Note: Content is from the site's 2012 archived pages when Kevin Bourgeois first introduced his vision for Creator Magazine to the internet.

Kevin Bourgeois: The Drawing’s Advocate

Kevin Bourgeois takes the challenging medium and expands its boundaries in ways that invite inspection, contemplation, and interrogation. Through an almost painterly application of pencil on paper, Bourgeois experiments with both form and content, linking the complicated visual field with the equally complex subject matter. The successful combination of socio-political messages with a formal technique and aesthetically appealing product transgresses the association of socially explorative art with messiness and the lack of pleasure.

A natural born dreamer and analytical thinker, Bourgeois received little technical training or formal education, learning the majority of his craft through trial and error and the base of his critical knowledge through an addictive use of his library card. The writings of Hakim Bey, Jean Baudrillard, Allen Ginsberg, Marshall Mcluhan, and Arthur Rimbaud frequently appear in the background of his drawings, and also serve as a major influence in his subject matter. Bourgeois can be said to have ascertained an unpretentious appreciation of the profound, as his work is intellectual without being overly academic, definitive without being dogmatic, and always displays a keen curiosity in what dwells beneath the surface.

An underlying theme of contrast defines the essence of Bourgeois’ exhaustively detailed drawings. The polarities of the sentimental and the cerebral, science and spirituality, poetics and politics, combine with the contrast-heavy application of the black and white graphite medium. The artist’s body of work centralizes around the juxtapositions of technology versus human nature, individuality versus consumer culture, and superficiality versus altruism. Bourgeois’ art constantly grapples with the human experience of the often emotionally sterile and multi-layered complications of contemporary existence.

One drawing can contain boundless references, counterintuitive symbolizations, and a multitude of emotions. It is in this muddle of meaning that one may see a reflection of personal experience. Even though the content contains tangible messages, it retains enough ambiguity so that the viewer can determine their own conclusions.

Bourgeois probes the relationship between love and sacrifice, constriction and freedom, mind and heart. How safe is deep? Can one travel the line that faintly defines each world from the next, the barrier that can protect just as it restricts? The art of Kevin Bourgeois makes a valid attempt by both defying gravity and embracing the fall.

 

 

Volkswagen Reveals The Future Of The SUV With Tokyo Concept Car

Volkswagen is showcasing its concept of an SUV of the future at the Tokyo Motor Show this week, in the shape of the Cross Coupé. The all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid hints at how a crossover between a four-door coupé and an SUV could look. It also defines a new stage in Volkswagen engineering design, being the first model based on the company’s new ‘modular transverse matrix’ – or MQB – to be shown publicly.

At 4,345 mm, the concept car being shown in Tokyo is longer than a Golf and shorter than a Tiguan. The width of 1,868 mm and height of 1,523 mm also come exactly in between these two bestsellers, meaning that the Cross Coupé’s dimensions place it at the heart of the globally in-demand A segment.

The concept car’s 2,630 mm wheelbase is very long in relation to its overall length (52 mm longer than the Golf and 26 mm longer than the Tiguan). The overhangs (855 mm at the front and 860 mm at the back) are correspondingly short. This gives the car a very compact but dynamic appearance, which is emphasised by wide tracks widths of 1,585 mm (front) and 1,613 mm (rear). It’s not just coupé-like though: off-road, it possesses figures that almost fall into the range of classic SUVs. The front angle of approach, for example, is 24.2 degrees and at the rear 32.5 degrees. The Cross Coupé also features good off-road ground clearance.

The design of the car – penned by a team led by Volkswagen Group Chief Designer Walter de Silva and Brand Design Chief, Klaus Bischoff – features the characteristic horizontal lines of the Volkswagen ‘face’ at the front while linking to the future with a completely new light and grille treatment. The rear is dominated by steeply sloping angles and new distinctive light clusters which are combined with SUV-like chunky bumpers and twin tailpipes.

