The controversy surrounding the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal (henceforth the Crystal) at Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has focused too closely on the building itself, its spaces and materials. I will argue that the Crystal represents a commitment to a global commercial culture, and I will consider how this commitment has affected the way objects are displayed in the ROM. Until now, the controversy surrounding the Crystal has been focused mostly on the design of the building, and the consequences of that design for the collections housed by the ROM. I will review these controversies and clarify their relevance to what ...Read More
As this past January came to a close, the webcomic Axe Cop went pandemic over the internet. Of course a great many viral pandemics are sweeping the internet at any given moment, and under closer scrutiny they by and large develop little past the "How funny! I laugh!" first impressions (yes, I'm looking at you, sneezing panda) — but not Axe Cop. No, indeed my subject for this article, while still incredibly funny, rewards a closer, more critical look.
Axe Cop is drawn by Ethan Nicolle, the 29 year-old creator of Eisner-nominated "Chumble Spuzz," and written by his little brother, Malachai ...Read More
Alexis Barattin is an illustration student and a freelance illustrator from Toronto. She spends most of her time drawing and enjoys experimenting with collage and other media. Alexis also likes really expensive cookies and is trying to learn how to do the cryptic crossword. Check out more of her work on her blog and in Steel Bananas' Spotlight Gallery.
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