ANSI art not to be confused with pixel art is a trend from the 80s which could be making a come back thanks to events such as the upcoming ANSI art exhibition in San Francisco early next year. I have to say there is not much difference to pixel art if you do not look carefully but it does seems to be a more complicated process to create. I can not wait to see ANSI art in the future.

You see a lot of retro wallpaper these days that simply use old style patterns. Some can be cool but none if you really want a retro style wallpaper without going completely vintage then I recommend you take take a look at the small yet stunning range offered by Nama Rococo. They actually come as sheets so you can have just one single piece or fill an entire wall. They have some bold designs with strong colours but they all look superb and will give you that modern retro feel you might be searching for.
[via Apartment Therapy]

This video is not what I was expecting it to be but none the less its a strange yet funny insight to Origami [via Paper Forest]

I love browsing old magazine scans and when it is a combination of retro toys and cars if is just that bit more special. The toys in question are the Matchbox cars which I am sure many of you will have collected. The superb illustration above and the super sweet Ford GT below is a just a sample of the delights in the 1969 Matchbox Collector’s Catalog.

320,000 old train tickets we used to create a black and white pixel version of Mona Lisa. There were also recreations of other master pieces which were all created by 300 employees over a 3 month period in a department store in Osaka. [via Pink Tentacle]

The best thing about coming across a collection of anything retro is that it usually features some truly great retro illustrations and designs. I feel like I have hit a gold mine with this fantastic collection Vintage Vinyl Sleeves at Record Envelope. The site is still pretty new but the collection is already quite vast with some interesting ways of designing around the hole in the middle.

The National Library of France have a stunning collection of art work filled with ambitious predictions for the year 2000. It is quite amazing to see what people from the early 20th century thought about the future. A common prediction seems to be the thought of flying… how I wish that prediction was true.

On a different note the illustrations are superb in there own right and are credited to Villemard. View more of the art at Paelo Future.

Ever wondered who was behind the amazing illustrations from the Lord of the Rings books? Well LCS has an excellent interview with the artist, John Howe. Learn more about the artist and see more of his amazing work.

Graham Corcoran is a freelance illustrator based in Dublin, Ireland who’s work has been in magazines, books adverts and he has also worked as a concept artist for video games and animation. His illustration style caught my eye because some of his work reminds me of all the great illustrations from the past and this is due to a superb retro style and colour pallet he uses for many of his illustrations. Visit Graham Corcoran’s website or blog to see more of his great work.

Warhol Vs Banksy

10th August - 1st September 2007
Open to the public at The Hospital Gallery
In association with Pollock Fine Art.
A face to face show of classic drawings and paintings by Andy Warhol set against the infamous graffiti work of Banksy.

The Hospital Gallery is delighted to present Warhol Vs Banksy; the first exhibition anywhere by the world’s two hottest artists today. Campbell’s or Tesco? Grace Kelly, Muhammad Ali, Winston Churchill, Mick Jagger, Queen Elizabeth, The Beatles, Smiley Man police statue, Andy Warhol himself and others make for a potent cocktail of celebrity, satire and voyeurism. Upon contact opposing pictures are explosive for their contrast, even of the same subject.

The Gallery at The Hospital, Endell Street, London WC2. Admission is free.
Monday to Friday - 10am – 8pm
Saturday - Noon – 6pm
Sunday - Closed