Ten years ago, almost to the minute (It's 12:38 am right now) I drove my Mazda across the Hudson River and into my new home called New York City.

I've been up and I've been down. I've experienced joy and witnessed a whole lot of pain. I've lived through a tropical storm, blackout, World Series victories, the incredible Giants Superbowl win and a series of losing seasons for the Knicks. I've had a Senator named Clinton, Mayors named Guliani and Bloomberg and stood on 125th Street when Barack Obama was declared President.

I arrived knowing 4 people and long ago was given the nickname Mayor of New York because I quickly made my presence felt in my new home. I left great friends behind in LA who I still love and speak to and gained a host of great new friends here (not to mention a few of the California friends have since located here as well).

I left a great apartment in LA and I have been blessed with two great spots here including my current apartment and studio here in Harlem.

I've lost several friends, my Uncle, my step dad and both my grandmothers, but I've gained ten years of new experiences, great memories, new friends and business associates who have taught me much.

I left LA as a senior level marketing professional who traveled internationally and spent the rest of my time producing music. Here in New York I did some freelance PR, continued making music and then quickly transitioned into a marketing consultant and club promoter. I have finally have found my true calling as a visual artist and photographer and I'm happier than I have ever been.

New York is not a place for weak, but she can nurture you in her own special way. New York is not known to pamper the meek, but kindness, integrity and honesty can take you a long way. New York can be a cold and lonely place, but when your spirit is at peace you can fully appreciate the lessons the lady has to share.

I was born in Saint Louis. Los Angeles will always be my "hometown." However, I can proudly say with no hesitation, my name is Ricky Day...I'm a New Yorker!

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PRIMARY FORMS: ILLUMINATED AND OPAQUE

MCASD DOWNTOWN, 1001 KETTNER
Opens March 15, 2009

Primary Forms: Illuminated and Opaque features Minimalist and Post-Minimalist works from the MCASD collection.

As squares and cubes are the basis of the modular sculpture by Sol LeWitt, so are circles and spheres the foundation for Keith Sonnier’s 1970s incandescent light reliefs that explore this medium’s reflection and diffusion. Primary forms also echo in Stephen Antonakos’ staked neon light sculpture, as well as in the hanging neon pieces of Las Vegas-based Pasha Rafat—an artist of a later generation whose work is indebted to both the rigor of LeWitt’s form and to Antonakos' use of neon to inform and articulate space.

Two recent acquisitions of theatrical light and glass pane wall reliefs by Sonnier, exhibited for the first time, are presented with another work, their equivalent in neon. A light box by Chilean artist Alfredo Jaar utilizes the same shapes—the square and circle—but now as part of a documentary piece that remains a beautiful exploration of luminosity through colored film. A two-channel video by the Mexico City-based British artist Melanie Smith completes the exhibition’s lighthearted meditation on formal variation, revealing the sheer labor and exertion behind such pure manifestations of light and matter.

MCASD Downtown—Jacobs & Copley Buildings and 1001 Kettner
1100 & 1001 Kettner Blvd. (between Broadway and B Street)
858 454 3541
San Diego, CA 92101
Fully handicapped-accessible

New Hours Effective February 1
11 AM - 5 PM Thursday* through Tuesday
11 AM - 7 PM Third Thursday of the Month
Closed Wednesday

Admission
General Admission $10
Military/Seniors $5
25 and under Free
MCASD Members Free
Admission is valid for 7 days at all MCASD locations.

25 and under free is generously supported by Qualcomm.
Free Museum admission Third Thursday from 5 to 7 PM.

__________________________________________

Cerca Series: Javier Ramírez Limón

MCASD LA JOLLA
JANUARY 18 THROUGH MAY 10, 2009

Tijuana-based photographer Javier Ramírez Limón mines the ground between photography as straight journalistic document and as a source for conceptual and poetic interrogation. He attains this through breaks and alterations in the image’s representational façade that take various forms: textual application, digital manipulation and, as for this Cerca Series, the pairing of two independent bodies of work to create a third.

The exhibition will present two straight-photographic series that document different moments in the process of migration and adaptation of Mexican communities in the Southern United States. Ramírez Limón’s color portraits in the series Mexican Quinceañera capture central characters in real festivities celebrating the 15th-birthday of adolescent women living in San Diego County—the equivalent to “Sweet 16” parties in the United States. These images are brought together with black-and-white landscape photos taken in an area of the Sonoran desert known as Altar—a remote and dangerous region where illegal migrants and drugs are smuggled north.

Ramírez Limón conceptualizes these pairings as a form of infiltration of the social and ethnographic content of one series into the other that makes the new work at once more informative and also more open to interpretation. The landscapes infiltrate or seep into the cultural discourse of the Mexican Quinceañera series, becoming a backdrop to that celebration and its characters, offering a shorthand social history of a community.

Cerca Series: Javier Ramírez Limón is sponsored by The Frame Maker. The exhibition is made possible by a grant from the LLWW Foundation and gifts to MCASD's Annual Fund.

MCASD La Jolla

700 Prospect Street La Jolla, CA 92037-4291
858 454 3541 (24-hour recorded information)
Fax: 858 454 6985
Fully handicapped-accessible

New Hours Effective February 1
11 AM - 5 PM Thursday* through Tuesday
11 AM - 7 PM Third Thursday of the Month
Closed Wednesday

Admission
General Admission $10
Military/Seniors $5
25 and under Free
MCASD Members Free
Admission is valid for 7 days at all MCASD locations.

