If the first thing that enters your head when you hear the word 'silkscreen' is Andy Warhol's multi-coloured Marilyn Monroe, then you really need to see the work of Cody Hoyt. The young printmaker has an impressive array of works under his creative belt, each evoking an atmosphere of quiet catastrophe through the use of subtle pastel colouring, frenzied typography and conflicting geometric shapes. Hoyt's medium is particularly unique - he often overlays prints with gouache and graphite to create interwoven, delicate images. Warhol, eat your heart out.

Although it's an undoubtedly bold statement - and a rather significant generalization, I'd like to suggest that the preponderance of us have one single favourite band. Yes, dear friends, a lone artist or group that intrigues and inspires you for not only that first, glorious listen that punctures the monotony of silent surroundings, but again and again. You could listen to them every day. On repeat. And you probably have. In fact, the intensity of your attachment means that you tend to get a little defensive at times. It is for this reason that I'm not going to disguise the purpose of this unashamedly bias rant. Whatever band you hold dear to your ears, I assure you that Death Cab for Cutie is better - or at least a significant contender to the position. Sure, they're not the most aesthetically pleasing assemblage of individuals - but who cares? With a career spanning over a decade, their music has evolved to become instantly recognisable. It is both subtle and beautifully layered, occasionally swelling to a glorious height , with the lyrics conveying an explicit vulnerability in their melancholy utterances. Their new album, Narrow Stairs is a little different, but no less captivating than its proceeders. Gibbard's vioce has certainly matured since the band's inception in 1997. Raw, stripped-back and intimate, it has, as Chris Walla describes "some teeth". Death Cab for Cutie are the perfect auditory companion to any emotional state. I urge you to dig a little deeper than the occasional Triple J play and let their seven albums overtake your eardrums. If you don't love them, you should. Catch them on tour in Australia from the 17th to the 22nd August.

Someone or other of relative importance always seems to be up in arms about the detriments of graffiti. Clearly, they've never seen the work of Melbourne street artist Reka. Inspired by both his natural surroundings and Japanese culture, Reka's work juxtaposes vibrant colours, textures and graphics to create offbeat, thought provoking images. By utilising pseudo human forms and appropriating well-known pop icons, he humorously explores the relationship between man and nature. Sounds a little different to the lackluster tagging graffiti that adorns the local train station. Melbourne folk can catch a glimpse of their home-grown artist's work at his latest exhibition "Tall Oaks", on display until the 13th of June at the No Vacancy Gallery. If you're quick you could also snap up some of the limited-edition prints available. Leave the aerosol at home.

Get your art-respect out and pay homage to a creative genius. If you haven't heard of him, then you should have. Performance artist, painter and print-maker rolled into one, Abstract-Expressionist Robert Rauschenberg was like the ultra-talented older brother you secretly wanted to emulate. Claiming that he wanted to work within 'the gap between art and life', his semi-sculptural pieces are characterized by intense, haphazard brush strokes and integrate unrelated recycled objects. Often struggling to make ends meet, he exploited any materials he could get his hands on, famously using his own bedspread, a toothbrush and nail-polish to construct the 1955 work 'Bed'. Rather ironic it's now worth millions. Intensely evocative and highly improvised, the New Yorker's vast body of work has left a distinctive print on art history. He passed away at 82 earlier this week. A personal thank you to Rauschenburg for a bevvy of aesthetic delights I will continue to lust after.

Workplace surrounds tend to get a little monotonous on the eyes. So whenever you're in need of some visual euphoria, look no further than the sumptuous work of Lithuanian photographer, Paul Paper. The enigmatic artist boasts a collection of enchanting personal works eagerly waiting for hurried lunch hour inspection. Each image is a curious amalgam of child-like simplicity and refined photographic technique, with an emphasis on light and shadow. With titles such as 'Evening's Standard' and 'In the Corner', it's hard to grasp just how he manages to make every day objects and people appear so gloriously unique. Don't go out for lunch - immerse yourself in this delicious photography.

Yes, we've all inwardly cringed upon sighting 'artistic' photos of our friends' pre-pubescent younger sister dressed a little too scantily. So is it any different when the images are taken by renowned fashion photographer Annie Leibovitz and feature 15 year-old Disney sensation Miley Cyrus? The photos, leaked on the internet and now featured in the current issue of Vanity Fair, have been heavily criticized by the international media, leaving Disney questioning Miley's long term future as a role model to young girls. They do have a point. It's probably a little hard to push the I-love-flared-jeans-and-glitter-hair-clips stereotype if your teenage protege is simultaneously working the I'm-arty-in-
nothing-but-a-bed-sheet look.

So is it classic, natural beauty or inappropriate sexualisation? That's what we're all trying to figure out.

It's damn hard to keep culturally up-to-date when everything seems to cost so much these days - especially when there are more petrol saving dockets in your coin purse than actual coins. This is why, like any self respecting girl on a limited budget, you should take advantage of the free Moran Portrait Prize Exhibition. Located at the NSW State Library this weekend from 11-5 pm, the exhibition includes a diverse display of both up and coming and well established Australian artists. Get there quick ‘cos it finishes up this Sunday.

And yes, it's worth you forking out a couple of precious bucks for the train ticket.