The four-seat Cross Coupé is powered by two electric motors (one front and one rear) which generate 40 kW / 180 Nm of torque and 85 kW / 270 Nm respectively, and a TSI direct injection turbo petrol engine. With overall power of 265 PS, the Cross Coupé can accelerate to 62 mph in just seven seconds and on to a top speed of 125 mph. It can travel up to 40 km on purely electric power.

The all-wheel drive system with ‘electric drive shaft’ also represents an innovation for Volkswagen, with the rear axle being driven by the rear electric motor. In this situation powered is supplied to the rear electric motor by the one at the front, which during this phase acts as a generator powered by the TSI engine. This means that in the Cross Coupé, the flow of electrical energy thus replaces the conventional transfer of power by means of a drive shaft – which creates room in the central tunnel (which would usually house the drive shaft) to hold the lithium ion battery. The resulting low position of the battery and layout of the drive systems give the vehicle a very low centre of gravity and a balanced spread of axle loading, endowing the car with dynamic coupé-like handling qualities.

 

How to Dress Right For Your Body Type

Finding clothes to match our dimensions can be difficult. Especially so when we are being bombarded by health magazines promising we can get a chiselled body in 28 days and other wild claims.

What these do not tell us is that, in reality, a simple look in your wardrobe would improve your look regardless of whether you start doing 200 sit ups a day or not.

Whether you are a gym loyalist or couch potato, looking stylish and confident is not an exclusive club.
Check out our body shape guide, and arm yourself with style knowledge to make the right fashion choices.

V-type body

The reward for relentlessly pumping iron is almost as difficult to style as it is to achieve in the first place.

The key to styling this body shape is to avoid anything that is not a specific fit. Every item of clothing you buy should be “fitted” according to the label.

This will give you definition around the chest and for impressive arms, while nipping in around the back and waist so you avoid looking like you are wearing a poncho.

This will give you definition around the chest and for impressive arms, while nipping in around the back and waist so you avoid looking like you are wearing a poncho.

The Rectangle

This body shape is most common among “average Joe,” but is also achievable with tone and definition if you are a physically active individual.

This body shape is most common among “average Joe,” but is also achievable with tone and definition if you are a physically active individual.

Hoodies and baggier fit clothes should generally be avoided, however are acceptable if you are looking to hide some less flattering dimensions.

If your rectangle is ripped and defined, however, then you need to smarten up to get the most out of your style DNA. Use fitted t-shirts, straight leg jeans and light knitwear to make the most of your natural appearance.

Tall and Skinny

While on the one hand you can eat countless takeaways and never put on an ounce, on the other you go heavy on the whey, steak, and dairy, yet cannot ever put on any bulk.

If you fall into this category, you are not alone.

Rather than stress out over what to wear, just relax. Do not consider hiding what you have got; millions of men (and women) would love to have your shape, so as the old saying goes if you’ve got it, flaunt it.

Have confidence in your style and appearance and add complimentary super slim tailoring, skinny jeans, and t-shirts to your wardrobe.

Larger Builds

Which brings us finally onto heavier and thicker set guys. Remember these can apply if you are carrying extra timber, or whether you are a muscle-bound freak of nature.

Go for relaxed fit (but not baggy) trousers at all times. Yes, it can be tempting to want a closer fit to show off how great your legs are if they are large and toned, but of we are honest, no-one is really that interested.

Up top, always choose items that are closely fitted and, most importantly, the right size. Going bigger to hide an unflattering shape will just make you look even bigger.

If your midsection lets you down, go for shirts and t-shirts with patterns or detail around the shoulders.

AN UPDATE:
Now that you have all the proper clothing for your body type, how should you keep them clean and crisp while living is a dusty, windy location? I solved the problem by buying clear trash liner bags at a great online store that I discovered. Although the store's main thrust is selling to the wholesale janitorial and office supply marketplace, they also sell retail. So when I knew I was going to be living in southern India for a year doing research, I placed a wholesale order for bulk clear plastic bags - get the clear plastic so you can see what's inside! They have worked like a charm. PS. They are great for camping as well. Be creative and think outside the box.

 

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