All posts filed under: Photography

Dear Guru: What’s the meaning behind these Cuban propaganda art posters that were sent to Laos back in the day?

Published by littlelaosontheprairie

This week’s burning question comes in via several emails and comments received when we posted our winner of “Best Public Art Display” on Facebook. It featured artwork from Cuba…sent to Laos during the Vietnam War era. What’s the meaning behind these Cuban propaganda art posters that were sent to Laos back in the day? In the aftermath of World War II, the old world order upended and empires fragmented, giving birth to a new era of nationalism and self-determination among the former colonies. Two opposing ideological blocs arose, the First World capitalist NATO countries and the Second World communist Eastern Bloc, competing for global dominance during this Cold War era. Many of the newly independent Third World states (many former colonies of NATO countries) formed their own neutral Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which sought to maintain good relations with both sides (at least on the surface). Overlapping the broader membership of the Non-Aligned Movement, were other factions working to sway members’ support on various issues, such as the African Union, the Arab League, the Afro-Asian People’s …

Chilling out with Cool Town Creations

Published by Bryan Thao Worra

This week we had a chance to sit down with Lao American artist and animator Carol Rasaphangthong also known as Carol K. Ras, who founded Cool Town Creations in Los Angeles. Over the years they’ve created short films and videos featuring original characters to well-known pop culture icons such as Mr. Spock, the supernatural investigator John Constantine from the comics, and more, applying their unique mix of humor and professionalism to each project. Cool Town Creations began as Cool Town Claymation, and today serves as a platform for creative artists to collaborate and make a simple thought tangible through stop motion animation.  Professionally, they offer services for commercials, music videos, short & feature films, business promotional videos, PSA’s and other projects, and can provide stop-motion animation seminars/workshops & consultation.  Can you tell us a little about yourself, and how did you develop an interest in art and animation in particular? What’s a part of your family’s story in coming to America that lingers with you the most? In a nutshell, I am like a Jill …