Browsing through rows and rows and, well, rows of diverse, forward-thinking and emotive artwork. That’s how I spent my Sunday. Not bad, right? With an overwhelming amount of artwork, lectures and special guest appearances to sift through, Artexpo New York 2011 did not disappoint.
Really, it’s difficult to sum up, in one small article, an event that encompasses something so internationally expansive, so diverse in genres and so exploratory as art. It’s something that every human possesses in a completely unique way. That’s what the show itself represented to me: an array of individual interpretations of the life experience. Drawing from difference experiences, environments and circumstances, each artist brings to the table an entirely valid view—their view—of the world.
For South African artist Antoine de Villiers, a traumatic car accident became her inspiration for becoming an artist. A harrowing experience turned into her study of the human form, which is now rendered on canvas with an honest perspective—both complex and vulnerable in its own right. The juxtaposition between intentionally-unfinished sketch-work peeking out from behind intricately detailed figures gives the viewer a sense of voyeurism. It leaves them feeling as though they have experienced something emotional— a peek inside a woman’s internal struggle to discover herself and her world. (antoineart.com)
Not just a celebrity guest, Jane Seymour (Dancing with the Stars) is a gifted artist who gives back. Her “Open Hearts” watercolor collection (and partnership with Kay Jewelers) donates proceeds to charity, staying true to her theory that if you give love, you will receive love. She was nice enough to pose for me next to some of her work—exclusive ArtFeedOnline.com photos (above)! Her work in watercolor evokes a sense of free spirit and connection with the earth and its wonderful cycle of creation. Seymour opens herself up to self-reflection and lets us in to a degree that few public figures do. (janeseymour.com/art)
Daniel Sroka creates botanical abstract photography. His brochure explains it best: “Nature that isn’t cliché. Abstract that isn’t cold.” This photography brings new life to the literal life that is pictured within the art: a leaf becomes an ethereal display of beauty; a petal becomes an elaborate maze of physicality. In exploring soft inflections and delicate nuances, Sroka invites viewers to truly view that which surrounds them every day—but this time with the utmost attention and respect. (danielsroka.com)
Daniel Del Orfano’s delicate paintings, whether fictional or autobiographical, seem to represent vivid slices of life. A palate of earthy colors makes you feel like you’re looking through a mirage into a very personal, fleeting moment in the subject’s life. A pop of color, represented by a red umbrella in each individual work, brings consistency throughout the entire collection, making you feel like you are seeing small tidbits of a larger story. (delorfanoarts.com)
Anna Razumovskaya’s works scream of spontaneity, action and subtle beauty. The sense of movement in her work is palpable. Her oil/acrylic dance figures have a sensual grace to them, but I was most captivated by the technique used for her portraits. Black pastel and charcoal sketches enhanced with vibrant and textural acrylics, watercolors and oils look purposeful yet effortless. I seriously love these works. If anyone wants to buy “Scent of a Woman 3” for my office, I’d happily accept it with opened arms! (anna-art.com)
While extensively viewing the work of some of today’s most important artists, I also attended several lectures and panels that explored the current and future influence of art: from interior design, to charity, the psychology of color, societal trends and commercial influence. It is here that one can start to really place just how many roles there are for artwork in the world.
In Color Foundations, Rodger Lippman (Architectural & Designer Representative for Benjamin Moore & Co.) discussed the psychological influence of color, the reflective nature of light (tip: always hold paint chip samples vertically for the most accurate view of the color and how it will appear in a room), and proper room painting techniques (tip: 1 coat of primer is the most important forgotten element. Follow it with 2 coats of paint).
During Bring Art Buyers in Your Door with Exciting Events with Litsa Spanos (Founder of Art Design Consultants—ADC), the audience was inspired by the creative possibilities Spanos has used to draw designers and customers in toward sales (example: allowing many different designers to re-design the same space in their own unique ways). The importance of creating memorable events and promoting them with current technology is an invaluable piece of advice that can be taken now and in the future. Her innovative ways of bringing attention to her clients was inspiring and can be taken to heart for any marketing opportunity.
During The Future of the Art World, a panel—consisting of John Haffey (Founder, Art World News), Robert Reeder (President, Artexpo Studio), Eric Smith (ArtExpo CEO) and James Thorn (Owner of multiple galleries)—analyzed the state of the art market and its sales. The most important lesson I took from their speaking was that art does not make a person commercially seen or successful. The artist must be smart about the presentation of their work—creating target-focused marketing, choosing the right agent if one is desired and placing the correct pricing for their work. Artists must get out of the studio and explore different venues for their art, deciding what the best choice for them, their goals and their work really is.
