Photography worked hard to become recognized as an art form in the first half of the 20th century. Along with fellow documentary photographic pioneers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Walker Evans, Helen Levitt’s style married composition with spontaneity. Known for her ability to capture the lives of children on the streets of New York, Levitt’s work is marked by a juxtaposition of playfulness and poignancy. Like her female photographic contemporaries (like Dorothea Lange) Levitt’s images provided a social commentary on and called attention to the lives of children in the city, particularly her work in some of the poorer neighborhoods like Spanish Harlem and the Lower East Side.

Though not concerned with technical skill, Levitt’s pictures nonetheless contain a studied, almost painterly elegance, which Levitt gleaned and honed with frequent visits to museums and galleries. She worked as a press photographer in the 1930s and 40s, while at the same time producing an impressive collection of her own work with her Leica camera in black and white as well as color. In addition, Levitt worked as a film editor and director, collaborating with good friend and artistic influence James Agee, on the short film “In the Street.”

Helen Levitt’s legacy lies in her ability to seek out and translate visually the subtle beauty of seemingly mundane daily activities of American youth.  She paid tribute to their place in society and gave insight into their worlds in a respectful, almost reverent way.

Listen to an interview with Helen Levitt on NPR’s “All Things Considered” here.

Pick up books of her work through Powerhouse Books.

Seems that people have been focusing a lot on eco friendly things as of late. And rightfully so…what you don’t take care of i.e. Mother Earth, won’t last forever. I had the pleasure of meeting Monkey of Wrecords a couple of weekends ago at The Designers Market in NOLITA here in NYC. First I was attracted to the designs and then found out all his items are made of old records, which was an added bonus…go eco-friendly! Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

Off The Train Bracelet Collection

Off the Train

Off the Train is a record bracelet collection released in the summer of 2008. The images range from trains and cityscapes to dripping graffiti and spilling fire hydrants. The collection was inspired by New York City’s J-train, which is surrounded by a wide range of culture, on and off the train. WBM has found, both for work and play, that the J-train has been a stepping-stone in getting them from place to place. The series also features a glow in the dark color scheme that is great for the late night crowd.

Company Overview

WrecordsByMonkey is a Brooklyn-based design company that bridges the worlds of fashion, art and music.  Using reclaimed vinyl records, they create handmade accessories with a low carbon footprint that can be incorporated into anyone’s individual style. Their niche product, the Wrecord bracelet, comes in designs from silly to sophisticated.  WBM’s full line includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and t-shirts, all inspired by the idea of relating to music lovers of every generation.

Wrecords offers a full range of items and collections. See more, read more after the jump!

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This weekend Brooklyn Bodega, along with High Water Music, powerHouse Books and Brooklyn Brewery, presents the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival with a line-up of different events this Friday and Saturday. This is a great way to spend the weekend - check for a schedule of events after the jump.

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There are a great sales going on all summer but sometimes it’s good to take a break from getting clothes, shoes and accessories and get something that will increase your brain power!  Starting tomorrow through August 3rd, powerHouse books is hosting a sale on some its best selling books!  Some titles have up to 90% off sliced of off the price.  I am a nerd, I’ll admit it, I love books and can’t get enough.  I feel like I may  have to make a trip to NY just to take advantage of this sale.  Books make great gifts - for others and for yourself!  Head on down to the powerHouse Arena to take advantage of the sale!  And, remember, reading is fundamental!

powerHouse Books and KRS ONE announce the creation of I Am Hip Hop, a new imprint launching in Spring 2009. I Am Hip Hop shall serve as a home for cutting-edge, positive material related to the true culture and philosophies of Hip Hop. Dedicated to publishing high-quality books ranging from serious philosophical treatises to urban photography projects or engaging fictional novels, this imprint will release material personally chosen and overseen by Hip Hop legend, KRS ONE.

The Gospel of Hip Hop, the first book from the I Am Hip Hop imprint set for release in Spring 2009, is the philosophical masterwork KRS ONE. Set in the format of the Christian Bible, this 600+ page opus is a manual to life for members of Hip Hop Kulture that combines classic philosophy with religious faith and practical knowledge for a fascinating, in-depth exploration of Hip Hop as a life-path. Now known as “The Teacha,� KRS ONE developed his unique outlook as a homeless teen in Brooklyn, New York, engaging his philosophy of self-creation to become one of the most respected emcees in Hip Hop history. Respected as Hip Hop’s true steward, KRS ONE painstakingly details the development of the culture and the ways in which we, as Hiphoppas, can and should preserve its future.

This looks like it’s going to be a great series of books and I’m looking forward to the release in Spring 09!

powerHouse books, publisher of forward thinking art books, is hosting a reception tonight for their new release, Flight Attendants, at their newest venture, the powerHouse library. The powerHouse library is located in the beautiful Mansion New York and features “a selection of powerHouse Books’ latest releases and classic backlist titles, the Library will host an exclusive series of launch parties and private receptions in conjunction with art shows in the gallery.” Exciting!

Flight Attendants is a book of photographs taken by Brian Finke on his many travels. The catalog is “a vibrant document of those adventurous souls who choose to work at 40,000 feet. Shot before, during, and after trips, at school and at home, Finke’s photographs capture the allure of this high-flying profession alongside the more quiet moments of the attendants’ daily lives.” You can see more images from the book after the jump and you can purchase the book online here.

Thursday, April 10, 2008, starting at 10pm
The powerHouse Library at Mansion New York
530 West 28th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues
RSVP: powerhouse@mansionnewyork.com
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powerHouse Books just released The Breaks: Stylin’ and Profilin’ 1982–1990, a book chronicling the music, street culture, and fashion of the 1980’s through the eyes of celebrated British photographer Janette Beckman. In 1982 Beckman moved to New York City at the very moment that street culture began to take form through hip hop music, DJs, graffiti writers, and break dancers. Thanks to Beckmans photograph’s, history was captured during this groundbreaking time.

This book is definitely a must have coffe table book for anyone who is down with streetwear culture. Own a piece of history and buy this book now!

Oh, by the way, Beckman continues to chronicle the happenings in music and street culture!!! London Supa Star M.I.A liked Beckman’s photographs of 80’s female rap duo Salt-N-Peppa and sought Beckman out to shot her album cover.

Info: Power House Books
Images: Rolling Stone

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