As gas prices soar this summer, my great American road-trip is on hold. I can roll with the punches so I’ll go to local beaches and explore my great city’s public spaces. The only price I like better than “on sale” is FREE ; and there are many free things to do this summer, especially in NYC. Bryant Park is a fine example of public dedicated space in the heart of the Big Apple.
Bryant Park is located just behind the spectacular Public Library. The park’s location is the key to it’s success I think. It’s between Times Square and Grand Central so it’s accessible to everyone and is a convenient meeting place.
I recently had my first visit to Bryant Park Cafe, when a group of us from work went to celebrate a promotion. (congrats Kenette on your new design position!) We tried to go to many midtown rooftop bars , to no avail, as they don’t open til 5 pm. Fridays we get out at 1pm (supposedly to head to the Hamptons) so we needed refreshments slightly earlier. Someone suggested Bryant Park Cafe and off we went. (more…)
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If you think New York City’s skyline is impressive- wait to you get an eyeful of it’s East River.
Starting this Thursday, the river that runs up and down the east side of Manhattan with become a “flowing” work of art.
photo of the artist from a NY Times article
Danish artist Olafur Eliasson, known for his atmospheric art installations, has created the largest work of public art to hit NYC since Christo installed his “Gates” through Central Park back in 2006.
an artist rendition shows what New Yorkers will be seeing starting at 7am Thursday morning.
The project, which will feature 4 cascading man made waterfalls and (more…)
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Is runway fashion- “art”? The curators at London’s Barbican Art Gallery seem to think so.
Their latest exhibit “The House of Viktor & Rolf”, a retrospective dedicated to the past 15 years of creative endeavors by the masterful Dutch duo- Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, opens on June 18th.
Viktor & Rolf with their “dolls”
Viktor & Rolf have made a name for themselves not only as a design team that enjoys creating beautiful clothes but also one that strives to present their collections each and every season in their own unique way. (more…)
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The Long awaited “Superheroes:Fashion and Fantasy” opens today at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The show, which runs through September 1, 2008, takes a fun look at the influence of the comic book superhero as a social metaphor of our times and explores how these iconic characters have influenced modern day fashion.
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This weekend I was invited to a member’s only night at The Museum of Modern Art, to view the new exhibition ‘Color Chart-Reinventing Color: 1950 to today’.
As a guest of color maven Kim Brown, I was treated to an evening of complimentary wine, a pretty decent DJ, and the best people watching opportunity of the night. And I had an almost private audience with the works in the new Color Chart galleries: I really love these kinds of nights in NYC.
As you enter the space on the 6th floor, a mountain of painted steel beams greets you, adorned in vibrant primary colors. The collection is a belief of the artists involved, that in everyday life – beauty, art, and color are intertwined and accessible. (more…)
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I woke up last Sunday to the gloom of dense clouds and howling winds. I tried to close my eyes and think of sunny Spanish beaches and bright Paris studios, to no avail. So, as a resourceful girl, I called up my best girlfriend and planned a trip to MOMA. Where better to see the colorful world displayed than in a museum?
The Museum of Modern Art is 7 blocks from my apartment but I hadn’t been there since their grand re-opening 2 yrs. ago (except for an exciting catering job I did for the premier of the NY Film Festival opening film “The Interpreter”).
The center of the enormous space is flooded with natural light - it actually seemed sunnier inside than outside.
We decided to see the Georges Seurat drawings first , as the exhibit was closing soon. Most of the pieces were done with black ink but WOW were the shadows and figures he created, very powerful. We both agreed that our favorites were the circus and cafe series. There were some seascape oil paintings that were lovely blues and greens - very cheery.
Then , we headed to our faves- the paintings and drawings. The first painting I see is “The Ohio Gang” by R.B. Kitaj. He gained fame in London then came back to live in NY. The yellow and orange stripes of color almost take your eyes off the bare breasted woman above a baby stroller. Something almost sinister about this painting…can’t put my finger on it.
My eyes follow the frames until I get to Picasso’s ” Les Moiselles d’Avignon.” Naked women again, but this is a celebration of life. I want to be one of those women standing before Pablo- even if it’s the wolf faced lady. His other 2 paintings “Woman Dressing Herself” and “Girl Before A Mirror” are intimate but more lively. He has taken a solitary experience of a woman’s day and glorified it with his exuberant palettes. I believe it takes a Spanish gentleman to appreciate the true beauty of all women. (Or at least a Spanish cubist living in France).
Claes Oldenburg’s “Giant Soft Fan” bring us to our Swedish sensibilities. Who else could create a giant blow up plastic fan- the fog is finally lifting.
