DR.ZVLV APPROVED

RAMMELLZEE: THE EQUATION, The Letter Racers.

2012-02-14T17:31:00.000+02:00

"the Letters have left the page" ...and now will fly, finally, in New York.

Although Rammellzees original 'tank style' letter forms have been recognized since the 1980s as important historical and relevant works by the rest of the world, the formal art world of the USA has only just begun to. With last years 'Art on the Streets' exhibition at MOMA LA, and soon with 'Print/ Out' at MOMA NY.

"The Suzanne Geiss Company is pleased to present its inaugural exhibition RAMMELLZEE: THE EQUATION, The Letter Racers. Rammellzee’s manifestoes “Iconoclast Panzerism” and “Gothic Futurism” explored graffiti’s ability to liberate the transcendental powers of the alphabet that had been corrupted by Western culture. A manifestation of the artist’s theories, his Letter Racers were created over more than 15 years in his storied loft, The Battle Station. They are being shown in New York for the first time."

Suspended in the interstice between the metaphysical and the material, the 52 Letter Racers displayed in this show are poised to activate and attack. Constructed from urban detritus - Canal Street perfume caps, spray can triggers, and king’s crown air fresheners - they are objects of human experience refracted and reconfigured to create a revised language of urban existence.

The exhibition coincides with the installation of RAMMELLZEE’s third set of Letter Racers at The Museum of Modern Art as part of the Print/Out exhibition on view from February 19th through May 14th, 2012. Look out for additional press in Art Forum (March 2012) Vogue Italia, W MAGAZINE as well as an article in the NEW YORK TIMES due out on 26th FEB 2012

March 8 - April 21, 2012
OPENING : March 8th , 2012 6-8 pm
The Suzanne Geiss Company, 76 Grand Street, New York NY 10013

“In order for Hell to freeze over the Letters must race” - RAMMELLZEE

KOOL KOOR "A NEW WORLD" EXHIBITION

2012-01-30T17:31:00.002+02:00

Chuck "Kool Koor" Hargrove/ or "B-One" has lived in Brussels for over 20 years. A recent exhibition of his paintings and drawings were featured at the headquarters of the Landbouwkrediet bank in Anderlecht 31 artworks are being exhibited under the title "A New World".

Check out a video interview & some of the works here:

COMMISSIONS & SPECIAL ORDERS

2012-01-02T16:51:00.005+02:00

Firstly best wishes for 2012 and to welcome all new (& returning) visitors to my blog!

I would also like to mention I have some new tricks up my sleeve this year and to ask you to bookmark & return for regular updates. To mark this special occasion (& brand new beginning) I would officially like to kick things off with a limited special investment opportunity...I have decided to extend my artistic offerings to my authentic one-of-a-kind LEGO LETTER RACERS/ IKONOKLAST PANZERISM sculptures, now available to private commissions and special orders by application or invitation only.

All purchased works will be shipped worldwide direct to consumers and art dealers alike.

In addition, all work sold direct is strictly guaranteed, signed & authenticated.

Kindly contact me direct here for sales & special arrangements: gmt0237@gmail.com

INVEST IN GRAFFITI... PLEDGE FOR STYLE WARS OUTTAKES

2011-11-27T13:38:00.003+02:00

STYLE WARS The holy grail of graffiti & hip-hop documentation was originally edited to its 69 minute length from about 30 hours of 16 mm film that we shot between 1981 and 1982. Hours of exciting and wonderful scenes in the extra footage that didn’t make it into the finished film need to be restored. There are many shots of trains and some surprising masterpieces rescued from oblivion including clips featuring KASE 2, RAMMELLZEE, DONDI, ROCK STEADY CREW, SEEN & more....Public Art Films is embarking on a project to restore Style Wars. The original negative was damaged during the many years it was in storage.

Style Wars Restoration Donors will receive the following Thank You gifts in return for your investment:

$10 - your donor name or tag included in the Donor Credit section of the disc.
$50 - Styles Wars 2-Disc Set DVD and the BluRay Disc*, a personalized document that memorializes your participation, and in the new BluRay your name will be in the final film credits

pledge support and invest in graffiti art for now and future generations at KICKSTART!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1254583771/style-wars-the-outtakes

88HIPHOP.COM RAMMELLZEE INTERVIEW

2011-11-22T17:29:00.002+02:00

Hip-Hop Monk...RammEllZee(R.I.P.), the gothic futurist, warrior of the written word and Hip-Hop and graffiti pioneer spits verbal hieroglyphics baffling the host with a linguistic lashing. (Recorded 1999-01-13)

COMMISSIONER PART2ISM: LEGO LETTER Z

2011-11-18T13:13:00.008+02:00

Now the rightful owner of the LEGO LETTER RACER "Z"... the agent & commissioner "PART2ISM" stands guard with the Z.

Alpha's Bet isn't over yet...

PART2ISM RAMM:ΣLL:ZΣΣ TRIBUTE:

THE LETTER Z IN MOTION!

2011-10-29T17:53:00.003+02:00

SET IN PERPETUAL MOTION. LOCKED & LOADED... IT WAS BUILT TO RACE & DESIGNED TO KILL!! STANDBY AS IT EVOLVES TO FLY FROM THE SUBWAY TO THE SKY!!!

LEGO LETTER RACER "Z" PANZERISM

2011-09-23T15:34:00.011+02:00

THE IKONOKLAST PANZERISM Z EMERGES

2011-09-09T17:32:00.001+02:00

details soon...