Amongst all of the booths at the expo, it was refreshing to see the outpouring of support for a nonprofit organization that encourages the education of the arts. This weekend, Jane Seymour teamed up with Free Arts NYC to paint a mural with local underprivileged youth in an effort to stay true to the organization’s motto of “Art Heals. Mentoring Works.” Signs hung in the booths of many artists who volunteered to donate 5% of their earnings to the organization alongside Artexpo New York, who offered up 10% of its ticket sales to the benefit.
With so many unique perspectives represented in so many works—and while we all have a different understanding of the same world—we still seem to see a part of ourselves within each and every work. And isn’t that what art is all about? When I spoke with Anna Razumovskaya briefly, she explained that her portraits aren’t meant to depict anyone in particular: “They’re just meant to be faces. So everyone can see themselves in it.” When a nearby woman responded with: “Really? I see you in a lot of these,” Anna smiled and said “Maybe subconsciously I am, but I see you in them, too.”
Jeff Koons’ artwork has become synonymous with all of the contemporary greats–he certainly has the pieces of the formula working for him: visual interest, controversy, and the ability to pull in $25 million+ for one of his pieces.
Though currently best known for his outdoor “balloon” figures, it’s the defining piece in Koons’ 1988 Banality series—a sculpture of everyone’s favorite pink jewel-stealing cat, “Pink Panther”—that’s causing his latest buzz. The porcelain proof of the sculpture, which only rendered 3 editions, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s on May 10th at their “Contemporary Art Evening Sale” in New York.
The three sculptures in existence, which depict a partially-nude woman holding a Pink Panther doll, are owned by the Museum of Modern Art (New York), Museum of Contemporary Art (Chicago) and a private collector. It is believed that the proof is being sold by art book publisher Benedikt Taschen (of my favorite publishing house, Taschen).
Tobias Meyer, Worldwide Head of Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s, said of the work:
“It conflates the classic themes that define the artist’s output – materiality and artificiality, eroticism and naivety, popular culture and rarefied elitism – and is the model expression of one of the most innovative and influential artists of our times.”
The sale of this work can be a Koon milestone for several reasons:
COMPETITION
First, with a believed selling potential of close to $30 million, he rivals the record for the highest sale by a living artist, currently held by Lucian Freud for “Benefits Supervisor Sleeping” which sold for $US33.6 million in 2008.
PERSONAL RECORD
The Second reason for this potential sale’s milestone status is that Koons may break his own record, making more than his current highest sale of $25.7 million for his “Balloon Flower (Magenta)”.
REVITALIZATION Why So Blue?:
As “Balloon Flower (Magenta)” created his record price tag in July 2008, “Balloon Flower (Blue)” didn’t sell to its expected potential, reaping a “mere” $16.9 million sale in 2010. Earlier that month, two of his works at Philllips de Pury failed to sell at all. “Pink Panther,” particularly in breaking either of the above two records, will likely signal Koons’ comeback in sales.
Also set to be auctioned at the May 10th Sotheby’s event is Andy Warhol’s “Sixteen Jackies” which is estimated to draw at least $20 million. Be sure to check back at ArtFeedOnline.com for updates on the auction’s results!
I had the pleasure of attending Jeff Koons’ rooftop exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art:
Everyone can easily note and admire the fruits of Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo Bounorrati’s labors, but it is much rarer that we examine what influenced, and thereafter fueled, those labors. Turns out, it was each other.
The Katonah Museum of Art partnered with art historian Marcy B. Freedman to present the series “When Giants Collide: Rivalries in Western Art,” which offers a fascinating exploration into the rivalry between two famed artists. This week’s lecture topic was:
High Drama in High Renaissance: Leonardo and Michelangelo
Call me an art nerd, art advocate or art-obsessed (or all of the above), but I just can’t get enough of events and lectures that get to the meat of art: its history, its anecdotes and its significance. Pair an underrated gem of a museum with an articulate art historian and High Renaissance art, and—dear heavens—you have me by the heart. Luckily for me, I had the delight of attending this lecture which did just that.
Though I’ve studied Renaissance art a bit, I still learned from Freedman’s lecture. She was engaging and informative; giving stories, quotes and anecdotes to support her facts. Not only did the two featured artists work during the same time period, they were also in direct competition—feeding off of one another’s successes and thriving on each other’s failures. The Renaissance’s tendency toward egotism and puffed bravado was well at play.
Leonardo was refined, showy and ostentatious. He was also agitated that the younger Michelangelo, more rouged in appearance and reserved in temperament, was making a name for himself and (—how dare he?—) causing the type of stir that could overshadow his own spotlight. Still Michelangelo was no saint and knew how to dish it as well as he could take it.