I don’t care how many times I see Van Gogh’s Starry Night - it thrills me. The lovely swirly clouds and stars seem to be dancing in the indigo sky. It’s shocking to me that he was in an asylum , in Saint Remy France, as he painted this - I hope he got as much pleasure from it as I do.
Through another gallery and I’m back in Paris. By way of Russia , Kandinsky enters my view. He’s my dad’s favorite artist- probably because his paintings look good in every room (every color in one painting). I know that Kandinsky has very heavy themes (The Apocalypse and political unrest) but his forms are pure and easy joy.
The gleam of Constantin Brancusi’s” Mademoiselle Pognania” proves that “All that glitters is gold” or bronze. I love the shininess of this beauty. She has a cute hairdo and looks both shy and coquettish at the same time. His travels from Romania to Paris seem to have been worth it.
Salvador Dali was in Paris when he painted the 11 layered glass piece “Petit Theatre”. My eyes are fixated on the red shoe. To me , Dali is simply another sort of being. I can”t understand how he does what he does with paint - all I know is that he is proof of the Divine to me. I’d love to talk about Dali all day long….but there’s more to see. We are done with paintings.
After a brief stop for refreshments- we decide to head to the Design Area. Patrick Nortguet designed “Rainbow Chair” - very cool and rainbowy. I want to put this chair next to a bright window and stare at the colored stripes . I feel like if the designer Paul Smith made furniture , it would look like this. Tailored , colorful, and engaging.
The only thing cooler than the chair is the Capsule Lights - they look like oversized pills- very “Valley of the Dolls”.
The perfect ending to my MOMA experience is to see a shiny Airstream trailer. As a very vintage girl….I have had many dreams of driving Route 66 in one of these very American vehicles. I agree that this should be in a museum - it’s very simplicity and functionality represent the America I love ; offering a promise of possibilities. On the road of life - take time to smell the roses and take in some art. I leave MOMA oblivious to the clouds
I’m looking forward to some shows coming to the museum. Color Chart: Reinventing Color , 1950 to Today will be exhibited March 2nd - May 12th. And my favorite, Salvador Dali, will have his paintings and films available June 29th - September 15th.
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Wishing each of you a very happy holiday. Thank you for your encouragement this year and allowing us to add a bit of color to your world. We truly appreciate the support you have shown through your regular visits, comments, and emails. We look to getting to know you better during a very colorful 2008.
In celebration of the holiday I thought I would share a few of the holiday decorations I viewed recently.
Holiday Glamour Tree designed by Jamie Drake
Glamorous gold adds a warm glow to the holidays and shines beautifully as it adorns the Holiday Glamour themed tree that greets guest at the Four Seasons Hotel in the Georgetown section of Washington, DC.
The decorated tree is the creation of master designer Jamie Drake of Drake Design Associates in NYC and was one of the trees up for auction at the Georgetown Jingle charity event held to benefit the wonderful Pediatric programs at Georgetown University Hospital.
Jamie has created some of the country’s most dynamic, distinctive, and livable interiors for everyone from Madonna to New York City Mayor Bloomberg. He recently completed the renovation of Gracie Mansion, the ceremonial residence of the Mayor of New York.
In addition to having a phenomenal ability to work his magic in both traditional and contemporary interiors, he uses color boldly, fearlessly, and with great flair. What a talent! I’m a big fan of his and enjoyed seeing him while he was in DC.
Jamie Drake with Kate at the Georgetown Jingle
The beautiful suzani fabric from Donghia seen in my photo with Jamie Drake above and the one below was the inspiration for this festive tabletop designed by David Herchik of JDS Designs.
A suzani is delicate needlework on cloth and has been part of Central Asia’s folk art history for centuries. Donghia has updated the suzani with unexpected colors while capturing this time-honored art in its true form.
One Thousand and One Nights of Hope designed by David Herchik
The jewel tones celebrate the mysticism of far away lands and set the mood for a modern holiday dining experience. David’s delightful wit shows up in his designs as he mixes fine china and crystal with bright acrylic flatware.
The design and decoration of the tree created by Robert Pahnke and Susan Pilchard reflects the style, color, simplicity and rhythm of the artist of the Washington Color School.
In the style of the Washington Color School artists
The bold color, scale, design particularly pay homage to Gene Davis a key painter of the movement. The bright white tree illuminated with white lights create a backdrop reminiscent of the walls in Jefferson Place Gallery and show off the painting of fabric that twist around the branches from bottom to top.
This tree is a beautiful reminder of a time when Washington, DC was in the forefront as the United States developed their own movements in the arts.