MARS1 & DOZE STUDIO COLAB

2011-08-31T12:10:00.003+02:00

This is a few months old but a classic moment in time...Doze & Mars colab in the studio

MARS1
& DOZE

MARS1 & DOZE GREEN from Colin M Day on Vimeo.

More here: http://mars-1.com/1207740/Doze-Green-Mars-1

DROPPING 08/08/11 WORLDWIDE

2011-07-21T15:55:00.003+02:00

Just a little design project that I am working on...stay tuned for more info here: www.shelflife.co.za

KIKSTYO DR.Z REWRITE HISTORY INTERVIEW

2011-07-06T00:18:00.003+02:00

Following a recent colab t-shirt series with Japanese super brand KIKSTYO, entitled "REWRITE HISTORY" here is a short interview to set up & answer a few questions about my own history...

http://kikstyoshop.com/blog/?p=1993

KOOL KOOR INTERVIEW

2011-06-17T16:30:00.003+02:00

Check out the master Mr.Kool Koor aka B-One in this interview from TV Brussel...schooling the masses in a quick history lesson of his South Bronx roots & inspirations.

MOCA ART IN THE STREETS FEAT. RAMM:ΣLL:ZΣΣ

2011-06-07T10:26:00.007+02:00

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART: ART IN THE STREETS (04.17.11 - 08.08.11)

"Art in the Streets" is the first major U.S. museum survey of graffiti and street art. Curated by MOCA Director Jeffrey Deitch and Associate Curators Roger Gastman and Aaron Rose, the exhibition will trace the development of graffiti and street art from the 1970s to the global movement it has become today. One of the features a massive tribute to RAMM:ΣLL:ZΣΣ ...which makes this exhibition the first of its kind and finally recognizes the importance of graffiti in the traditional art world.

THE BATTLE STATION: Is a recreation of RAMM:ELL:ZEEs bedroom curated by his wife Carmela Zagari RAMMELLZEE.

The RAMM:ELL:ZEE from MOCA on Vimeo.

RIP LEON BOTHA

2011-06-06T15:19:00.003+02:00

LEON BOTHA, (1985 - 2011) South African painter and musical performer as well as one of the world's oldest survivors of progeria. May we all learn from this inspirational & wise person... REST IN PEACE HOMIE!

"L.E.O.N is a learning element of nature. From the moment of birth, I've been learning lessons through burning testings, of the Head, Heart & Guts. Body, Soul & Spirit. Salt, Sulphur & Mercury, in the stages of alchemy. I have been sent on a long path to take a short journey & share glimpses of my experiences & visions as a artist/channel. Though mostly known for painting, I am a student of many & a master of none, striving to utilize the ways that convey my expressions most successfully. "Gza/The Genius" released a album in 1995 entitled "Liquid Swords". The concept was, rappers as lyrical swordsmen, as the tongue being symbolic to the sword & also that wisdom comes in many different streams & flows, like water. (The concept had no visual interpretation.) I applied that to me & my art, also in a visual symbolic form that I now show in my work from time to time: The sword is the self, cutting through matter, time & experience to penetrate to insight, knowledge, wisdom & overstanding. Art is like liquid, it comes in infinite forms & flows. As artist I strive to be like water, ever changing & always flowing: If I can't be defined then I cannot be confined. The pen IS the sword!"

13TH WITNESS SHOW REEL

2011-06-01T15:55:00.005+02:00

My boy Tim McG aka 13th Witness can handle a lens! He put out this show reel a few months back, but I thought I'd post it here for anyone and hasn't seen it...you are in for a potent little visual treat.

If this shit doesn't get you psyched... I don't know!

13thWitness Films : 2011 Reel from 13thWitness™ on Vimeo.

"FABRIC OF TIME" CUSTOM CASIO G-SHOCK ART EXHIBITION

2011-05-10T17:15:00.005+02:00

It's a rare occasion that I get to design a piece for a street culture event that I conceptualized myself! ...but here are some snaps of my exclusive 1/1 customized art watch which is currently up at FICTION for the FABRIC OF TIME custom G-SHOCK art exhibition...keep an eye on the SHELFLIFE blog for event pics soon! In the meantime check out the official press release HERE

2 YEARS LATER- A SKATEBOARD ART EXHIBITION

2011-04-21T16:28:00.004+02:00

On Friday 15 April 2011, The 2 YEARS LATER skateboard exhibition was held at Yourstruly Deli, 175 Long Street Cape Town, South Africa. Curated by Sean Mc Veigh & Warwick Herholdt. Here are some images from the show and my own contribution...

D-CIPHERED: CLOSER LOOK

2011-03-07T15:55:00.003+02:00

A closer look at some of the artworks from the "D-CIPHERED" exhibition at Fiction.

"QUANTUM MECHANICS"
APROX. SIZE: A0

"ARCHITECTS OF WAR"
APROX. SIZE:A1

"THE LETTER D"
APROX. SIZE:A2

"ADAPT TO SURVIVE"
APROX. SIZE: A2

"0 TO 360 DEGREES"
APROX. SIZE: A3

"LETTER RACER"
APROX. SIZE: A5

"AGENT OF TRUTH"
APROX. SIZE: A5

Please mail gmt0237 (at) gmail.com for all inquiries & pricing.

D-CIPHERED OVERVIEW

2011-02-23T14:25:00.002+02:00

For those who can't make it out to the "D-Ciphered" Mini Exhibit at Fiction Bar/Club...here are a few overview snaps.