25 and under free is generously supported by Qualcomm.
Free Museum admission Third Thursday from 5 to 7 PM.

Directions
Get Directions( Mapquest)

Guided Tours
Free public tours are available at all MCASD locations on the third Thursday of the month at 6 PM and weekends at 2 PM. To book a private guided tour, please contact the Education Department at 858 454 3541 x151 or e-mail education@mcasd.org. (Please remember to book your tour at least three weeks in advance.)

Museum Cafe
Try the Cafe for lunch or an early supper before a film or performance. Reservations are not required.
Museum Cafe Hours:
Monday - Friday 11 AM - 3 PM
Saturday and Sunday 9 AM - 3 PM

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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You know, you know, you know I'm a POP lovin dude and this chick is THE POP Chick right now. (Ladies I use "chick" as a term of endearment). Check out these recent performances from Lady GaGa one of the few recent acts who seem to be able to dress herself with some measure of personal Pop style.

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Collected. Propositions on the Permanent Collection presents fourteen takes on the permanent collection of The Studio Museum in Harlem. This set of exhibitions, which includes over two hundred works in a wide range of media, is intended to give multiple perspectives and views on the art of which this Museum is so proud to be the guardian. While a chronological approach allows us to understand how art develops over time and a thematic one helps us to see the relationships between artists, this set of exhibitions takes, in some cases, idiosyncratic approaches to investigating, presenting and analyzing the works of art that the Museum has collected over the last forty years.

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum began with a mission to present the work of African-American artists and artifacts of the African diaspora. In the Museum’s early history the mandate to collect was strong, with the idea that for the Studio Museum to have a place in the museum world it had to establish a permanent collection. The Museum was very fortunate to have the vision of the founding directors and curators, as well as the generosity of many artists and donors, with which to begin a collection that documents the achievements of artists of African descent.

Over the years there has also been a strategic focus on acquiring works by artists in our exhibitions and from our Artist-in-Residence program. Collected is significant because it charts this history of the Museum. It is an important record of our mission, from New Additions: Recently Acquired Works on Paper, which takes a sweeping look at prints, photographs, collages and drawings new to our collection; to A Family Affair, which looks at the conscious and coincidental relationships between artists who share not only love of art, but also family bonds; to the Highlight sections, each of which focuses on a singular artist or work of art, allowing an in-depth investigation of its subject and how the work relates to the collection.

Organized by the curatorial team, Collected gives us an opportunity for reflection on the great treasures that we steward, and we hope it will prompt a wonderful discussion about art made now and history as seen through the works. Also, it is always wonderful to present works that are not permanently on view. We hope that long-time friends of the Museum will see some old favorites. And we hope that those new to the Museum will see works that will make you want to continue to visit in the years to come. Throughout the Museum’s history we have proudly shown the collection and have been honored to loan works around the country and the world. We are thrilled that at this moment we can highlight our collection and prompt a new era of exploration and presentation.

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Jason Blount and Doug Hansen
uRbanArt and pHoTograPhy at H&F Fine Arts

Opening Reception
Saturday, April 4, 2009 5-8PM
Live Paintings with Jason from 5-8

Exhibition: April 4 - April 25, 2009

Both artists explore their environment by using very distinct and different tools...paintbrush, paint, pen, ink, and a camera. Jason Blount is an hot emerging artist from Prince Georges county and is following in the footsteps of his artist father, Willie Blount, and guided by God. He is only 27 years young and has already founded an Urban contemporary art company. Jason's creative influences are God, his family, music, and foreign cultures. Jason believes God will transform lives through this unique ministry, and that his art will be His light in dark place.

Doug Hansen has been shooting for over 25 years. Initally as a local photojournalist and presenly a bio-medical photographer. He has only recently started capturing urban abstract photos of Baltimore. Doug is influenced by painter Edward Hopper and photographers John Gossage, Aaron Suskind, Robert Adams, and Lewis Baltz. Doug rides his bicycle almost daily as an easy way to access the abstract shots that he captures and we unknowingly drive by everyday without ever noticing.
GALLERY HOURS: Thurs.-Fri. 11am-7pm, Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 11am-3pm

www.hffinearts.com
Gallery number 301-887-0080
H&F Fine Arts, 3311 Rhode Island Ave., Mt. Rainier, MD 20712

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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Gluckman Mayner Architects design new Presidio Museum

The Presidio of San Francisco California, which served for 218 years as an army post for three different nations, is to get a new $45 million Museum thanks to Doris and Donald Fisher, founders of the successful US retailing chain, GAP. In addition to providing financing for the Museum, the Fischer’s will have house their collection there, which includes more than 1000 masterworks of contemporary art by such 20th century masters as: Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Gerhard Richter, Chuck Close, Ellsworth Kelly, Richard Serra and others. The new Contemporary Art Museum at the Presidio (CAMP) is being designed by New York architect Gluckman Mayner. The two-storey, structure, which will house 50,000 square feet of gallery space, will be built of masonry and glass, materials inspired by the local architecture. The transparent nature of the structure will allow visitors to gaze into the museum as they approach it while allowing the people inside the museum to enjoy spectacular views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. In addition to the new museum building, the project involves the renovation of a nearby barracks, which will house a bookstore and public education programs for the Museum, including a photography studio, ceramics studio and painting and drawing classes.

