JAY Z: 'PICASSO BABY'

FKA TWIGS: 'WATER ME'

Every now again I come across a music video that hits a chord with me that keeps me going back for more. Often this will be because the song and the video work together so beautifully that in those three or four minutes I become completely entranced, and the world around me stops. This is the case with FKA TWIGS' latest song and video for 'Water Me'. 

WILLIAM EGGLESTON: COLOUR INNOVATOR

William Eggleston is an American photographer who is widely credited with increasing recognition for colour photography as a legitimate artistic medium. He was a very independent character and creative force and seemed to work apart from other artists and photographers. That said, early on his career he got to meet his hero, the photographer, Henri Bresson and he was to meet Andy Warhol in the 1970's which was very influential on his life and work. I studied his career when I was at university and have been drawn to his work ever since.

Many artists are inspired by his photography and Edward Ruscha stated, 'when you see a picture he has taken you're stepping into some kind of jagged world that seems like Eggleston's world'. Although the images appear to capture the more mundane elements of everyday life, Mark Holbron writes, 'the normality of these subjects is deceptive, for behind the images there is a lurking sense of danger.'

'The commonplace becomes resplendent.' ~ Michael Almereyda (film maker).

THE XX

I have been meaning to write about The xx for a while. Seeing as we are going to their festival 'Night + Day' tomorrow, I thought it would be a good time to post my latest blog in honour of the band.

Since the day Bob and I started Alpines we have always been inspired by their music and the world they have built. For a long time, whenever I would drive around at night, their first self-titled album would be on repeat - I never became bored of listening. It helped me to think and it made me feel calm and happy. So, after all this time, I never thought I would have the chance to meet them, but now I am lucky enough to consider Romy and Oliver good friends of mine. They are some of the most generous people I know and I treasure their friendship dearly. 

I believe everything in life happens for a reason. The faith and love I had for The xx's music all those months before we met inspired me daily to make music that felt right and true. To now have Romy guiding and reminding me to take time and do exactly this is so special.

So here's to The xx, thank you for everything you have given us. 

CHLOE HAYWARD // ELLEN VON UNWERTH

My good friend Chloe Hayward is about to take the world by storm, not only for her bombshell beauty but for being an actress superstar. It's not often I write about people I know and love, so I thought this would be a good time to start. These photos are taken from her recent shoot for Italian Vogue, with one of my photography icons: Ellen Von Unwerth. It is safe to say I feel very proud.

GERHARD RICHTER: OVERPAINTING

Gerhard Richter (born in february 1932) is a German visual artist who has simultaneously produced abstract and photorealist painted works as well as photographs and glass pieces, following in the example of Picasso in undermining the concept of the artist's obligation to maintain a single cohesive style. It is his 'overpaintings' in particular that I am most drawn to, which you can see below. I love how these works tell a story and create a texture, using, what is in essence, a very simple concept.

www.gerhard-richter.com