Shepard is best known for the “Andre The Giant Has a posse” craze of the early 90’s (described in part 1), that has now matured graphically and evolved into the brand Obey Giant and clothing label Obey Clothing.

The videos are from a series called Icons that ran on a cable channel Stateside. you can watch them on YouTube: Part one, Part two and Part three.

Apart from amazing artwork and some hints at the thought processes behind it, you’ll get an entertaining insight into Shepard’s street-art philosophy (admittedly they are a bit rushed in the film). One of the best quotes from the man himself comes as he recalls a period when he is producing artwork for large corporations during the day in order to fund his nocturnal activities of subverting the adverts and billboards of the very same companies. Top work!

The vids are well worth a watch, and once you’ve done with them check out more of Shepard’s artwork such as these posters.

I was lucky enough to see some of his work firsthand at an exhibition held at the Baltic, Gateshead. And they were, in a word, stunning.

As part of that exhibition Shepard created a mural outside a tattoo parlour on Tyneside that has fallen foul of local planning officials. (A petition has been submitted to the local council lobbying for the work to be spared) I’ll keep you posted on that.

I also recall spotting one of the Andre The Giant stencils sprayed on the wall of a ski-lift station in Verbier. Anyone else out there spotted the trail of Andre’s posse?

Bollywood Thriller

Now, this has been doing the rounds on the internet for a while now, but it still deserves a mention. Hilarious. For all the wrong reasons… As the title suggests, this is Bollywood-style take on the legendary Michael Jackson video “Thriller”. And, my God, is it way off the mark!

If you thought Wacko looked a bit iffy, you have to check this dude. The dancing, costumes, and keyboard solos are supreme. Brilliant.

(This video was sourced by DJ Detox for Peg Productions)

Inside Ferrari

Yes, it is a bit geeky, and yes, we are all boys here at Blunt HQ. This film was shot by National Geographic, who were allowed access to the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Northern Italy. This in itself is worth a mention, as the supercar manufacturer rarely allows anyone to take a peek behind its historic and secretive doors. The film gives some background to the marque, and follows a model through design, manufacture, and testing, and is a great demonstration of the technology and skill involved in creating a $250,000 work of automotive art.

As I said, this is a little on the geeky side, but take a look. It’s unlikely you’ll ever come across this much footage from inside the Maranello gates again.

Going Straight

Well, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without some Ronnie Barker! This is the pilot episode for the BBC series “Going Straight”, which follows on from the fantastically successful “Porridge”. – Here we see cockney tea-leaf Fletch (Barker) finally released after doing his time. He’s on the train back to London, a free man. But, hold on a minute, what’s that “nark” Mr Mackay doing on the train?. Funny. Classic British comedy from one of the best.

Kick Fighters

This is another little number we came across that was filmed by National Geographic, so you know the footage is going to be tight, whatever the topic. In this film, we get a look at Thai Boxing. Mad Stuff. Takes a balanced look at the fighting, as well as the discipline and training involved in this extreme form of boxing, showing why it is an important and traditional part of Thai culture.

Graffiti Fuck

A very basic, but somewhat compelling film. It simply shows New York graffiti artists as they hit the streets, and paint their pieces. Some mad artwork and locations on show here. As real as it gets. Shot in 2004.

Meerkats Divided

Another Christmas requirement at Blunt HQ is a good Attenborough nature documentary. This BBC film is the tale of the Ado Meerkat gang, and their leaders Enkozi and Brown-Eyes. Wonderful stuff, and fantastically shot. – Just watch it and see!!

Well, there you go, there’s a few little visual delights to keep you ticking along. Dont forget to look in our archives for other films, on all kinds of random topics!

Whilst looking for inspiration on a project I’m working on right now I came across the work of Daim, a supremely talented graff artist based in Germany. There are a few artists out there who dabble in the third dimension in their work, but this guy has the technique completely nailed!

The perspective, lighting and depth-of-field in his pieces are better than anything I’ve ever seen. That’s also backed up by a jedi-like understanding of colour theory that makes his work so appealing.

A picture is worth a thousand words, or so they say. In this context I totally agree so I won’t bang on about how much I rate his work – it speaks for itself. There’s a couple of images posted here and many more to view on his site’s gallery. Well worth spending a few minutes checking it out.

Style Wars

No question. The best of the bunch when it comes to B-boy films. This documentary, shot in New york in 1982, documents the rise, and lifestyles of, graffiti artists, breakdancers and MCs.

Including interviews with such legendary writers such as Seen, and Dap, this film gives a true insight into the world of the graffiti artist. There’s also interviews and footage of crews such as the Dynamic Rockers, and the Rock Steay Crew. If you’ve ever scribbled your name on a wall, or put fat laces in your sneakers, then you have to see this film. (if you haven’t already)

The History Of Hacking

This film is something we stumbled across, and is well worth a watch… it’s the history of hacking, and the influence this has had on todays technological world. This shit’s old-skool!! – the guys here are hacking (or “freaking”) phone lines when computers were just something in a James Bond film!!

Includes interviews with various people, including the founders of Apple Computers, and footage of some of the early “home PC’s” (tow ropes not included!)

Michael Jordan Ads

It might have something to do with Agent M’s sneaker obsession, but we had to let you lot out there know about this rather odd little snippet. It documents the amazing styles and abilities of Mr Jordan, when it comes to puting a ball through a hoop, and gives examples of arguably some of the best (and ugliest) basketball shoes of the last 20 years, from the biggest brand in the game.

Audi Quattro Development

A very geeky, and somewhat strange promotional fim, following the development and history of Audi’s Quattro 4 wheel drive system. – Worth watching, just to see some Scandanavian lunatics driving them about in some mad conditions……We did warn you, it is a bit geeky!!