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When they make the movie about my life, I have already selected some of the music. Have you ever thought about what might be the perfect soundtrack for your life?
During those wonderful romantic moments, for me, it would be “Velocity of Love” by Suzanne Ciani. For any mention of a birthday after age 40, I’ll insist that “You’re Aging Well” by Dar Williams is playing in the background. And for any moments of doubt that Mr. Right had, I think it should be “If She’s the One” by Ellis Paul.
Okay, so I’m the first to admit that my taste in music tends to be eclectic and I enjoy many “not quite famous” singer/songwriters. But each artist has found their way into my heart and music collection because their style speaks to any one of the many moods I am in when I crave music.
So you can imagine my delight in finding that there is a website that allows you to create the perfect soundtrack to easily fit any moment or any mood. At Musicovery, you define your mood, the music genres you like, and the era you want the music from. Then, all you have to do is take center stage in your own life story.
Plus, they make fun use of color, and I have discovered some songs and artists I might have otherwise not noticed. Check it out.
Also, if you are like me and you enjoy seeing your favorite artists perform live, you might like beethere.net. Just enter an artist name or download from your ipod and see a listing of upcoming show dates from their search of club websites, member postings, and the open web.
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When I think about Double Bubble, I instantly recall a pink chunk of gum and the enjoyment of chewing it until it was just right for blowing big bubbles. Then I’d carefully put my hands around the fragile bubble to protect it from friends who would rather see it explode all over my face than grow to memorable proportions.
Before computers, ipods, and 400 channels on television, seeing who could blow the biggest bubble provided entertainment while hanging outside with the neighborhood gang. Do kids still compete to see who can inflate the largest pink bubble gum bubble?
Even if they don’t, I think “Double Bubble” is a wonderful name for an art exhibit that explores the color pink and its embodiment of the lighthearted side of summer. Don’t you agree?
Corey Drieth
Untitled #3, 2006
Gouache on poplar
9 x 9 inch
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Artists masterfully employ color to evoke emotion and communicate meaning, and in “Liquid Gold,” Bettina Rheims does both magnificently.
If you are in the New York City area any time soon, make sure not to miss this eye-catching exhibition by one of the finest fashion photographers France has ever produced.
Over the past three decades, Bettina has achieved critical acclaim for her exquisite images representing the ultimate in femininity.
“Liquid Gold” celebrates the allure of a woman and is an embodiment of the French Chic: glamor, sophistication, fragility, seduction, adventure, provocation, sublime imperfections, roots, and truth.
That is what Liquid Gold calls to mind…that is what Bettina Rheims is capturing.
The exhibition comprises huge, original pictures printed on shining aluminum sheets: one still life (the first she ever did) and ten surprising portraits of the model Margarita Svegzdaite.
The “highflyer” model, especially chosen for her captivating, mysterious sense of elegance and anti-conformism, is famous for having been the muse of Helmut Newton, John Galliano, and Vivienne Westwood.
Chablis, the famous French white wine - whose color is often referred to as “Liquid Gold” - is the official sponsor of this international tour and a dedicated internet site www.chablis-the-french-chic.com provides “behind the scenes” work of Bettina and her team, giving a unique insight into her work.
Her eleven stunning large scale portraits, specially commissioned for this project, will be displayed in three of New York’s most “chic” venues:
Opens tomorrow at Bloomingdale’s
See the exhibit at Bloomingdale’s Flagship Store, 59th Street & Lexington Avenue from June the 18th to July the 2nd 2007
Bloomingdale’s has long been a supporter of the arts and the collaboration with Bettina Rheims and Chablis seems a perfect fit because Bloomingdale’s shares many of the parameters that are important to Bettina’s work: femininity, fashion, glamor, top of the range, sophistication, seduction, adventure, roots, and truth.
The Gold of the pictures, enlightened by the glittering aluminum panels, fits to the latest “metallic tendencies” in Fashion.
On display during July at The New York Palace
Hotel
On view at The New York Palace Hotel, 455 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022 during July 2007
“Home” of the most glamorous stars, The New York Palace is an obvious venue to host the exhibition of internationally renowned Bettina Rheims.
Opens September 18th at Métrazur Restaurant
Enjoy the exhibit at Métrazur Restaurant in Grand Central Terminal Main
Grand Central has transformed itself into a venue for ongoing public events, and more particularly the host of exhibitions. Metro North and Charlie Palmer’s Métrazur welcome the “Liquid Gold” exhibition in this spectacular space, which will highlight the magnificence of these large scales portraits.
Download the PDF files:
Liquid Gold Announcement Shown Above
Liquid Gold Preview of the Photographs
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