A New Platform for Creatives in War-Torn Countries, Netflix’s ‘Lupin,’ Flying Cars, and Other News

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Photo courtesy of Ishkar.com

By

January 14, 2021

Every Thursday the Sixtysix newsletter delivers the latest creative news, designs, and insights straight to your inbox. Here are this week’s highlights. Not on the email list? Subscribe now.

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Social enterprise platform ISHKAR gives creatives in countries like Afghanistan, Yemen, and Pakistan a retail outlet to share their work.

+ Founded by Flore de Taisne, ISHKAR aims to “tell stories of places like Afghanistan that aren’t just about bombs and what you can read in the headlines,” she told Dezeen.

+ Because of ISHKAR, designers like Ghulam Sekhi, the only glassblower in Herat, Afghanistan, have been able to grow their creative practice, expand their workspaces, and employ apprentices.

Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Guimier/Netflix

Netflix’s latest hit, Lupin, brings to life a modern master of disguise Arsène Lupin, a character created by Maurice Leblanc in 1905.

+ The show stars acclaimed French actor Omar Sy, whose character pulls off an ingenious heist at the Louvre as he seeks to avenge his father’s death.

+ On the surface Lupin might be about a robbery, but the undercurrent of the show tackles the painful reality of racism in Europe.

This 1958 Chevrolet Impala is one of more than 200 cars included in the sale. Photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Need a new ride? One of the world’s largest muscle car collections is auctioning off its cars.

+ Rick Treworgy’s Muscle Car City is home to one of the biggest collections of high-performance American cars in the world, with more than 200 cars under its roof.

+ Although Rick had plans to retire next year, the pandemic sped up his timeline. Now the collection—from Corvettes to El Caminos—will be auctioned off January 22 and 23.

Doom Gold

Doom (gold), Sept. 25, 2006. Photo by Skye Rossi

MF DOOM and Madlib’s Madvillainy sequel was nearly done—and could be released soon.

+ MF DOOM completed 11 tracks toward the sequel before his death in October, according to Stones Throw label head Peanut Butter Wolf.

DOOM was waiting for a few more songs to be completed before releasing them. Now Peanut Butter Wolf has DOOM’s family blessing to release the tracks together as a record.

Indulge each morning with this minimalist coffee maker set from Blueside Design and Næssi Studio.

+ Handcrafted by Italian artisans, the glass coffee maker set emphasizes organic shapes and clean lines.

+ The design is intended to transform coffee making into a thoughtful, meditative process to start your day.

Razer’s “Project Hazel” smart mask has a built-in lighting system—perfect for your post-pandemic partying.

+ Project Hazel is a medical-grade N95 mask. But unlike a regular N95, Project Hazel has “detachable and rechargeable active ventilators and Smart Pods” for easier breathing.

+ No more talking to yourself when you think people can’t see. Project Hazel is transparent so people can read your facial expressions and has a voice amplifier.

The latest from General Motors: an autonomous Cadillac and flying car concepts.

+ At CES, GM unveiled an egg-shaped autonomous vehicle and single-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft as part of part of Cadillac’s Halo Portfolio.

+ The downside: Neither concept car might ever get made.

ishkar live music sixtysix magazine

Photo by Robin Laananen

Good news, concert-goers: Fauci says live music could be back this fall.

+ Dr. Anthony Fauci had a virtual conference about the performing arts and said American authorities would have to vaccinate between 70-85% of people for music venues and theaters to reopen.

+ Although the timeline is vague, Fauci said reopening could start as soon as early to mid-fall “if everything goes right.” Here’s to hoping.

ishkar s

Photo courtesy of nytimes.com

Stephen Hiltner reveals portraits of a lonesome America.

+ Stephen captured the photographs during a 10,000-mile road trip across the country.

+ The scenes reflect solitude in an uncertain landscape. In the absence of people, Stephen focused on the natural environment and self-inquiry.