Sales enquiries directed to: gmt0237 (at) gmail.com

If you are in Cape Town, the exhibit is scheduled until the 28th of Feb, so go check it out up close before the end of this month! http://www.fictionbar.com/

D-CIPHERED MINI ART EXHIBIT

2011-02-11T16:49:00.011+02:00

"D-CIPHERED"
Mini Exhibition by DR.ZVLV starts tonight at Club Fiction.

11 -28th February 2011

http://www.fictionbar.com/

226 Long Street Cape Town, South Africa, 8001

Tues - Sat: 9:00 pm - 4:00 am

MONTANA x SHELFLIFE

2011-01-24T13:20:00.001+02:00

Just arrived this week an official collaboration tee I designed for "Shelflife Premium Vandal Attire" & "Montana/ MTN" aptly named the "Train Runner DIY". Classic South African metro train silhouette printed with special screen ink makes this fully customizable with paint markers or spraypaint. Paint a metrorail train in the comfort of your own home without the possibilities of getting shot at!!

The train runner tee graphics are based on South African train company logos and offers the chance for aspiring train bombers to paint trains without getting shot at, because of its completely customizable graphic. In South Africa, crime and cable theft is a major problem, with rail security on 24 hour high surveillance, armed gaurds at every station and 4x4's patrolling certain stretches of different lines. They often cant distinguish between graf-writers and cable theives...with a 'shoot first, ask questions later' mentality! Yet dedicated writers are sometimes able to overcome these high risk obstacles, which earns the South African scene maximum respect.

The Train Runner tee is available in black and white from the Shelflife online store. Buy your self a Montana 94 paintmarker to begin customizing your tee.

FUTURA INTERVIEW

2011-01-07T11:06:00.003+02:00

Just found this dope FUTURA interview on the new FUTURA LABORATORIES blog...and in othernews...FL is accepting international orders!

Stocktown Ep08 Futura from Stocktown on Vimeo.

SUMMER SNAPS

2011-01-06T09:50:00.007+02:00

Check out some of the better pics I got of the summer in Cape Town so far:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zulu237/

KIKSTYO x DR.Z EDITORIALS

2011-01-03T13:55:00.006+02:00

Some of the first in-house editorial images coming from KIKS TYO featuring the Dr.Z artist tee! will update I spot any others...

BEAT BOP: BREAK IT DOWN YEAH BABY!

2010-12-23T20:37:00.003+02:00

Had the post this...just to have it up on here! The hip-hip Holy Grail.."BEAT BOP"

The Beat Bop single featuring pioneering rappers Rammellzee and K-Rob, originally released in 1983 by record label Tartown. Initially distributed merely as a test pressing, it is notable for being featured in the hip-hop documentary film Style Wars and produced by famed New York graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, who also did the infamous cover art. The track has been cited as having an influence on artists such as Beastie Boys & Cypress Hill and many experimental hip hop artists due to its slow tempo, chaotic, abstract sound.

ROCK ON TO THE BREAK 'A DAWN...720Z!

KIKSTYO x DR.ZVLV ARTIST TEES

2010-12-22T17:24:00.005+02:00

This is my most recent colab with Japanese sneaker giants KIKS TYO! Available for purchase from the KIKS TYO webstore now!

DR.ZULU VS JACK PAROW

2010-12-10T08:55:00.006+02:00

Voting has been going on for about a week now...its seems to be down to me & JACK PAROW! This is your last chance to vote as final counts will be done on Monday 13th Dec.

check out link to the "CREATIVE FACTORY" competition here on Facebook...

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?op=1&view=global&subj=56470448215&pid=15747728&id=695940236&oid=56470448215#!/photo.php?fbid=479221698215&set=a.479221393215.266073.56470448215

To vote: "like" the Puma group first and the "like" the shoes designed by Dr.Zulu.....

PUMA CREATIVE FACTORY LAUNCH

2010-12-03T12:48:00.006+02:00

Here are the a few snaps from the PUMA CREATIVE FACTORY LAUNCH at the PUMA SOCIAL CLUB...it was very interesting and fun to be part of this process, with the end result and launch event all together a very worthy experience . I would recommend anyone get their own done instore as soon as they can too! Props to PUMA SA for taking the lead on the customizing revolution and for having me down from the start... What an honour it is! I will post up a link to the public voting process soon at goes live...watch this space!

PUMA CREATIVE FACTORY

2010-11-25T09:42:00.005+02:00

Your chance to vote for the first Puma x Dr.Z production sneaker is coming!

for more info and insight into this project check out this microsite: http://www.puma.com/creativefactory

SNEAK PEAK

2010-11-11T11:01:00.002+02:00

ART OF FACTS (feat. FUTURA)

2010-11-04T12:36:00.003+02:00

Check out this clip featuring Futura doing what he does in some excellent footage by his son (13th Witness) that give great insight in some master techniques!

Art Of Facts (Feat. FUTURA) from 13thWitness™ on Vimeo.

LEGO NIKE SNEAKER SCULPTURE

2010-10-27T15:48:00.013+02:00

As part of the NSW MORE THAN AIR campaign... I was asked to design a display at SHELFLIFE STORE to artistically represent the NIKE AIR MAX 1 and echo the illustrations I had already done for SPOEK MATHAMBO & MSHINI WAM event...so staying with the digital/ pixelated theme I used actual Lego blocks to construct a sneaker sculpture to true scale.

