Beware of geeks bearing GIFs by James Kelleher

There's been a healthy GIF art scene happening on Tumblr for yonks. Now, because I'm an old duffer and old duffers have to relate absolutely everything to something that happened during the time when they didn't release an involuntary relief-grunt upon sitting down, it reminds me of the Amiga demo scene in its early nineties heyday. There seems to be the same sort of friendly rivalry to push limits inside very particular technical constraints and a love of geometry and psychedelia. Where the contemporary GIF scene differs is that its best practitioners (see below) are much choosier about their use of colour – a lot of Amiga demos liked to throw every possible colour they could render at the screen – oh, and they're possible to watch for extended periods without your eyes exploding. 

from Zolloc

from Zolloc

from mr. div

from mr. div

from dvdp

from dvdp

Hold it down by James Kelleher

Above, a proper widescreen epic for the new Jamie XX track, Gosh. 

Below, what it reminds me of every single time I hear it: Terry Wogan's Secret Pirate Radio by Peter Serafinowicz. Easy bruv.


The bones of Liberty Hall by James Kelleher

When I was doing initial research for the MusicTown identity I stumbled across this 2009 documentary about the history and design of Liberty Hall. As usual with buildings that I see every day (it's the first thing I see when I get out at Tara Street station on the way to work) I knew very little about it, but this 24-minute short gives a good primer in how the original intent for the structure has been eroded through a combination of neglect and thoughtlessness. The interview sections with architect Desmond Rea O'Kelly are particularly fascinating.

 

 

Things change by James Kelleher

I was long overdue a site overhaul, so here it is. Have a poke around, maybe pour yourself a nice glass of hot white wine, put your feet up, and do let me know if you spot anything that I've inadvertently broken. The blog has been moved off the front page to make way for some big-ass images, but you can rest assured this doesn't mean I'll neglect it any less than I already do.  

Oh, and comments! There are comments now! Be nice.