Renaissance Italy was a society that often pitted its master artists against one another in order to encourage production of the highest possible quality of work. Leonardo and Michelangelo were both among those commissioned by The Council Hall of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy to capture the spirit of triumphant battles on murals for the Hall. This was the most obvious head-to-head competition between the two artists. Though neither saw their work to completion, rendered drafts demonstrated a distinct difference of artistic preference, direction and concern. Leonardo presented an emotionally-charged glorification of soldiers at battle while Michelangelo focused on the soldiers at rest, showcasing his expert depiction of the human form.
With no clear winner between the two artists’ overall careers, it should be noted that they also had different artistic approaches. Michelangelo, working in private and sheltered surroundings, was more disciplined within a strong art focus. Leonardo, a procrastinator who invited friends to watch him work, was spread among broader areas of interest and showcased expert knowledge in all disciplines. Still, whatever their approach, the constant tension between the two and the desire to top one another, egged each of them toward further success and acclaim.
Marcy B. Freedman’s insightful lecture approached the topic at hand in a way that would reflect the larger view of the Renaissance society and its attitudes of the times. Determined to make their work their own within this society, Da Vinci and Michelangelo portrayed a world newly crafted in their own distinct ways—paving the way for a whole new set of brilliant rivaling artists.
There are two more lectures in the series: “An Illusory Battle in Paris Ingres vs. Delacroix” (April 5) and “Provocation and Respect: Picasso vs. Matisse” (April 26). I’ll definitely be attending on April 26th, so stay tuned for another review! I can’t wait!
I am so pleased to announce that I am the newest Contributor at DsgnMode.com! I’m excited to join their team who constantly update on the latest in architectural & design trends and modern gadgetry. They’ve given me a warm welcome and I’ve already started publishing posts (like this one about storytime bedsheets)!
Don’t worry: ArtFeedOnline.com isn’t going anywhere—We’re still alive and kicking! In fact, I will be moderating a discussion about Arts Advocacy and Funding tomorrow, Thursday, March 3rd, at 9:00pm est. The best part? It’s on Twitter, so you can join in on the discussion!
In light of recently proposed budget cuts for public arts programming, we’ll be talking about what YOU can do to advocate for the arts and keep arts in our schools, communities and nation. We’d love to hear what you have to say! So use the Twitter hashtag #ArtsChat and start chatting
The first and largest hotel made from snow and ice, ICEHOTEL in Sweden has donned everything from beds to bars and churches. Rebuilt every year from below-freezing water of the Torne River, new imagination and the work of many artists reinvents what the ICEHOTEL will become each and every year. Each suite (there are 21 this year) is imagined by different artists, giving each room its unique character.
The hotel is a temporary art project that leaves behind nothing but memories come Springtime, when the hotel is melted by the sun. In winter months, experience the Northern Lights and dogsledding. Once April comes around, Sweden ’s 100 days of sunlight create a whole new unique experience for hotel guests with ICEHOTEL’s “warm accommodations.” The warmer weather allows visitors to enjoy all that nature has to offer, like fishing and river rafting.
The hotel is sculpted, but still has comfortable accommodations for its guests in mind, providing all the amenities that any other hotel may offer but add details like, well, furniture made of ice. Warm rooms are available for those who prefer them, but for those sleeping among ice sculptures in -5 degree Celsius temperatures, you’ll surely need the provided thermal sleeping bags and complimentary morning sauna!
I can’t wait to one day get to stay in this hotel. When I do, I will be sure to report back! Highlights from the 2011 hotel are below.
Literature. Cute babies. Viral Videos. You can’t get any better than that! This little 3 year old has a way better memory than I do. And I have to say: I’m pretty jealous. That aside, Billy Collins is phenomenal–one of my favorite contemporary poets. I’ve had the opportunity to see him speak more than once, and I’d attend another reading tonight if he was nearby! Now check out a 3-year-old reciting “Litany” by heart. Because I can’t.
“Upcycle” and just got a whole new meaning. Chris Gilmour creates realistic life-sized sculptures of everyday objects. His attention to detail makes his work familiar and relatable to his viewers. His medium of choice? Cardboard and glue. Nothing else. No supporting structure, no metal composition. What was once disposable is now worthy of a glass case. Cardboard re-purposed as artwork. Who knew?
Leave it to the 120 year-old Strand Magazine to unveil a previously-unpublished short story written decades ago by a now-deceased literary icon. The very magazine that broke ground for legendary authors like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie still has quite a bit up its sleeve in the world of literature. That’s right: Pull up your chairs, Dashiell Hammett fans,—you’re in for one heck of a reveal on February 28th.