NIKE AIR MAX/ SPOEK MATHAMBO/ DR.Z

2010-10-27T13:00:00.007+02:00

NIKE SPORTSWEAR SA asked me to design some graphics for the NIKE AIR MAX & MSHINI WAM launch party at NEIGHBOURHOOD, I came up with some pixelated/ Lego block style illustrations for the VJ to blast onto the large screens in the venue while SPOEK & MSHINI WAM played live.

MORE PICS OF THE EVENT HERE:

WEAREAWESOME.COM PHOTO SET:1

WEAREAWESOME.COM PHOTO SET:2

SPOEK MATHAMBO – MSHINI WAM from spoek mathambo on Vimeo.

A WELL OILED MACHINE

2010-10-01T09:48:00.007+02:00

TOKYO TIMELAPSE BY NIGHT.

FUTURE FORWARD! ...are you ready?

INSIDE SCOOP FEAT. DR.Z!

2010-09-20T18:14:00.004+02:00

"Siyabonga 'Scoop' Ngwekazi is at it again, this time he goes deep into the streets of Mzansi in search of our Sneaker culture and heritage. He goes across the country to hangout with the likes of Adrian Day, Tumi (T from the V), Anthea Poulos, Hayden Manuel,and Bradley Abrahams and Nick & Dr. ZVLV from SHELFLIFE. They all share their stories about their love for the game, so you see this is more than the Game, this is a lifestyle..."

Also peep (part 1) here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOUDaD3-1lE&feature=player_embedded

FEATURED IN SNEAKER TOKYO 3

2010-09-10T14:12:00.006+02:00

Following up it's second volume back in March on Hiroshi Fujiwara , Sneaker Tokyo returns with Vol. 3, this time focusing on iconic sportswear brand PUMA, “Puma as You've Never Seen them Before”. Produced by the same creatives behind SHOES MASTER, Sneaker Tokyo highlights the world of sneakers, through the eyes of Japanese & International enthusiasts...including DR.Z!

Vol. 3 is now available for pre-order through Amazon Japan, A peek into the latest from Sneaker Tokyo can be seen below.

LETTER D ANIMATED

2010-08-23T14:01:00.008+02:00

A quick stop motion animation of the recent Lego Letter "D" showing a full 360° view.

FORBIDDEN LEGO

2010-08-13T10:49:00.003+02:00

Forbidden LEGO introduces you to the type of free-style building that LEGO's master builders do for fun in the back room. Using LEGO bricks in combination with common household materials (from rubber bands and glue to plastic spoons and ping-pong balls) along with some very unorthodox building techniques, you'll learn to create working models that LEGO would never endorse.

Fully automatic Lego gun:

PURCHASE HERE: http://www.amazon.com/

LIFE SIZE TRANSFORMER

2010-08-12T11:17:00.010+02:00

Check out ROBOSTEEL ...they specialize in life size steel sculptures like this large life-size OPTIMUS PRIME that contains over 5,000 unique recycle steel parts collected from busted up cars, boats, vehicles and devices such as dishwashers, televisions etc.

PURCHASE HERE: http://www.robosteel.com/sculptures/transformers/transformer-2-5-meter.html#

THE REAL TRICORDER

2010-08-10T17:23:00.004+02:00

Geek out on this pretty advanced & handy tech for minute: the Moonblink "Tricorder"android mobile app based on the conceptual STAR TREK: TRICORDER device, it is an open source application that reads and checks signal strength of GPS satellites, display acceleration, electromagnetic flux, an analysis of the local acoustic environment; your location from various providers, the availability and strength of cellular and WiFi signals, and the current state of the Sun and solar wind, including current pictures of the Sun...future forward!

GRAFFITI TECHNICA REEL

2010-08-04T18:39:00.001+02:00

Graffiti Technica reel from Graffiti Technica on Vimeo.

DONDI ON ARMOURING THE LETTER

2010-08-02T12:48:00.003+02:00

LEGO® LETTER RACER

2010-07-26T12:34:00.006+02:00

THE 4TH LETTER IKONOKLAST PANZERISM.
FORMATION "D" QUANTUM MECHANIC LEGO® LETTER RACER BY D-ONE/ DR.ZVLV

"DCipher reversed. IBILE. D proceding and/or with knowledge of I showing evolution’s dianetical course (Van Allen Belt) from energy to concrete construction to energy reformation and all points exits grounded from 0 to 360 (instruments), (light), (matter), the letters are reputed to and in the left of the cerebrum, sound from 0 to 180 degrees. Electromagnetic knowledge is in the future but in the present is fantasy of the future electromagnetic knowledge surrounding form of I with no electromagnetic interference. I form= Disease Culture. Electromagnetic interference formed by reaction of reaction through or to reaction, reaction caused by IBILE symbol (1). Conclusion symbol reborn ♂ Male and Female structure"

-Assassin knowledges of the remanipulated square point one to 720° to 1440°

© Copywrite 1979 / Revised 2003 [THE EQUATION RAMM:ELL:ZEE]

ASSASSINS KNOWLEDGE

2010-07-21T17:30:00.003+02:00

CAN YOU SEE THE "D"?

ALPHA'S BET: TIMESTOPPER

2010-07-15T17:18:00.003+02:00

STRICTLY PUBLISHED HERE FOR PURPOSES OF DOCUMENTATION & ACCURACY: ALPHA'S BET "456D1 TIMESTOPPER" BY RAMMELLZEE (Σ1). INDOCTRINATED 14/05/2010. ALL KNOWLEDGE IS CLASSIFIED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © DR.ZVLV (D-ONE)2010

ALPHA'S BET "D" CONSTRUCTION

2010-07-15T16:45:00.003+02:00

R.I.P. GENERAL RAMM:ELL:ZEE

2010-07-07T16:08:00.007+02:00

I delayed this post for about a week, due to overwhelming denial and grief...but I must finally bid a heartfelt farewell to ...SIGMA 1...HYTSYR 009...THE EQUATION...THE GRANDMASTER OF ASSASSINS.............THE RAMMΣLLZΣΣ!!