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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Kalup Linzy: If it Don’t Fit is the first museum survey of the artist’s work, and includes approximately twenty videos made over the last seven years, a drawing suite and a one-night acoustic performance. From his original take on the soap opera and family drama to his foul-mouthed music videos and filmic shorts, this compilation tracks the artist’s range and cast of characters. The title, If it Don’t Fit, is appropriated from a song Linzy used in a recent video, and evokes his exploration of the emotional realities of aspiration, disappointment, sexuality and belonging.

Linzy first presented his motley crew of characters at the Studio Museum in African Queen (2005), and then again in Frequency (2005), a group exhibition of emerging artists. Since then, he has continued to draw on the formal qualities of a variety of American performance genres: the thorny humor of minstrelsy and sketch comedy; the innuendo of prewar blues and hokum; the hyperbole of early cinema and soap opera; and the slickness of popular culture, house music and the gay ball and club scenes.

The video component of If it Don’t Fit is organized into three hour-long programs, on view throughout the duration of the exhibition. Each highlights a recurring theme in Linzy’s work. Taking its point of departure from the artist’s ongoing negotiation of love, longing and loss, The Pursuit of Happyness features both narrative and music videos. Da Churen brings together works from the artist’s iconic “Churen” (2003-05) series, which traces a set of family archetypes, narrated over a series of phone calls. Finally, Ride to Da (Art) Club juxtaposes videos that self-reflexively take on issues of ambition and belonging in the contemporary art world as well as the pop music and club scene.

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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"The meatpacking district has Jeffrey; the Upper East Side has Barneys; and Harlem has N—a stylishly designed bi-level 3500 sq ft. specialty lifestyle boutique that opened in 2006. N stands unparalled as the fresh, new face of retail and is the only upscale multi-designer retail store in Harlem that is single-handedly creating a destination for upscale shopping in a community not known for high-end shopping. Everything about the store is consistent: from the well-edited assortment of men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, home product and cosmetics to its interior (designed by Henry Mitchell) that infuses elements of a Victorian brownstone parlor in a modern, loft-like space to the superb level of customer service." So starts the press release for the hip and trendy retail store called N.

I tend to be very wary of media spin and self loving press releases, but the intro you just read is very true. N is a great store. The offerings are always on point, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the store itself boasts great decor and a relaxing and comfortable vibe. "At N one will find top-shelf independent and emerging talent alongside established designers that have never had a presence in Harlem. The store recently launched custom menswear by Omar whose designs are recognized for their choice of luxury fabrics, sense of architecture and sublime tailoring. Stylish customers from Harlem and across the city who are weary of the ordinary retail experience, count on N for its strong selection of unique designer vintage, cufflinks, watches, wallets, accessories, bags, home product, organic teas, fragrance, and gift items" said Lenn Shebar, Director of Public Relations.

The three young owners of N are Nikoa Evans, Larry Ortiz and Lenn Shebar, who all have strong ties to Harlem as well as muscular educational, corporate, management, and retail experience from the best universities, corporations and businesses. Ms. Evans, former VP of Finance for the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, oversaw a $3-million Harlem retail/restaurant initiative;. Mr. Ortiz, born and raised in Harlem, has worked in sales and buying for some of the most prestigious companies in fashion including Comme des Garcons, Charivari, Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys New York. Mr. Shebar, also born and raised in Harlem was formerly Director of Board Relations for Parsons School of Design. All three principals own homes in Harlem.

I live very near the store, visit often and I'm never disappointed. No matter where you live in the city or in the country you owe it to yourself to make a trip to Harlem and to N. While you're in the area you can grab a great meal at one of the several great restaurants nearby and perhaps even make a visit to my studio or take a walk to 125th Street and visit The Studio Museum. N hosts charitable events on what feels like a regular basis and has a beautiful outdoor patio in the rear of the ground level.

Make some time and make the trip to N.

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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Carrie Secrist Gallery
835 W. Washington Blvd.
312 491 0917
T-Fr, 10:30AM-6PM
Sat, 11AM-6PM
Through April 25

Carrie Secrist Gallery is pleased to announce the first solo exhibition of paintings by Dana DeGiulio.

DeGiulio's abstract paintings oscillate between being gestural and restrained, quiet and strident. The mark making exhibited in the paintings conveys a tension that resides between order and chaos. Two circular forms struggle to absorb the canvas, seemingly fighting each other for space. Beneath the black and white strokes that engage the majority of the canvas, are subdued shades of blues, greens and grays that hide as if they are not to be noticed. There is no spotlight, no central figure begging to be noticed, instead there is an elegance to the paintings that singles out the canvas as a whole. Parts of the canvas are occupied by aggressive strokes while other areas are left stark white, creating a tension among what is occupied and what is left alone.

That House Is On Fire is a statement of fact, but one generally said with an implied sense of emergency. This implication of direness or urgency sets the stage for a shared purpose. For the moment right after "That House Is On Fire" is said, identity is irrelevant, differences are resolved and only species and safety mater. We are suddenly, if only momentarily, on the same side. This moment of shared experience, when something is happening and is observed is a moment that DeGiulio wants to recreate in her paintings. The paintings occupy a space that is struggling to be heard, a rage quietly brewing, a story wanting to be told, but not necessarily understood.

