摸魚～ Fumbling for Fish. V

    Searching through Google for other examples of scanner art has yielded a pedestrian abundance of body parts and static arrangements. It cannot be understated that search optimization efforts as well as a lack of artistic imagination are prime suspects in this expanding pool of derivatives.

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    In light of recent philosophical changes, the tones of future posts will attempt to steer away from negative attitudes towards current art trends.

E Airness Unum: Shopping Spree #2

    Following up on the previous post, here are more examples of image manipulation hijinks with members of the US Air Guitar community.

Left to right: Stroock, 2013 Air Guitar World Championships runner-up; Melin, 2013 AGWC winner; Facemelter, 2013 US Air Guitar Championships winner.

Left to right: Mitt Umlaut, The CorpAIRation, Brock McRock, Cleoplectra, Van Dammage, Rockupine, Soulstice, Airosol, The Shred.

Left to Right: Soulstice, Justice Rocktor, Captain Airhab, Jean-Luc Pickguard, Vlad DM Wailer, The Lost Heartbreaker, Marteeka, President Baberham Lincoln, Cold Steel Renegade.

E Airness Unum: Shopping Spree #1

    For a few years now, it's become a minor tradition to Photoshop various members from the US Air Guitar community into spoofs of modern and popular culture. Current USAG Nationals champion Lieutenant Facemelter, along with two-time Nationals finalists Flying Finn and Van Dammage, are some of the main contributors to this pastime.

    In the image below, 2013 Air Guitar World Champion  Mean Melin (Kansas City, KS) is depicted in the first row, Doug the Thunderstroock of Washington, D.C., (runner-up to Melin) is behind, followed by fourth-place winner Nordic Thunder (2012 AGWC gold medalist from Chicago, IL) and then completed with fifth-place finisher Lieutenant Facemelter of San Diego, CA. This particular lineup marks the first time in AGWC history that four of the top five spots were claimed by representatives of the same country.

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    The second work was inspired by last fall's celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month then based on a poster for the first "Machete" film. Clockwise from the top are two-time Nationals finalist Dry Ice (Chicago, IL), rookie shredder Veneno (Houston, TX), USAG stage mascot Air Bear (Houston, TX), another two-time Nationals contender Tony Tapatio (the irresistible force of sexual nature in Seattle, WA) and Midwest metal maiden mainstay AirLeigh Legal (Rocky River, OH).

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"Mirror, Mirror..." - Side C

    In the case for education reform in the United States, various Twitter/Instagram feeds should be submitted as "Exhibit A."

#birdbrainsofafeathergetmockedtogether (click to enlarge)

    Each subject is unknown to this author and has been found from a rudimentary image search of public online material, therefore they will not have their identity obscured. 

E Airness Unum: Swag Me To Hell Part 4

    In drawing this series to a close with the final set of images, it must be said that much deliberation was made in deciding which of the many wonderful people in the air guitar community were selected for the project.

    First and foremost were the Air Guitar World Champions, USAG Hall of Fame inductees and recent Nationals finalists , followed by perennial contenders, tournament mainstays and rising stars, then rounded out with those who could represent the diverse characters that this annual event has attracted over the years. Regretfully, some were not included due to various reasons and ultimately this outcome feels satisfactory in showcasing a respectful range of air guitarists who earned and deserve more exposure.

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     Note: Any changes to stage names were made after completion of the artwork.

"Mirror, Mirror..." - Side B

    Twitter is where a picture is worth only 140 characters or less. This series of Photoshopped images started here.

#allinallyourejustanothertrickinthestall (click to enlarge)

#throughthelookingglasshalffullofthemselves (click to enlarge)

    Each subject is unknown to this author and has been found from a rudimentary image search of public online material, therefore they will not have their identity obscured. 

"Mirror, Mirror..." - Side A

    Self-portraits can represent the most vain aspects of an individual, and with the advent of digital image-capture technology on cellphones comes many an example of people all-too willing to expand on this type of narcissistic behavior. Using reflective surfaces both in private and public to shape, gauge and determine how society views them superficially, these persons are the result of a culture raised on visual programming and conditioned to imitate practices that appeal to the most basic of senses.

    In response to the growing trend of amateur self-portraits in washroom mirrors via cellphone, this new project will focus on replacing the imaging device with a wide range of other objects - somewhat similar to a website already dedicated to switching phones and babies with sandwiches in stock pictures or guns with thumbs-up gestures, the goal of "Mirror, Mirror..." is for personal amusement value and infrequent social commentary.

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    Each subject is unknown to this author and has been found from a rudimentary image search of public online material, therefore they will not have their identity obscured.