City 2 Surf news report: Human Statue Bodyart paints Nova96.9 runner Wippa

This morning the annual Sun-Herald City 2 Surf fun run took place.

It started off wet and windy, but about half an hour into the race weather conditions generally improved.

The race was as competitive as ever, but for one major sponsor, Nova 96.9FM, exposure and publicity was of paramount importance - not that finishing strongly wasn't also on the agenda.

Nova personality Wippa and a few of his mates got body-painted up courtesy of human statue agency, Human Statue Bodyart.

Wippa was made up with red and black bodypaint and it was impossible to miss the logos from supporters and sponsors including those from Nova, Dick Smith, The Stampede and New Love.

City 2 Surf News Report...

Liam Adams has become the first back-to-back winner of the City2Surf run since Dickson Marwa in 2006-07, besting his rivals to take out the 14-kilometre race in 00.41.31 minutes.

With his biggest challenger, Michael Shelley, competing in the Olympic marathon in London, it was all there for Adams to capitalise.

After grasping the lead early from the 8am start, Adams didn't seem fazed by the wet weather and strong winds, snatching a 40-second lead at the 5-kilometre mark and having the race convincingly won by the climax of Heartbreak Hill.

With fellow pre-race favourite Mitch Brown on his tail, Adams also left eventual runner-up Harry Summers in a race for second as he entered the back half of the race completely unchallenged.

He is the first Australian since Steve Moneghetti in the early 1990s to win back-to-back.

"I took the risk in going out and taking it too hard," Adams said.

"I actually blew up a bit so I thought I'd made the wrong choice and Harry is an even-matched runner with me. We've got close PBs [personal bests] and I thought he was going to run over me at the end.

"I thought I sightly broke him a little bit more up Heartbreak and a couple of those other hills and I just held on for dear life."

Some commentators thoughts that Sydney's torrential rain and gail-force winds made it arguably the worst racing conditions in City2Surf history.

In 42 years, only twice had it rained during the world's biggest run, but the capacity 85,000 entrants felt mother nature's stormy power.

There was early relief when the race started in relatively dry conditions, but by the time Adams and his chasers entered the second half of the event they were met with fearsome head on winds.

"It was worse than last year – that wind coming into Bondi was tough," Adams said.

"I thought I'd be best at cutting the wind but that wasn't quite the case. It was tough."

It was forecast to be one of the slowest City-2Surf's as a result, someone didn't notify the 25-year-old defending champion – who finished only 20 seconds slower than his 2011 time of 00.41.11 - and women's winner Lara Tamsett, who crossed in 00.46.55.

Of course, in the men's field, a number of regular entrants were unavailable due to Olympic commitments, including 2011 runner-up Shelley who will race in London tonight. And in the women's field, the race was wide open with defending Jess Trengove also in London. Instead, it was 2010 winner Lara Tamsett who was the favourite and snatched victory.

While none of the seeded or preferred runners came close to Steve Moneghetti's 1991 race record of 00.40.03 minutes or Suzie Power's 00.45.08 set in 2001, the race wasn't without its challenges, with competitors hit by a wet and slippery road and strong head winds.

Second for the women's was Clare Geraghty in 00.48.55 minutes and third Abigail Bailey in 00.49.26. Summers and Brown finished in times of 00.42.22 and 00.42.28 minutes, respectively.

Many celebrities took part in the race in the name of charity, including celebrity chef Neil Perry, radio personality Wippa, boxer Lauryn Eagle and Biggest Loser winner Margie Cummins.

Websites

Nova FM

www.novafm.com.au

The Sun-Herald City 2 Surf

www.city2surf.com.au

Human Statue Bodyart

www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au

Human Statue Bodyart Flickr

www.flickr.com/photos/humanstatuebodyart

Coney Island Mermaid entertains Zeta Bar - Hilton Hotel

The Hilton marquee Hilton reads: "Zeta`s "CONEY ISLAND" is our exciting new Friday Nights concept. Experience evenings of the unexpected, perfectly paradoxical and the weird and wonderful, with extravagant entertainment and a creative mix of classic cocktails with progressive and fun elements."

The Hilton Hotel franchise and our friends at the Zeta Bar were not kidding.

Last night we learned that it was all mixed with a specially concocted range of classic cocktails with a twist, like Cosmopolitan Candy Floss, Toffee Apple Martinis and Long Island Iced Tea snow cones and much, much more, and tonight more of the same was on offer, with an even more colourful and extreme mermaid to add more excitement.

Earlier this evening the team at Human Statue Bodyart created a Human - Extreme Mermaid which once made up entertained, danced and titillated patrons at Hilton's famous Zeta Bar.

The Coney Island theme was once again a huge hit and mermaid fans will be pleased to hear that yet more mermaids, tipped to be wearing colourful numbers (and sexy tail fins), will be entertaining patrons at the Zeta every Friday night for at least a month - maybe 2 or more.

Very well done to everyone involved in the success of the Coney Island promotion and we're certain the mermaid is just the right bait to keep patrons coming back for more, if the last two nights are anything to judge by.

