Unfortunately Annecy has recently just been in the press for the terrible shooting that took place there. Having just returned I thought I'd share a few snaps of an exhibition I went to at the Chateau and let you know dispite the atrocious act that put it in the news it is a very lovely town and had some cool work on display.

Well, in that this was 5 minutes from our studio I thought it really should be attended. To be honest I'd seen a fair few of the pics online so wasn't really expecting too much on top of what I was aware of. It didn't exhilarate me, however neither was it a waste of time. It kind of sat somewhere comfortably in the middle. Here's a couple more shots which I thought I'd post. I can't ruin it for anyone else as it's finished now, so if you missed it, sorry, but tough.

Every year I like to visit the National Portrait Gallery and view the entries for the BP Portrait Awards. And this year was no exception. The work on display is varied to say the least, some are not really 'my cup of tea', whereas others really are quite exceptional... Close your eyes if you're intending on going - and I thoroughly recommend you do as below is this years winner and one of my favourites too, Auntie by Aleah Chapin.

OK, so there's been quite a lot of recolouring of 'old classics' going on, some of which has just been truly appalling. These however are quite the opposite. Digitally modified by Swedish artist Sanna Dullaway, this collection of famous (and some private) images are pretty amazing to look at.

So, every once in a while one of the RARE team is unlocked and allowed to leave the desk to rediscover their serenity. This last week it was my turn and I managed to escape to Barcelona for a few days to take in the various sites and museums etc etc. I shall not bore you with my own stories of Gaudi and the Dali museum in Figueres I managed to get to (amazing), but more my surprise on the Metro...

Raising the bar again Amon Tobin shows us how a VJ set should be done. This impressive (and huge) 3D set pushes the boundaries of todays use of 3D projection. Look out for tour dates near you as we thoroughly recommend a ticket.

In England its a criminal offence to deface a bank note. Mark Wagner makes a living out of it in America. He creates pieces of art utilising the dollar bill, cutting, folding and finely slicing it to produce these collages.

James Mylne is an artist with an interesting quirk, he's chosen the most democratic of mediums (the humble biro) to flex his creative prowess.

Ok, probably not the best use of my time, but it could be the next Sistine Chapel...honest!

So just recently back from Snowboarding (just thought I'd get that in there!) Don't worry I'm not uploading pics of myself performing fantastic stunts (ahem!) but rather this curious bike I noticed on the side of the road one aprés-ski evening.