Publisher of Strand Magazine, Andrew F. Gulli, discovered the undated short story, “So I shot him.”, along with about a dozen others during his research in the archives at the University of Texas. The documents had been preserved by his longtime lover and fellow literary genius, playwright Lillian Hellman—until she died in 1984. They were then passed on to family heirs who never officially released them to the public, but are now ready to do so.
The “founder” of hard-boiled detective stories, Hammett has been regarded an American treasure as his work led the way for so many others. With literary classics-turned-Hollywood paradigms, “The Maltese Falcon” and “The Thin Man,” his legacy was never threatened. Now, 50 years after his death, Dashiell Hammett will extend that legacy even further.
Many works discovered post-mortem, even if they went on to be published, have often been first drafts or unfinished notes not yet intended by the author for publication. I beg to discuss whether they would have wanted their unfinished works exposed to the world. Often very private individuals, authors many times don’t wish for their unperfected pieces to be released until they choose to do so in their own time.
The plot to this new soon-to-be-published thriller has not been released and will be revealed to readers only as they purchase the magazine’s next issue. Claiming that this story reads much like a final draft, Gulli plans to publish it at the end of the month with the confidence that Hammett would have been comfortable with the condition of the work. Without being given that choice, I wonder if we aren’t going against his former wishes by releasing the document. Still, Strand Magazine is set to do just that and, given his track record, Hammett is likely to please his readers even now.
**UPDATE: April 3, 2012. Google relaunched today with 151 collections, over 30,000 works from around the world & streetview in 46 museums. The same website address applies to the newly-designed project.**
Introducing Google.com’s newest innovation: Art Project. Launching today with 17 participating museums from around the world, Google presents over a thousand works of art for its viewers to examine in greater detail than ever before. Not only that, but you can take a tour of these museums, zoom in to ungodly degrees of megapixels, create your very own “masterpieces,” and save them to a collection.
Take a virtual walk through a museum of your choice. Look at the floor plan, choose your destination, mosey around the gallery and click on a work of art if it interests you.
Read about the work, read about its artist, view other work by that artist and watch related YouTube videos. Get close and personal with every aspect of the art.
Become one with the masterpiece.
Go to town nitpicking your favorite artist’s technique and precision. You’re no longer restricted to only viewing artwork from behind a museum stanchion that sits a few feet away from the wall. Zoom in on whichever work of art you decide to further explore in extreme detail. With high-as-heck resolution. Move your cursor around the work, dig on its colors, its technique and take a snapshot of detailing that you truly adore.
Save the snapshot to your account, with your own notes, to view anytime you wish in a collection that you organize and name yourself. As if this project wasn’t interactive enough, send your collection to friends and family to view.
Sure, Google is no replacement for going to Florence, visiting the Uffizi Gallery and ogling over Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus,” but it’s a good substitute to tide you over as you collect those frequent flyer miles and get there in person. So until then, Google is your best friend. Hugs for Google: We’ll be BFF’s for life.
Participating Museums:
Alte Nationalgalerie, Berlin – Germany
Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian, DC- USA
The Frick Collection, NYC – USA
Gemäldegalerie, Berlin – Germany
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC – USA
The Museum of Modern Art, NYC – USA
Museo Reina Sofia, Madrid – Spain
Museo Thyssen – Bornemisza, Madrid – Spain
Museum Kampa, Prague – Czech Republic
National Gallery, London – UK
Palace of Versailles – France
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam – The Netherlands
State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg – Russia
State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow – Russia
Tate Britain, London – UK
Uffizi Gallery, Florence – Italy
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam – The Netherlands
If you’ve walked along Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan this week, chances are you saw a slew of 25-foot rose sculptures (Come on, they’re pretty hard to miss!). What perfect timing it is for Will Ryman’s playful sculptural project “The Roses” as inches of snow gather on the ground around us! As the Art Add project comes to an end, The Roses blooms.
Displayed between 57th and 67th Streets, the surrealist roses reach to the sky in variously-designed arrangements. Passersbys witness the curved stems emerging from the dirt, buds blooming and dipping toward the viewers—even fallen petals sprinkling the ground. Creating a massive visual attraction, the 38 brightly-colored pink and red blossoms (some adorned with ladybugs) warm us to the bone as we walk through the frigid streets of the city. They provide a constant reminder of what’s to come in Springtime.
The exhibition, sponsored by the Fund for Park Avenue Sculpture Committee and New York City’s Department of Parks & Recreation Public Art Fund, will be on display now, through this bitter and cold winter and into the largely-anticipated Spring, closing in May, 2011.
