[Animals and Objects In and Out of Water] provides a constant stream of visually appealing eye candy and subtly complex visual spectacle.—The Onion AV ClubThe second book from the iconic Chicago underground poster artist.Jay Ryan has been busy since the 2005 release of his book 100 Posters; 134 Squirrels (Akashic/Punk Planet Books); a collection of his favorite prints from the first decade of his work. Since the release of that book; he has honed his craftcontinuing without the use of computers; and screen-printing the work in his shop called the Bird Machine for bands such as the Melvins; the Shins; Modest Mouse; Andrew Bird; Shellac; My Morning Jacket; the Decemberists; Low; Built to Spill; Tortoise; and hundreds of others.This book features 120 of Jay Ryans favorite pieces of art from the last three years; including text about each of the prints; detail photos (shot at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago); and original drawings. With a foreword by Andrew Bird and an essay by best-selling novelist Joe Meno (Hairstyles of the Damned); this volume solidifies Jays position as one of the most unique postermakers in a thriving and exciting field. Critical praise for Jay Ryans 100 Posters; 134 Squirrels:“Jay Ryans decade of rock-postering has produced some superb and arresting work...I cannot think of a better visual advertisement for underground rock: posters that are wild; articulate; and well made; posters with both a heart and a brain.rdquo;—PopMatters“Not only a gorgeous catalog of the artists many memorable posters; but a history of sorts of the Chicago underground rock scene in the last 15 years.rdquo;—Chicago Sun-Times
#248248 in eBooks 2008-09-16 2008-09-16File Name: B003L1ZZM8
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Fantastically Structured Didactically EnlighteningBy Kevin11Through "Its Bigger Than Hip-Hop". MK Asante Jr. shows himself to be an incredibly gifted writer. Although. some may think that the content may strictly fall upon Hip-Hop conversation. those that are high in thinking and presently conscious will come to know the book as presented. Asante brings his writing full force as he shows why our problems in todays society are BIGGER THAN HIP-HOP and that hip-Hop itself has become a diluted art form that no longer wakes up the conscious but keep us oppressed. Some of the topics covered throughout the book are race. culture Hip-Hop and social justice. After reading this book. many will come away with the principles of being oppressed and that we all. no matter what race or creed we are in this fight together.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Dismantling oppression by "any medium necessary"By dlew4lifeMK Asantes boldness. enthusiasm. and passion for his craft is readily apparent in Its Bigger Than Hip Hop. Through personal interviews with hip hop artists and activists as well as historical references. he educates his readers about Hip Hops roots which traces back to Africa. He also informs about the purpose of Hip Hop as being more than just a musical genre. its an essential mechanism for combatting oppression and seeking justice. I especially enjoyed Asantes creative examples used to express his views.Its Bigger Than Hip Hop details the rich cultural heritage of African American music and how each form is interconnected through struggle and activism. including Hip Hop. Yet. its been exploited by corporations and mass media. Asante points out that this exploitation has driven some away from using Hip Hop generation to define themselves. Rather. he reveals another term Post Hip Hop generation. which can revive the activism aspects of Hip Hop and bring about a positive change for the oppressed.Overall. Its Bigger Than Hip Hop dictates the power of artistic expression. which can provide a light for those seeking to escape the darkness of oppression.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I like the history that was provided on certain subjectsBy CustomerThis is a dope book that touches on a little bit of everything. I like the history that was provided on certain subjects. I also think the personal stories adds more of a realistic insight into the overall book.