REST IN PANZERISM ZEE!!!...I'LL CATCH UP WITH YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!

-Your humble student & soldier...456D1

WORLD CUP OVERDOSE

2010-06-24T17:41:00.003+02:00

Yesterday we were only halfway through the 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP!...and I think most South Africans are feeling a bit like this guy right now!

DRUNK, originally uploaded by DR.ZVLV.

CHECK OUT MY SET OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP HERE ON FLICKR: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zulu237/sets/72157624294205388/

Vuvuzela Advantage for Asian Teams at FIFA WC 2010

2010-06-17T12:04:00.003+02:00

Vuvuzela Advantage for Asian Teams at FIFA WC 2010, originally uploaded by timtak.

Interesting Article/ Blog post at:

http://www.burogu.com/

They also happened to borrow one of my world cup images from my flickr page...check it out here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zulu237/

RESTRUCTURING: BACK SOON!

2010-03-18T09:40:00.003+02:00

THE SHOPKEEPER EXHIBIT

2009-11-27T18:32:00.006+02:00

On Saturday 21st November 2009 Shelflife Store & Co.Lab Studio hosted the SHOPKEEPER TOY SHOW & SHELFLIFE 3RD BIRTHDAY PARTY. It was two great reasons to celebrate and public response was extremely hyped.

The original toy was designed and sculpted by DR.Z, inspired by the concept & styling of a barcode-scan gun. The toy itself is cast in polyresin & marble composite with & perspex bar code 'shelf'. It was a very limited hand crafted series of 50 artist blanks, 20 orange Shelflife production versions & 20 Dr.Z green production versions. There are now available from Shelflife Store, 119 Loop St CT.

For more info & pics check out FB group:

OFFICIAL EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAX AT CO.LAB BLOG

DR.Z NIKE 1AM INTERVIEW

2009-10-28T13:41:00.004+02:00

I was recently asked to be one of the 'revolutionaries' for the NIKE IAM1 Air Max sneaker campaign...I am featured with an interview and custom artwork in the official booklet, gallery on 4th blog and Nike.com site.

PTT HEADERS SERIES X DR.ZULU

2009-09-11T12:41:00.004+02:00

Just hooked up local graff blog PTT with some fresh new pixels...I designed 5 new "headers" for the site and will be on rotation throughout the rest of the year so keep checking for updates! This first of 5 is on the platform right now.

Also if you are in the CT area and have some new graffiti images to contribute to the PPT...submit the pics and email them in jpeg format to submitptt@gmail.com and please include the area which the photo was taken in. PaintingTheTown only accepts photos of high quality Cape Town graffiti.

www.paintingthetown.co.za

SNEAKER FREAKER INTERVIEW

2009-08-18T16:13:00.002+02:00

Check out the interview I recently did on Sneakerfreaker.com...

'We're all about exposing sneaker culture on a global scale, so when we got a prescription from South Africa's DR. ZVLV, we knew we needed to be innoculated! After doing his rounds on tour with Peter Fahey's Sneaker Pimps, graff artist/designer Dr ZVLV opened the country's first ever sneaker spot, Shelflife. A concoction of streetwear, sneakers and graff product, the store has become a centre of education for the flourishing South African scene. And thanks to a recent jackpot won from a local warehouse, Shelflife is now the proud owner of an incredible inventory of vintage sneakers. We caught up with Dr Z. for a quick chat and to get the lowdown on his score of scores!'

>click here for link<

THE SHOPKEEPER SNEAK PEEK

2009-06-25T17:40:00.004+02:00

Here is sneak peek at the upcoming toy "THE SHOPKEEPER" which I designed & sculpted for SHELFLIFE STORE & GALLERY. This is the 'blank' version featured below...stay tuned for details of an exhibition soon!

NIKE SB DEBACLE PREMIER

2009-06-19T13:43:00.005+02:00

After years of debate and confusion it looks like NIKE SB is actually finally hitting our shores down in SA! Although no stores have received any stock yet...don't hold your breath! In the meantime here are a few snaps from the NIKE SB DEBACLE HD movie screening/ launch party at the Waiting Room last night...with a little taste of the freshness we can expect to get in the country soon!

LAKAI ART+KICKS SHOW AT BASELINE

2009-06-05T12:01:00.002+02:00

On the 12 MAY 09 BASELINE STUDIO presented the KICKS+ART a group art show in conjunction with [R]EVOLUTION and LAKAI footwear.

Artists featured were: Dr. Zulu (Shelflife Crew) Machine Man (BTeam) (Shelflife Crew) Nick Keeping (Limbo) Freddy Sam (Word Of Art) Lennox Star Tyler B. Murphy (Sins Of Style) Trudyplankton Dizzy Tyd (Baseline Studio) Mr. Sliprz No. 4 Minus 1 (Conduit) S. J. Mc Veigh (Baseline Studio) LEE 337 (Sins Of Style)

I was good to see local skateboarding getting in on the art scene...although the LAKAI LAKOZY is more of a slipper than a skate shoe, it was a welcomed change of pace from the sneakers that I have customized before. I simply expanded on the already "clinical" appearance of the shoes and transformed them into something a rescue worker or medical professional might wear in the not too distant future.