Dana DeGiulio is a recent graduate of the School of The Art Institute of Chicago, where she now teaches in the painting and drawing department. DeGiulio has shown at the Contemporary Art Workshop, Chicago; Chicago Roots and Culture Contemporary Art Center and this May will be in a show in Copenhagen curated by Marc. R. Leblanc, entitled A Wreath of Poppies.

In the second gallery, curated by Angela Samuels-Bryant, are paintings by Jiwon Yoon, a second year graduate student at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Corporeal Universe is a group of paintings that showcase Yoon's interest in the impermeable substances of things, which often translate as being grotesque and visceral. The subject matter of her paintings is derived from an examination of her own body. The process of intimacy and distancing puts the paintings into a place where it becomes neither about painting nor about the body, but about the dialogue between them.

For further information please contact Natalie Popovic, Gallery Manager, at 312.491.0917.

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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Andrew Smith (1978) is one of Utah's most promising artists. His intricate sculptures, which meld industrial motifs with organic elements, present works of fascination and fancy. His art seems to be a rediscovery of life's simplicities, involving elements such as light, water, sound and movement. Smith has built a reputation on creating objects of curiosity, including many Rolling Ball Sculptures, the largest of which measured over 40 feet in length. Yet he retains the ability to create things in a small scale as well. It is this size range that has exposed Andrew to so many different types of projects and experiences in his career as and artist. Some of his works include elements such as a series of water cylinders with pod like shapes rising and falling as they fill with air, or sculptures that launch smoke rings across the room, or even a tornado in a can. People young and old seem to be continuously drawn to his work which has been the subject of numerous newspaper articles and media reports.

Smith was born and raised in Highland, Utah, the son of Dennis Smith, a well-known and highly respected sculptor and painter. Growing up in this environment gave him a wide exposure to the world of art. After attending art classes at Utah Valley State College, Andrew began to seriously pursue his interest in sculpture. Dennis describes his son's work as a "celebration of curiosity." As Andrew explains, "I like to incorporate moving elements into my sculptures, something that will draw people in and make them wonder how it works. I want to encourage people to step into a new frame of mind where they can see forms and shapes in places they normally wouldn't."

Xanadu Gallery
7039 E. Main St. #101 - Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (Map)
480.368.9929 - 866.483.1306

Hours of Operation
Monday - Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday by Appointment
Thursday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Artwalk 7-9 p.m. every Thursday

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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Nathan Hale Williams is a renaissance man if there ever was one. This brotha is an actor, attorney, television producer, club promoter, blogger, former model and a whole lot more! I've known him since he was a young man in college and he has most certainly made his momma proud.

He recently made his directorial debut with INSIDE: Black Culture, a documentary series. I recently had a chance to catch up with Nathan and chat about his accomplishments and what he has planned for the future.

Ricky Day: How are you?
Nathan Williams: I'm doing well. Rejuvenated after a much needed vacation. So far, 2009 has been a year full of progress and change. And, as you know, progress and change can wear you out a bit. I'm grateful that I was able to take some time to reflect and recharge.

RD: What have you been up to lately?
NW: I've been working my toosh off continuing to build my company, iN-Hale Entertainment. It's a multi-platform entertainment company that does everything from TV/Film production to event production. It's my focus and consumes most of my time. Well, that and Facebook (I admit my addiction).

RD: What is your most recent project?
NW: I just finished a documentary series, INSIDE: Black Culture. The series was a three-hour documentary on three prominent African-American institutions: The Studio Museum in Harlem; Evidence, A Dance Company; and, the Abyssinian Baptist Church. INSIDE marked my directorial debut so it was especially exciting for me. Naturally, I executive produced the series with my fabulous producing partner, Crystal McCrary Anthony, who created the series.

RD: You do so many things, what do you consider your core businesses?
NW: My core business is TV/Film Production. We have two returning shows that we're in production for right now. We're shooting the fifth season of our show, Real Life Divas and the second season of our show, Leading Men. I haven't done a film since 2007 ("Dirty Laundry"), but I still consider it a core part of my business. The nature of the film business is that it takes an extraordinary amount of time to get one film done. So, although I work on our next film project ("Homecourt Advantage") on a daily basis it takes a while to bring it to market.

RD: What does your business card say?
NW: Nathan Hale Williams, Esq.
Founder & President
iN-Hale Entertainment (Arts, Entertainment & Culture)
And, my contact info.

RD: How important is focusing on one task at a time in your world?
NW: LOL. Not at all. In this business, it's impossible to focus on one thing at a time. It is almost mandatory that you multi-task. You're constantly pitching concepts and projects while developing or producing other ones. It's really the only way you keep the paychecks coming. My only caveat is that if you're writing it's ideal that you are able to focus on your writing. Unfortunately, we haven't been in a position yet where we can go off to France for a month or two and just write. We're working hard to make that happen though. It'll be nice just to write for a change and not write, promote a party, produce two shows, etc. It can be bananas at times.

RD: With all your interests and businesses how do you ever focus on any one thing?
NW: Not really. When I'm with my family and friends, I try to focus on them. Other than that, not professionally. I just can't.

