinate exhibitions at The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles and most recently wrote an essay for the Wynwood Walls mural project in Miami.

BOOK INFO:
LIMITED EDITION (25) signed copies housed in a clamshell box with stickers and a signed print.

DELUXE MEDITATION KIT in a unique box... more details soon.

TECHNICAL SPECS:
- Hardcover with paper jacket
- 10.25 x 7.75" (25.4 x 19.1cm)
- 84 pages
- Over 45 color plates & B/W plates
- Edition of 1,000
- ISBN 978-1-937222-12-3
- Release Summer 2012
- $37.50

ZERO+ PUBLISHING
PRE-ORDER HERE!!!

S A M S A R A | 2012

SAMSARA | 2012
"Prepare yourself for an unparalleled sensory experience. SAMSARA reunites fimmakers Ron Fricke and Mark Magidson, whose award-winning films BARAKA and CHRONOS brought a new visual and musical artistry to the theaters. SAMSARA is a Sanskrit word that means "the ever turning wheel of life" and is a point of departure for the filmmakers as they search for the elusive current of interconnection that runs through our lives.

OFFICIAL SITE FOR SAMSARA & BARAKA

CHRIS RAINIER | ANCIENT MARKS

CHRIS RAINIER | ANCIENT MARKS
"Seven years, seven continents, and thirty countries, from the African savannah to the barrios of Los Angeles, from New Zealand to Egypt, and Brazil to Burkina Faso, Chris Rainier documented the traditions of tattooing, scarification, piercing, and other forms of body altering art, the origins of which date back to the dawn of humankind. Ancient Marks reveals not only the haunting beauty of these often mystical forms, but also connects them to humanity's enduring efforts to tell stories, forge identity, and create links to the divine. "The human form became, through the brilliance of inspired artistry, a sacred geography of the soul, a map of culture and myth expressed by forms painted, carved, or incised upon the canvas of the body" - Wade Davis.

CHRIS RAINIER

CRYPTIK INTERVIEW | ART NOUVEAU MAG

CRYPTIK INTERVIEW | ART NOUVEAU MAG
"Step inside the creative mind of Los Angeles based artist, CRYPITK, as he shares insight on the essence of his craft, his world, his movement..." - Paley Martin

Art Nouveau: First off, I have to commend you on the multidimensional aspect of your work, not only in medium and subject matter but religious and spiritual symbolism as well. You create with the intention of provoking thought, arising enlightenment, and refreshing the societal consciousness. As a whole, your body of work is considered a "movement." What in terms of your background influenced this belief system that you wish to evoke so strongly within your art? What came first, spirtiuality or art?

CRYPTIK: Many Thanks! I appreciate the kind words. I think I've always been fascinated with the Greater Mysteries; where did we come from, why are we here, where are we going? I'm constantly inspired by ideas that don't necessarily fit into our modern scientific paradigm, from Psi Phenomenon to UFO's to the psychdelic experience. These are just some of the questions that motivate and inspire what I do. Placing art in public is simply my way of sharing all the things I have learned, and continue to learn, along my own spiritual journey.

AN: As the artist with such a bold message, what "change" do you find necessary for your audience and society alike to undertake?

CRYPTIK: I think Mohandas Gandhi said it best, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Until we are able to recognize that we are all one epression of the infinite, that there is no separation between you and I or nature, we will only continue to destroy ourselves, and the planet as a whole.

AN: Can you elaborate on your Sacred Syllables project?

CRYPTIK: "Sacred Syllables" was actually the title of my second pop-up show in Little Tokyo, which was an exploration of Buddhist and Hindu mantras, where the "word" was considered sacred and held magical powers.

AN: Thus far, what do you consider the most pivotal point of your career? Was there a certain point in time when you realized that this is what you are meant to be doing?

CRYPTIK: Honestly, I don't have any expectations with what I do. I just like to put things out to the universe and watch things manifest. I genuinely enjoy what I do and I feel blessed that there are people out there who appreciate and overstand what the Movement is all about; I'm just the messenger.

AN: What is your ideal space to create - mentally and physically? Contrary to that, what does your usual workspace consist of?

CRYPTIK: When I'm painting, I like to think of it as a form of meditation...burn some incense, put on some Brainfeeder instrumentals and inhale. As far as space goes, I've always imagined myself painting in a secluded cabin in the woods, next to a lake...fantasies. My garage will have to do for now.

AN: Top five favorite albums?

CRYPTIK:
1. Black Star
2. Nas: Illmatic
3. ATCQ: The Low End Theory
4. DJ Shadow: Entroducing
5. Mighty Crown: Tribute to Volcano

AN: What lies beneath the "CRYPTIK" title? What is it about the factor of mystery that you find so alluring?

CRYPTIK: "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed." - Albert Einstein

AN: What's next in the world of CRYPTIK?

CRYPTIK: I'm really looking forward to taking the Movement on the road this year as part of the "Eastern Philosophy Series" World Tour, traveling to places like Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, and South East Asia. I also have a book coming out this summer, which I'm pretty stoked about.

ART NOUVEAU MAGAZINE