THE 10 YEAR STICKER FETISH

2009-05-27T13:40:00.004+02:00

A STICKER FETISH... that is where it started for me around 10 years ago! I have always been obsessed with stickers and posters...but was I completely inspired by the early SHEPARD FAIRY OBEY stickers as a form of graffiti around 1999. I soon started making my own and have not really ever stopped! To mark this 10 year anniversary.... I will be hitting streets with these new shiny little bitches! In addition, if you send my your mailing address I will post you one!

email me here: gmt0237@gmail.com

SONY ERICSSON K-SERIES MOBILE THEME

2009-05-23T14:40:00.005+02:00

I designed a custom "DR.ZULU" mobile phone theme for other SONY ERICSSON K850i users. Please download it and let me know what you think. It will most likely also work for other "K series" handsets. Enjoy!

>DOWNLOAD K850i THEME FILE HERE<

FLEXFIT X DR.Z (PRIVATE ISSUE)

2009-05-19T17:06:00.003+02:00

PRIVATE ISSUE FLEXFIT CAP AVAILABLE PRE-ORDER FROM SHELFLIFE STORE. R500.00

STUDIO ZVLV

2009-03-13T15:13:00.003+02:00

STUDIO ZVLV, originally uploaded by DR.ZVLV.

RARE IMAGE FROM THE COMMAND CENTER AND MY NEW(IMPROVED)CBD WORK STATION. AUTHORIZED ACCESS ONLY

SNIPER SHOOTING AT FLICKR

2009-03-12T16:47:00.002+02:00

ELEGANTLY WASTED, originally uploaded by DR.ZVLV.

NOW BROADCASTING LIVE: SONY H2 "SNIPER SHOOTING" GALLERY AT THE DR.ZULU FLICKR PAGE...

SHELFIFE PREMIUM VANDAL ATTIRE

2008-12-17T12:22:00.001+02:00

This is the first Dr.Z design for the brand new ltd. ed. SHELFLIFE clothing range, featuring an exploded technical diagram of a Nike Air Max dripping with paint! Available exclusively from Shelflife store 119 Loop St. CT.

"SHELFLIFE STRETCH"

2008-12-10T15:44:00.000+02:00

"As part of Nike Sportswear’s Icon Project with Shelflife Store in Loop Street, Cape Town, Nike asked Dr.Zulu and Nick Herbert to come up with a new take on the AF1 Supreme, stretching the concept as far as it would go."

Full video clip and interview with Dr.Zulu and Nick Herbert now showing over at the Nike Sportswear website: >click here<

SNEAKER PIMPS NEW ERAS 09

2008-12-03T11:24:00.001+02:00

The 2009 Sneaker Pimps New Eras designed by DR.Z are dropping soon worldwide. Available in SA next year from Shelflife Store. here's a preview:

LEGO "GRAFFITI" LETTER EXHIBITION

2008-11-17T09:59:00.006+02:00

LEGO "GRAFFITI" LETTER EXHIBITION: SYNOPSIS "Experimental South-African artist/ designer "DR.ZULU" has turned his attention to LEGO® as an art medium. The premise of the mini-exhibition held at SHELFLIFE STORE is to explore how the universal iconic product and it's pre-packed recreational building blocks can be assimilated into an advanced communication.

Commercial techniques of communication such as design, packaging, branding & merchandising run parallel to the more subversive techniques of graffiti lettering & typography. In addition, quantum mechanics & mathematics are systemically formulated into each artwork to produce a prototype visual equation which is both futuristic & timeless. So drop by SHELFLIFE and support your favorite mad scientist!"

Documented highlights of the 'Dr.Zulu Lego Letter Series' 2008 Exhibition:

© 2008 DR.ZULU. All trademarks, servicemarks, and copyrights are property of their respective owners. LEGO® and the brick configuration are property of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, own, or endorse this site or DR.ZULU.

SHELFLIFE MINI-EXHIBITION PREVIEW

2008-11-10T17:19:00.003+02:00

With my "ZULU LEGO LETTERS" graffiti letter exhibition recently opened, here are a few "teaser" pics for you to preview. Drop in at SHELFLIFE STORE, 119 LOOP ST. CAPE TOWN to take a closer examination. If you cant make it down to the store, keep watching this space for updates. Also to remind you that the show will be evolving through out the month with new works.

INVENTORY/ CURRENTLY EXHIBITING:

1) DR.Z LEGO LETTER "D" TAGS (x1) PRICE/UNIT R700.00
2) DR.Z LEGO LETTER "R" TAGS (x1) PRICE/UNIT R700.00
3) DR.Z LEGO LETTER "R" TAGS (x1) PRICE/UNIT R700.00
4) DR.Z BOX TAGS (x9) PRICE/UNIT R200.00
5) DR.Z LEGO BURNER(MINI) (x1) PRICE/UNIT R300.00
6) DR.Z LEGO BURNER(U-GUNNER) (x1) PRICE/UNIT R300.00

ZULU LEGO™ LETTER EXHIBITION AT SHELFLIFE

2008-11-05T18:42:00.002+02:00

I have begun to set up my "ZULU LEGO™ LETTER" exhibition on the rotating artist wall at Shelflife Store. It is a work in progress which will be evolving and changing throughout the month of November. I will try to document the entire process here as it happens...