RD: How did you get into producing?
NW: Believe it or not, I went to law school to be a producer. I really enjoyed law school and thrived. However, the practice of law was a different story. Although I was good at it, I didn't enjoy it in the least. I moved to New York to work for a firm and two years into it (after practicing in DC for a year after law school) I started having panic attacks on my way to work. Two days after my 27th birthday, two of the partners of the firm called me in their office and told me that I'd be better suited at a larger firm (I was working at a prestigious boutique firm at the time), which is what they call a gentleman's termination. Well, I started looking for another firm and then realized it was a great opportunity for me to pursue my dreams. So, I didn't go to another firm...I started my own.

One of my clients was an agent and encouraged me to model and act again (my background from my younger days). I started booking work both as an actor and model, which surprised me because I was old considering. I auditioned for this movie, The Ski Trip and was cast as one of the leads, Byron. While in rehearsals, I realized the production team did not have their corporate infrastructure set up and I asked them to make me an Associate Producer and I would set it up for them. Slowly, but surely I took on more responsibility and moved up to be the Producer. From there, I did my first television show, My Model Looks Better Than Your Model, which I also co-created with Sean Johnson. And, as they say, the rest is history.

RD: Were you always driven to be involved in film and television?
NW: I've been in entertainment in some capacity since I was very young. I was a child actor/model until my mother made me stop. She saw the affect not booking gigs was having on my psyche and so she told me that if I wanted to do it when I got older she would support me. My major when I went to college was Biomedical Engineering with an intention of becoming a Neurosurgeon. Needless to say, that didn't last very long and I ended up graduating in Communications with a concentration in theatre performance. Towards the end of college, I intended to be a professional concert and Broadway dancer. Then, I lived in LA for a summer and struggled my butt off and decided that my passion for performance wasn't great enough for me to eat pork and beans for the rest of my life. So, I decided I'd go into the business/production end.

RD: What types of stories do you want to tell?
NW: I want to tell stories that lift people up. We all have insecurities and feelings of inadequacy from time to time. It stems from identity, circumstances, environment, etc. I want to produce projects that remind people that we're all uniquely gifted to contribute to this world and we all have a place, thus great worth. Dirty Laundry did that and The Ski Trip in a way, but those two films will be different from what we produce in the future in that we want to add a dose of fabulosity (thanks Kimora) to all of our projects. I think there is something very interesting about examining people who seemingly have it all to reveal that they share the same goals, insecurities, challenges that we all do. It humanizes them and it builds up people who look up to these people because of their success, wealth, etc. I think our next two film projects accomplish this very well. Homecourt Advantage is based on Crystal's first novel and the screenplay is written by Crystal. Ladies Who Lunch is an original screenplay that I wrote. We also have a television film, Passing that has the same sensibility, but set in 1920s Harlem.

RD: I know you have a long standing relationship with Crystal McCrary-Anthony, how did you meet?
NW: Crystal and I met when I threw a book party for her second novel, Gotham Diaries. I instantly fell in love with her. It's not just that she's drop dead gorgeous. It's not just that she's smart as hell. It's not just that she's funny. It's not just that she's loyal. It's not just that she is down to earth. It's not just any of that...it's ALL of that and then some. She is truly a God send to my life. I love her more than words. The best business partner I could hope for and have ever had.

RD: What does she bring to the table that you lack? What do you bring to the table that she lacks?`
NW: Crystal brings a sensitivity and reserve to our partnership. I've learned a lot more grace and graciousness from her. I've learned how to be more tactful in execution. She is the master brand manager/builder and so she's helped me build and focus my own brand. She is incredibly thoughtful about all that she does. She takes her time to get all of the information/facts so that her decisions are fully informed. She is even tempered in the most harrowing situations. I've maturity tremendously as a result of our partnership.

I think she would say that I've brought an aggressive energy to our projects. I'm extremely driven and focused on the ultimate goal. I've also taught her how to fight a little more. I'm also very direct with what I require and want, especially in business. I also hope she'd say I've brought a great deal of creative energy to our enterprise.

Honestly, we are the dynamic duo. We compliment each other so well. If we're on your team then, you should know it WILL get done. Whatever it is!

RD: How do you two decide what projects to pursue next?
NW: We assess whether it fits in our current goals and whether we think it's a quality project or can become one. We make the decision jointly. If one of us in not feeling it, we don't do it. Thankfully, we agree on project choice most of the time and most of the projects we're doing are CMA/NHW creations.

RD: You recently made your directorial debut, what prompted you to direct?
NW: I never thought about it before the last year or two. I was working on writing a screenplay and Crystal suggested that I direct the movie. Well, we ultimately didn't produce the film, but it put the bug in my ear. I don't want to direct for ego based reasons. But, I do feel that I have specific point of view and vision that I think will be something people will appreciate. It's a part of me that I discovered and now, I'm just nurturing it. I hope to direct a short film later this year.

RD: Do you feel like it was an inevitable transition for you?
Nope. I never really had interest in directing before now.

RD: How has being educated as an attorney affected your entertainment career?
NW: Immensely. First, it's saved us tons of money in legal bills. I tend to handle the straight-forward deals. More importantly, it has given a sense of business and the legality of it that has been beyond helpful. Understanding the business side and how it works is 50% of being a successful producer. You MUST educate yourself in order to succeed. And, everyone doesn't have to go to law school...you can educate through experience, but it is imperative that you educate yourself.