It's all there for the taking at Hilton's little slice of paradise in Sydney's CBD and its you're big chance to see why the world over just loves mermaids.

Websites

Hilton Hotel Sydney

www.hiltonsydney.com.au

Zeta Bar

www.zetabar.com.au

Human Statue Bodyart

www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au

Human Statue Bodyart Flickr

www.flickr.com/photos/humanstatuebodyart

Human Statue Bodyart Hilton Hotel

Human Statue Bodyart Hilton Hotel, a photo by humanstatuebodyart on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au

Zeta Bar - Hilton Hotel Sydney gets Coney Island Mermaid

The promo from Hilton reads: "Zeta`s "CONEY ISLAND" is our exciting new Friday Nights concept. Experience evenings of the unexpected, perfectly paradoxical and the weird and wonderful, with extravagant entertainment and a creative mix of classic cocktails with progressive and fun elements."

It was all of that and more.

We learned that it was all mixed with a specially concocted range of classic cocktails with a twist, like Cosmopolitan Candy Floss, Toffee Apple Martinis and Long Island Iced Tea snow cones and much, much more.

Earlier this eventing the team at Human Statue Bodyart created a Human - Extreme Mermaid which once made up entertained, danced and delighted patrons at Hilton's famous Zeta Bar.

Model Anastasia was painted and made up by the team of artists including Eva Rinaldi, Salvatore and Antonella Erba.

The Coney Island theme was a big hit and mermaid fans will be pleased to hear that yet another mermaid, tipped to be wearing a red number, will be entertaining patrons at the Zeta tomorrow (Friday) evening.

Well done to everyone involved in the mega success of the Coney Island promotion and we're sure the mermaid is just the right bait to keep patrons coming back for more.

It's all there for the taking at Hilton's little slice of paradise in Sydney's CBD.

Websites

Hilton Hotel Sydney

www.hiltonsydney.com.au

Zeta Bar

www.zetabar.com.au

Human Statue Bodyart

www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au

Human Statue Bodyart Flickr

www.flickr.com/photos/humanstatuebodyart

Sydney pair pull Beastie Boys stunt at MCA - NineMSN

It was the perfect tribute. Almost.

When Sydney creative duo James Beswick and Dan White decided to honour the memory of late Beastie Boys member, Adam "MCA" Yauch, they could not think of a venue more perfect than the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA).

"It was the perfect location to do a bit of sabotage", Mr White told ninemsn.

And the perfect tribute? A guerrilla-style art installation complete with a human statue and fake artist's statement.

"Their brand was about being a bit anarchist as well and that’s why everyone loved them," Mr White said.

Mr White and Mr Beswick hired Kim Staton, from Human Statue Bodyart, to strike a quintessential MCA pose beside the artworks that line the walls of the museum.

Mr Staton managed to hold the pose for 20 minutes without moving, even with people trying to make him laugh and posing for photos with him.

The creative duo was able to film him, and the various reactions, after managing to sneak a camera inside the museum.

"He was a really talented guy. He didn't break once," Mr White said.

Mr White said the saboteurs weren't thrown out of the museum — a security guard even seemed to enjoy their work.

"It kind of doesn't add to the anarchist element," he said.

The tribute was performed in aid of The Cancer Council, which Mr White and Mr Beswick are raising money for.

To donate to their cause, visit their fundraising page or take a look at their Facebook page.

Author: Ali Best. Approving editor: Fiona Willan

Websites

Human Statue Bodyart

MCA At The MCA Facebook

MCA (Australia)

NineMSN

Hilton Hotel Sydney Zeta Bar ‘extreme cabaret’ themes red hot

Sydney’s Zeta Bar at the world famous Hilton Hotel continued to push the extreme cabaret, now a staple of Friday nights in 'Sin City'. 

If prohibition and tease are your thing, or vice if you prefer, you have come to the right place, or at least one of them, and you won't find a dirty old man, peeping tom or brown paper bag anywhere in sight from what we can muster.

My Human Statue Bodyart was thrilled to once again deliver a red hot and smoking cabaret presentation.

Cabaret lovers will be delighted to hear that the rumours continue to getting stronger that the 'Extreme Cabaret' theme will continue at Hilton Sydney much longer than the originally forecast 12 weeks. Word is that Hilton Hotels at the Gold Coast, New Zealand and even as far as the United Statues and Amsterdam are keen to incorporate extreme cabaret into their big entertainment nights.

Tonight it was Human Statue model Anastasiya Bakss made up in a bodypainting based black and red number that epitomised tease, burlesque and titillation.

The extreme cabaret performances have pumped blood into the Hilton's Zeta bar, and we know it's been wonderful for business. Downstairs at the Marble Bar has also appeared to have benefited by extra foot traffic and drinkies.

Zeta Bar biz king Grant Collins says of the nights "a late-1800s circus freak show crossed with 1920s-'30s sophistication".

Some of the most popular drinks at the moment include Absinthe (look for the sexy green bottle) and all things liquid nitrogen.

