Last week to enjoy the fantastic exhibition dedicated to Diaghilev's Ballets Russes in Barcelona

Serge Pavlovich Diaghilev (1872- 1929) was a man whose unique character and driving ambition caused a ferment in European culture. His greatest achievement was his dance company – the Ballets Russes. Created a century ago, the productions of the Ballets Russes revolutionised early 20th-century arts and continue to influence cultural activity today, having worked with Picasso, Miro, Chanel, Poiret among other top-creative minds of the early 20th century.

Diaghilev shared his family's love of music and as his early career involved creating Russia's first fine art periodical he was introduced to many practising artists. When opportunity led him to Paris he recognised the potential to revitalise the dance scene by commissioning productions from the finest artists, choreographers and composers, so that art would dance with music in the theatre.

This is the last week to enjoy this exhibition held at the Caixa Forum centre in Barcelona.

Art Against Knives is calling all creative minds

AAK was born from the tragic and unprovoked stabbing of Oliver Hemsley, a 21-year-old student from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art & Design. The vicious attack, which has left Oliver in a wheelchair, took place in Shoreditch, East London, in August 2008. It is the impact of this that drives Art Against Knives to create something positive from such a life-changing experience.

An exhibition on the topic of "new beginnings, fresh start and renewal" will be launched at the recently opened-gallery in Shoreditch, London on 26th January 2012 and will feature 50 works. The good news is that if you're a creative mind, you can submit your artwork. Just make sure you check the brief here: http://www.artagainstknives.com/new-year-new-beginnings-new-brief/  

Good luck !

Happy 65th birthday David Bowie !

"I am going to be huge and it's quite frightening in a way..." David Bowie 1972.

Happy new year !

Dear supporters,

I wanted to wish you a fantastic 2012, hoping that you are recovering well from the festive season.

I also wanted to thank you very much for all the love and support I've received from all of you in 2011.  My eternal gratitude also goes to the artists who have granted me their time to answer my interviews, brands  that have approached me for partnerships, the online and print publications that published something about Art is Alive and everyone who sent me their picture for the "I love Art is Alive gallery".

Without an audience or followers, I would have stopped this blog a long time ago but guess what? in 2012, Art is Alive will celebrate its 5th anniversary with more art, fashion, architecture and design features ! This is an exciting time and I look forward to the challenges of the new year.

Please stay connected with me on Twitter, Facebook, here, and do get in touch with me to suggest anything you feel suitable: nicolas.smirnoff@gmail.com

Thank you again and happy new year !

- Nicolas Smirnoff -

(Yes this is me with Helena Christensen, one of the highlights of 2011 for Art is Alive)

Martin Creed's show in Madrid

The "Sala Alcalá 31" exhibition space in Madrid welcomes an ambitious Martin Creed solo show which spans twenty years of his career. Creed who has been awarded the Turner Prize in 2001 investigates the basic nature of things, forming a world of classifications and categories through objects, words and sounds of everyday life. His use of simple materials to create bizarre scenarios make the viewers change their perception of objects and materials surrounding him as expressed in "Work No.701", a row of nails from highest to lowest and pictured above.

This exhibition is not to be missed.

Until 26 February in Sala Alcalá 31, c/ Alacalá, 31. Madrid

Quote of the week: David Hockney on Damien Hirst

"[Employing assistants to make his artworks] is a little insulting to craftsmen, skillful craftsmen." David Hockney told the Radio Times about Damien Hirst.

Amazing bird shoes by Kobi Levi

Courtesy of Dezeen