RD: What have you been listening to lately musically?
NW: I start every day with my Gospel playlist (I'm listening to it now). It gets me centered. I'm an old soul. I still listen to Whitney Houston, Anita Baker and Brandy. I'm not up on the newer music except what they play at my parties. Of course, I love me some Beyonce. I also enjoy Ledisi a lot. But, I'm primarily an ole skool type, which scares me that the 90s are considered "ole skool."

RD: When you're not watching your own projects what are some of your favorite tv shows and films?
NW: The Color Purple is the reason I wanted to make movies. My other favorite movies are: The Usual Suspects, Dangerous Liaisons, The Grifters, The First Wives Club and Crash. The Cosby Show is the reason why I wanted to make TV. My other favorite old TV shows are: Sex and The City, Ally McBeal, the Golden Girls, A Different World and Cheers. My current TV shows are: anything with food (Top Chef, Hell's Kitchen), Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters (the best acting on TV...period), Entourage, Real Housewives (all cities), The Bad Girls Club, Project Runway and American Idol. I LOVE TV! LOL

RD: What's next for you?
NW: Keeping it moving! We have several new shows that are close to deals. Hopefully, we'll have a big announcement soon. Homecourt Advantage is the next feature and Passing is our first film project for television. And as I said, we're in production for the new seasons of Real Life Divas and Leading Men. But, that's just details. What's next for me? The sky is the limit...I've been tremendously blessed and I am so grateful for the opportunities that I've had so I just want to keep going on the path I've been on and make great work that touches people's lives.)

______________________________________________________________

Bio
Founder/President of iN-Hale Entertainment, Nathan Hale Williams is an award-winning film and television producer, entertainment attorney, actor and former model. A commentator on the arts, entertainment and culture, Nathan is the Arts & Entertainment editor of The Daily Voice, Black America’s premier daily online news source. He also writes on his website www.NathanHaleWilliams.com.

Nathan is the executive producer and producer of the film, Dirty Laundry, which was released in theaters nationwide in December 2007. In 2008, Dirty Laundry was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and a GLAAD Award. In 2006, Dirty Laundry took the top two honors, Best Picture and Best Actor (Loretta Devine), at the American Black Film Festival. In 2004, Nathan produced and starred in the award-wining film, The Ski Trip. In 2009, Nathan makes his directorial debut with the three-hour documentary, INSIDE: Black Culture. INSIDE will air in February 2009 and features profiles of The Studio Museum in Harlem, Abyssinian Baptist Church and Evidence, A Dance Company.

For television, Nathan is the creator and executive producer of My Model Looks Better Than Your Model, hosted by America’s Next Top Model winner Eva Marcille Pigford. As well, he is the executive producer of Leading Men and Real Life Divas, which is the only show in history dedicated to profiling prominent African-American women, including Patti Labelle, Mo’Nique, Vivica A. Fox, Chaka Kahn, Veronica Webb and Deborah Martin Chase. Both shows air on BET & BET-J.

Nathan has appeared on Showtime’s American Candidate, The Guiding Light, My Two Cents and The Bev Smith Show. He has been featured in Black Enterprise, Crain’s, Ebony, Jet, the Chicago Tribune, The Advocate, the New York Blade, Clik Magazine, PULSE, Bleu, UneQ, the Chicago Defender and several online publications. In November 2007, Nathan graced the cover of NEXT Magazine, which is the most widely circulated LGBT weekly magazine in the country. In addition, Nathan and his projects have been featured in Variety, the Hollywood Reporter, the New York Times, the LA Times, Essence Magazine, LA Weekly and HX Magazine.

Currently, Nathan and his producing partner, Crystal McCrary Anthony, are working on several projects, including the reality competition show Five, 6, Seven, 8, which was created by Nathan and in development with Ogilvy Entertainment. They are also in pre-production for the film version of McCrary Anthony’s best selling novel, Homecourt Advantage.

Born and raised in Chicago, Nathan began appearing in theatre, commercials and television shows at the age of 8. A classically trained dancer, Nathan continued to perform and study at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After college, he attended the George Washington University Law School where he was the president of the Student Bar Association, a Dean’s Fellow and the recipient of the GW Law Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Scholarship and Leadership. Nathan resides in New York City and is a proud member of the board of directors of Harlem United Community AIDS Center.

www.NathanHaleWilliams.com

For my info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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Thursday, April 2 at 7pm
Holly Miranda and
Scott Matthew
(Doors open at 6 pm)

http://www.myspace.com/hollymiranda

On Thursday, April 2 at 7 pm, Holly Miranda and Scott Matthew will present a free joint concert at Smack Mellon, as part of the gallery's Press Play First Thursdays concert series.

Doors open at 6 pm for a free beer tasting sponsored by Kelso of Brooklyn.

"Born in Detroit and raised somewhere between Michigan and Tennessee. Holly Miranda was never the kind of girl to do one thing at a time. Singer and guitarist for "experimental/indie/rock" band, The Jealous Girlfriends, she also performs as a solo act. A trained pianist and self-taught guitarist, she formed TJG in the autumn of 2003.

Holly is due to release her first "official" record as a solo artist this fall. Produced by Dave Sitek (TV On The Radio) and Katrina Ford (Celebration), 'The Magicians Private Library' combines an eclectic array of influences from Jeff Buckley to Tool via Edith Piaf and Nina Simone. This record promises to be a diamond in the rough for 2009."