The fun and flirty Friday nights at Sydney Hilton have been one of the key watercooler conversation pieces in offices in and around Sydney's CBD for weeks.

Up to be tantalised in an appropriate cool and sexy fashion? Snatch the opportunity to do 'Sin City' Sydney like it should be done. You can bet that Sydney Hilton will be pumping again next Friday, and its got lots to do about 'extreme cabaret'. Join us and see what all the fuss is about boys and girls. Sweet dreams.

Zeta Bar

www.zetabar.com.au

Hilton Hotel Sydney

www.hiltonsydney.com.au

Eva Rinaldi Photography

www.evarinaldi.com

Eva Rinaldi Photography Flickr

www.flickr.com/evarinaldiphotography

Sydney bodyartist Eva Rinaldi unveils SMH human newspaper statue for eco expo

Sydney bodyartist Eva Rinaldi unveils Sydney Morning Herald newspaper statue for eco expo

Human Statue Bodyart website

Eva Rinaldi creation

Today's Australian Waste & Recycling Expo at Sydney Olympic Park started innocently enough at Homebush in Sydney's west.

Accessibility was fantastic, located close by to some of Sydney's most impressive public transport infrastructure like trains and (eco friendly) buses.

Little did the event organises and exhibitors know it was a matter of the calm before the storm.

Over a hundred of Australia's best and brightest waste, recycling and eco based companies showcased their wares, all looking to gain a competitive advantage, stand out from the pack, and we suspect, generate a few headlines. Some succeeded more than others, but from what we saw, every exhibitor stand was a fine effort.

As is usually the case with any field, there's only so much room at the top, and sometimes the right marketing, salesperson, attitude, media or even pseudo publicity stunt or gimmick, can make all of the difference.

The switched on exhibition manager Sue Reid, was smart enough to see she "needed" to add an extra spark to the event, which incidentally its opening day fell on the same day as an afternoon shower. Ms Reid was not going to let anyone or anything "rain on her parade", weather being accommodating or not. The atmosphere was warm and inviting.

In the days prior Ms Reid had contracted arguably Australia's most famous and talented bodyart and human statue curator, Eva Rinaldi. If you think you recognise the name, your probably right.  Ms Rinaldi is the one who has embarked on a national and international campaign to bodypaint and do creative works on American talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey, and just quietly, its on track we hear.

Today there was no sign of any Oprah (or John Travolta) "knock off".  There was however a gorgeous creature which when she spoke made it seem as if she just flew into Australia from some exotic island.  Upon probing she identified herself as "Victoria", but the miss wasn't there for her mastery of the Oxford Directory, she was there to add visual excitement and wow factor to the expo, and wow factor she did achieve in spades.

An insider joked "Green Eyed Monster", but we're sure they were just kidding. Perhaps 'Gorgeous Green Machine' may have been more fitting.  In any event, she was a eye catcher, bodypaint or not, but Rinaldi must be given full credit for her incredible transformation that would have saw her fit into the film set of 'The Green Lantern' or 'The Incredible Hulk', and you get the idea. It was WOW!

Due to tight deadlines Victoria was bodypainted almost head to toe in an amazing 30mins, and finished off in wait for it...a dress made out of virtually nothing but a hand crafted edition of popular broadsheet, The Sydney Morning Herald, the flagship title of media powerhouse, Fairfax Media.  Victoria's handcrafted accessories included earrings, hat, gloves and travel bag. For the record most of the bodypaint was silver in colour and branded just enough for instant recognition with 'Australian Waste & Recycling Expo'.

Some marketing and media savvy onlookers were said to be overheard talking about just how marketing and media savvy both Ms Rinaldi and Ms Reid were. We think they were correct.

Various print newspapers have come up with different slogans over the years... The New York Times "All The News That's Fit To Print", and even the beloved Sydney Morning Herald "Start A Conversation", but we feel today's model dressed in virtually nothing by a recycled SMH broadsheet said it all. And true to the newspapers' slogan, she was certainly "starting a conversation". One can just imagine if a traditional paper boy was at the show screaming at the top of his lungs 'Read All About It'!

In a day and age when many a marketing gimmick and news headline looks pretty recycled, this event, the model... the whole package looked as fresh as a daisy.

And, for the record, Fairfax Media's newspaper publications are made from recycled paper; the powers that be wouldn't have it any other way, nor we suspect would Ms Reid and the powers that be at the expo.

Some of expo stands that caught our eye (and the eye of Victoria - the Human Statue model) included Scania (the big silver truck engine and beautifully decorated stand), CAT (with sports car sub brand WestTrac), NSW Government - Environmental Change and Water), Eriez (very friendly, great pens and lollies at the stand), National Recycling Week (linked to Planet Ark) and bano (solutions for recycling).

If you happened to miss the event, or just want to refresh your memory, please visit their official website

www.awre.com.au

And, if like many, you were impressed by the "recycled fashion model", take a look at more examples of Human Statue Bodyart on their official website www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au