VISUAL TIMEKEEPING: 2ND PHASE (LIVE)

2008-10-11T14:21:00.002+02:00

VT: BETA TESTING//PHASE 2

"I am now completely satisfied and impressed with the foundation of personal broadcast technology that I have been using and will begin PHASE 2 testing. This will be slightly more experimental to mainly explore the full potential of the SONY ERICSSON K850i cameraphone and the PhotoDJ™ photo editing tool supplied with the handset.

Thank you for stopping by again... please add me as a Flickr contact if you have your own account!"

DR.Z

now uploading...click here:

www.flickr.com/photos/zulu237

VISUAL TIMEKEEPING: INITIATED (LIVE)

2008-10-02T09:20:00.001+02:00

VT: BETA TESTING// PHASE 1

"I am currently experimenting with integrated solutions technology so that I am able to upload images and information from via my camera phone to multiple sites. For the first time to me it seems truly possible to be creative, mobile and connected at the same time with minimal cost. This is extremely exiting, even though some privacy concerns are at the back of my mind I have set out to test the limits of my creativity and the technology.

From today I will try to keep an up-to-the-minute visual diary of sorts on flickr.com. My personal friends will be informed of updates via facebook.com not to mention everyone will be able to view my news blog at blogger.com. All instantly as it happens!

This is what I call "visual timekeeping" live in real time... enjoy. "

DR.Z

now uploading please click here...

www.flickr.com/photos/zulu237

SHELFLIFE NSW INSTALLATION

2008-09-17T12:25:00.000+02:00

Shelflife Store was asked to create an artist installation for the new Nike Sportswear campaign which would creatively represents the "Air Force One" sneaker as one of the style icons within the Sportswear Division. In addition, to communicate the values and culture of the Shelflife Store as "AF1" focused retail outlet.

We (Dr.Zulu and Nick Herbert) conceptualized a mind bending display in which to showcase the artwork. The theme of "rubber-bands" carried through the display onto a customized AF1, a sculpture, a graffiti piece, ltd. edition T-shirts, and a billboard sized painting on the Shelflife building. The main inspiration being the Air Force One itself as an iconic symbol of sport, design and urban culture in general. Secondly the centerpiece of the Nike Sportswear footwear, an AF1 Supreme Max with inspired by the "Birds Nest" Olympic Stadium in Beijing. In addition themes such as basketball, graffiti art and consumerism are intertwined withing the same installation to reflect the bigger picture that is our culture.

DR.ZULU INTERVIEW FOR NIKE NSW

2008-09-17T11:30:00.001+02:00

Describe the Nike brief your were presented?

Shelflife Store was asked to create or facilitate an artist installation for the new Nike Sportswear campaign which would creatively represent the "Air Force One" sneaker as one of the style icons within the Sportswear Division. In addition, to communicate the values and culture of the Shelflife Store as "AF1" focused retail outlet.

What was your inspiration for your creative interpretation?

The main inspiration is the Air Force One itself as an iconic symbol of sport, design and urban culture in general. Secondly the centerpiece of the Nike Sportswear footwear, an AF1 Supreme Max with inspired by the "Birds Nest" Olympic Stadium in
Beijing. It is the shoe that the designers have dubbed "The Black Widow."

What have been your biggest challenges?

Aside from the actual production side of physically building all the various pieces of the installation, visualizing the the concept was a challenge as we didn't want the concept to have any obvious or direct reference points but to rather accentuate or highlight the inspiration in an artistic, original way. With the main feature of the concept being actual "rubber bands" that collectively echo various themes and
common factors between Nike Sportswear, Shelflife, and us as artists. Themes such as basketball and graffiti art, and consumerism are intertwined withing the same installation to reflect the bigger picture that is our culture.

What have you enjoyed most about working on this project?

The most fulfilling part aside from actualizing the initial vision is always to see how various people react to the artwork or which questions might arise because of it. It is very rewarding to when people begin to understand or aspire to be a part of whatever it is that artwork is trying to communicate.

What do you want people to see and take away from your work on this project?

We would like the artwork to correctly highlight the rich heritage and the future potential of the iconic Air Force One. It is our hope that people will begin to understand how a sneaker can be such an integral part of urban culture and how Shelflife Store (and us as artists) are equally apart of the same cultural fabric.

MAD TEA PARTY

2008-07-30T11:10:00.001+02:00

I was approached to collaborate with Donna from "Original Tea Bag Designs", a craft artist who makes recycled products from used tea bags, for a TV show on SABC 1 called HEADWRAP:

"An arts and culture show with a twist, SABC1’s Headwrap is based on a fresh, well thought-out concept. In an attempt to fuse artistic genres and bridge the looming chasm in South Africans’ cultural landscape, the programme brings together two artists who are disparate in more than just style and character.Headwrap is doing more than merely showcasing local talent; it’s exploiting an artistic platform to indirectly tackle SA’s social schisms — gulfs that transcend gender, race and class. " Kate Stegeman THE WEEKENDER - BUSINESS DAY

ZULU LEGO™ LETTER BURNER

2008-06-13T13:42:00.001+02:00

This is the first prototype for a series of LEGO™ graffiti letter burner sculptures I have started constructing, this one made from the EXO-FORCE™ 8112 Battle Arachnoid.

FL X FATSARAZZI

2008-03-31T14:42:00.001+02:00

The new FL x FATSARAZZI Tee features Futura rocking the Sneaker Pimps collabo I did with Futura himself!

GRIME PAYS

2008-03-07T18:37:00.000+02:00

Sometimes a simple well placed tag can make any dank piss hole a gallery exhibition.