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Rivelazioni - Revelations in the Dark
Photographic Imagery by: Roberto Saletti
April 16 - May 7, 2009
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 16, 2009, 6-8PM

(Brooklyn, NY, March 25, 2009) Italian artist Roberto Saletti conjures images from a time and space less defined and more like enigmatic memories with his "partial revelation" darkroom techniques.

Saletti's photographic explorations go beyond what is captured through his camera lens and begins with the creative work in the darkroom. Stretching the nature of the photographic image, Saletti uses a process of painting developing solution onto the white photograph paper with a rag before exposing the image onto the paper. This technique pushes his original image and creates greater freedom and expressiveness in Saletti's photographic artwork. Saletti commented, "I have learned to make optimal photos from a technical point of view; then I have realized I was being bored and I pushed to search for greater freedom."

Like giving movement to a memory, Saletti technique creates images that take flight from the physical time and place where the subject was photographed and become ethereal and haunting. The static subject photographed through the artist lens is stretched to become a dreamlike representation of the subject, unveiling like clouds or smoke signals to the viewer. "What I try to create is images without time, to give life to statues," Roberto Saletti.

Mr. Saletti's artworks will be exhibited at the Farmani Gallery beginning on April 16, 2009 with an opening reception from 6-8PM.

The Farmani Gallery was established in 2003 and has offices in Los Angeles and New York. Its mission is to discover and cultivate emerging artists among the contemporary photography genre. The Farmani Gallery is the brainchild of the Farmani Group, whom among its many charities, businesses and organizations has created The Lucie Awards, The Lucie Foundation,
The International Photography Awards, Px3-Prix De La Photographie Paris and the International Design Awards.

111 Front St., Suite 212, Brooklyn, NY 11201 • 718-578-4478 • www.farmanigallery.com

The Farmani Gallery is located at 111 Front St., Ste. 212, Brooklyn, NY in the DUMBO neighborhood between Washington and Adams St. By subway take A or C to High St., F to York St. or 2 and 3 to Clark St. Station. Gallery hours: Wed. - Sat.: 1 - 6PM. Information: www.farmanigallery.com or info@farmanigallery.com or ph# 718-578-4478

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I was more into Superman and Batman personally, but I KNOW a few of you loved her. This is for you.

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Now this is URBAN + Pop = UrbanPopLife.

(This is not a photoshop creation. They really named the chicken spot after Obama.)

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DCKT Contemporary is pleased to present WILLIAM SWANSON's second New York solo exhibition. In SWANSON's acrylic on wood panel paintings architecture attempts to hold rein in a tumultuous battle with natural forces. Each presents a fictitious setting and fuses elements of nature, technology and architecture.

Holding to a belief that disaster can be a transformative process, SWANSON's spaces play with end into beginning as in all natural cycles. Floods of light and debris spin in and out of view in unraveled space. Remnants of buildings, infrastructure and dilapidated structures are charted out in a survey of the damage. These are potential scenes of disaster.

SWANSON's palette is a mix of deep blues, blacks and grays with contrasting hot pinks and warm acrid citrus. The paint alternates between loose floods of blended pools, streaks and harder edge flat planes of solid color mass. Concentrated masses of form gather in piles of teetering planes and surfaces.

In Trace Dispersal, a black field is bisected by crystalline planes of color. Outcroppings of rock drift like remains of a larger development; the scraps of earth barely provide footing for temporary structures, pipes and other human networks. In another new painting, a wide expanse of glowing space floods an indeterminate horizon. Structures such as banks of computer monitors and display units stand without any use or users; a collective energy of information is swelling in the atmosphere.

SWANSON lives and works in Oakland, CA. Recent solo exhibitions include the Marx & Zavattero (San Francisco) and Walter Maciel Gallery (Los Angeles). SWANSON was included in the recent group exhibition Future Tense: Reshaping the Landscape at the Neuberger Museum of Art (Purchase, NY).

The exhibition will be on view at DCKT Contemporary, 195 Bowery (at Spring Street).

Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 11am – 6pm; Saturday, noon – 6pm; Sunday,
noon – 5pm.

For further information, please contact Dennis Christie or Ken Tyburski at the gallery.

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For thos who missed this the other day, check out this interview from rockacandy.com. It's a pretty cool piece and offers some insight into my work and my motivation for this blog. I'm not so big on interviews and such, but it's a necessary evil and Patrick Taliaferro is a very cool dude and made it easy. Hope I didn't sound too darn serious tho.

Rocka.Candy interview

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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(Paul Graham. New Orleans (Woman Eating). 2004. One of six pigmented inkjet prints, 24 x 32" (61 x 81.3 cm). Acquired through the generosity of the Photography Council Fund and The Contemporary Arts Council of The Museum of Modern Art. © 2009 Paul Graham)
a shimmer of possibility. Photographs by Paul Graham

February 4, 2009–May 18, 2009

The Robert and Joyce Menschel Photography Gallery, third floor

In August of 2004 Paul Graham (British, b. 1956), who had moved from London to New York in 2002, set out on the first of many trips around the United States to see and photograph the country for himself. This exhibition has been selected from the resulting series of photographic works, which Graham published in twelve volumes as a shimmer of possibility (steidlMACK, 2007). Each simple but structurally inventive series includes varying numbers of pictures, from one to more than ten, and provides a vivid glimpse into unheralded moments in the lives of individuals Graham encountered on his travels. A series showing a woman eating a take-out meal or a man waiting at a bus stop transcends its nominal subjects and describes aspects of life that, while ordinary, are imbued by the photographer with affection and curiosity. a shimmer of possibility is a call for attention to the brief, indefinite intervals of life. As Graham has said, "Perhaps instead of standing at the river's edge scooping out water, it's better to be in the current itself, to watch how the river comes up to you, flows smoothly around your presence, and reforms on the other side like you were never there."