SNEAKER PIMPS 2006 GALLERY

2008-02-19T13:44:00.000+02:00

MY SONY IMAGE STATION HAS BEEN MOVED TO SHUTTERFLY...SNEAKER PIMPS TOUR 2006 FLICKS ARE NOW HERE: www.sneakerpimps.shutterfly.com

STOCKED UP!

2008-02-15T14:08:00.001+02:00

SHELFLIFE is now an official stockist of the SNEAKER PIMPS brand! Designed exclusively X Dr.Z

BE TRUE.

2008-02-12T10:02:00.000+02:00

BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL.

GI JOE

2008-01-24T16:20:00.001+02:00

Seattle mission complete. Refer to other known locations for additional images. Recovery ops of utility foot soldiers successful. Toys 'r not' us.

REEBOK TIMETANIUM

2007-11-14T13:25:00.000+02:00

John Maeda, renowned mathematician, graphic designer and professor at MIT's Media Lab teamed up with Reebok to release a line of original footwear, launching Tuesday, Nov. 13. The collaboration, Reebok's Timetanium shoes, feature original graphics by Maeda.

Although he's designed "skateboards, tables, chairs and clothing, but never a sneaker," this project, like all the rest, was designed completely by Maeda from scratch. Instead of relying on pre-packaged design software, Maeda came up with original mathematic algorithms and codes that resulted in the multi-colored Spirograph-like exterior. And that's not all – the interior of the shoe is printed with Maeda's hand-written calculations that were used in its creation. "I spend all my time sketching out computer codes and algorithms on paper, so those are the same codes I hand-wrote to design the shoe," says Maeda.

Reebok plans to only release a limited amount of the shoe candy, a mere 100 pairs (and be prepared to drop some serious coin for the shoe – one pair will run you $150) and only through the Rbk Custom site. However, if you miss your chance to score a set, Maeda hinted that a new design would follow soon after.

ΔLΡΗΔΒΣΤ

2007-11-07T11:46:00.000+02:00

...making progress with my handwritten lettering style alphabet. Almost satisfied with it although as a commercial font some letters might need a few alterations.

ENVY GREEN CUSTOMS

2007-11-07T11:17:00.000+02:00

My old NIKE AIR MAX reborn with the DR.Z custom flavour...

and incase you were wondering how I put it together...two words..."CUSTOM !NV@$!ON"

TAG EVOLUTION

2007-10-19T13:40:00.000+02:00

For the first time in my 10 year career...I'm actually becoming content with the way my signature tag is beginning to look. The former "zulu237" has evolved into a simplified "DR.Z" with a the ® circled like a registration symbol, with technique in a kind of brushed on zen style. There will be variations just to make it interesting but the foundations finally seem solid enough to develop it as an actual logo...comments welcomed!

BLADERUNNER RAZORWIRE X DR.ZULU

2007-09-17T14:30:00.000+02:00

First was the all-over CHEMICAL print... now the knife resistant RAZORWIRE HOODY and T-SHIRT is the second design collaboration I have done with BLADERUNNER UK manufacturers of KEVLAR® lined apparel and protective gear. PRE-ORDERS from SHELFLIFE STORE or email contact@shelflife.co.za

JB CLASSICS x SNEAKER PIMPS x DR.ZULU (V2)

2007-09-12T11:27:00.000+02:00

This is the second JB CLASSICS/ SNEAKER PIMPS collab release where my graphics have been incorporated...featuring Snake Skin embossed leather and toe vamp & quarter with perforated nubuck leathers. The collar and tongue panel wrapped in Micro NuBuck, pebbled textured in black kicked off with the Black Sneaker Pimps® lace lock & oval black laces as the 1st lace option and 2nd lace option Red oval laces. The side quarter & tongue panels are embossed & printed with the SP x DR.ZULU Chain-Link Fence graphics in white with the inner lining sublimation print of speckled colors on black base color. The black outsole sidewalls with its speckled colors white rubber bottoms. The inner footbed’s print with the Australian map, which marks the day 1 location of the beginning if the Sneaker Pimps world tour.

BIOSTEEL®

2007-09-07T12:54:00.000+02:00

The next generation protective fabric technology is not far off! Visions of wear-resistant shoes and clothes, ropes, nets, seatbelts, and parachutes; and rustfree panels and bumpers for automobiles make for a research scientists wet dreams! So do improved sutures and bandages, artificial tendons and ligaments, and supports for weakened blood vessels. Soldiers and police are holding out for lightweight bulletproof vests made of spider silk!

BioSteel® is Nexia's recombinant dragline spider silk program and is based on using Nexia's transgenic goat technology. Spider silk has long been admired by material scientists for its unique combination of high-performance properties including toughness, strength, lightness and flexibility. Nexia has exclusive worldwide rights to broad patents covering spider silk genes and proteins and is in the process of developing a commercial spinning process for BioSteel®.

In order to construct ®, Nexia claims that they take a spiders dragline gene and genetically alter it and inject it into a goat embryo. From there, Nexia allows the goat to be born and fully develop. Next comes the milking process, since the dragline protein can only be found in Goat milk they can only extract the dragline gene from female goats. Nexia takes the goat milk and separates the milk from the silk concentrate.

β-spiral models for relaxed and extended protein conformations in spider capture silk

spiderweb & representation of sythetic spider silk fibers
microscopic image of a spider's silk spigots

ROCK PAPER SNEAKERS

2007-08-21T14:52:00.000+02:00

DR.ZULU X SHIN TANAKA