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Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Jr. (born March 13, 1972), better known by his stage name Common (and previously known as Common Sense), is an American rapper and actor.

Common debuted in 1992 with the album Can I Borrow a Dollar? and maintained a significant underground following into the late 90s, after which he gained notable mainstream success through his work with the Soulquarians. His first major label album, Like Water for Chocolate, received widespread critical acclaim and moderate commercial success. Its popularity was matched by 2005's Be, which was nominated in the 2006 Grammy Awards for Best Rap Album. Common was awarded his second Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, for "Southside" (featuring Kanye West) (from Finding Forever), his first Grammy was awarded in 2003 for Best R&B Song for "Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop)" with Erykah Badu.[2][3] His best-of album Thisisme Then was released on November 27, 2007. Common has also initiated a burgeoning acting career, starring significant roles in such films as Smokin' Aces, Street Kings, American Gangster, Wanted, and the upcoming Terminator Salvation.

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J-Harris is a NYC based artist who "POP's" with us everyday. One of the most important tenants in his creativity is MCM. Music made with a Conscious Message.

Music made with a Conscious Message (MCM) is a new music genre defined by Joseph H. Fleming aka J-Harris. It is music that always embodies a message of hope, love, self-empowerment, or encouragement. It is an emerging genre that incorporates the best of R& B, Spoken Word, Hip Hop, Contemporary Christian and Pop/Urban Music. It is music by artists who understand that music is one of the world’s best and most effective vehicles for conveying messages and influencing the moods, minds, and hearts of people across all ethnic, religious, and socio- economic lines.

The MCM Movement is being led by artists and others who are conscious about what message is promoted through music, and who want to encourage others to embrace that consciousness. The Movement understands that “music is the weapon of the future.”

Be a part of the MOVEMENT...Conscious of what you put out there!

CHECK OUT J-HARRIS ON ESSENCE.COM TODAY!

Essence.com Loves J-Harris' New Single "I'll Make It Up To You"!

This week J was interviewed by Porsche Slocum from Essence.com on what
inspired him to write this powerful song that addresses the issue of
domestic violence. Check out the full article and song on Essence.com
and click on "More photos of J-Harris" to see entire spread. Here's
the link to the article.

Be sure and leave comments on both sites and spread the word and save
a life with this powerful song and message!

Check him out here. Essence online

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You've probably peeped by now that though I am VERY human and NO BETTA than anyone else I choose to see the world through very different eyes...LOVING EYES. Instead of jumping on bandwagons of negativity and judgment I try my very best to see the "other" side and to find solutions instead of dwelling on the problem.

The recent Rihanna and Chris Brown fiasco has been sad and painful to watch. Obviously it's tragic and painful to know a young woman was brutalized in such a violent fashion. It is equally painful to know that a young man who by all accounts is a decent human-being essentially snapped and lashed out in violence towards the young woman he supposedly loves. What I find amazing is how so many people can be so insensitive to the plight of these two young people.

When tragedies happen we always seem to want to define the moment in simplistic terms of hero, villain and victim. Life doesn't EVER work that way. One person's freedom fighter is another persons terrorist. One persons victim is another person's enabler. We also forget that these two people are essentially kids. In my opinion they need help, they need guidance, they need love. What they probably don't need is bitter adults pointing fingers and piling our own baggage and failed relationships unto their shoulders.

When Rihanna decided to NOT play victim and instead to do what she thinks is right; including possibly working things out with Chris it unleashed a backlash against her. For me the backlash told the real story. I honestly think a few people are genuinely concerned for her and of course we should be. However, I think more than a few people were disappointed that she was robbing us of an opportunity to watch another episode of villain vs. victim. Demonizing another young black male and turning a hurt young woman into a heroine without knowing the circumstances doesn't really feel like a prudent or loving thing to do. If we really love these kids and want the best for them then I'd think we be praying that they get some counseling, take some time apart and then decide for themselves what is right going forward. Seems to me that would be a very LOVING way of looking at it. This general feeling of disappointment that I sense in the air that there will be no public morality play feels like a half-hearted display of compassion and concern.

I don't ever want my daughter, niece or any human being to be subjected to any kind of abuse (emotional, physical or spiritual). Violence is clearly wrong and should be prevented when possible and punished when necessary. However, I think it is equally important to teach young men that it is NOT weak to show emotion. Too often men in western culture (particularly men of color) are taught that showing emotion is being weak. We're all human beings and essentially we are emotionl creatures. If you take away nearly all of our emotions and leave rage, aggression and anger as the only acceptable emotions for a man to express, well...you finish the sentence.

What Chris did is wrong. Why he did it needs to be understood. How to prevent anyone else from doing it needs to be the mission.

My humble thoughts on a sad situation.

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Looks like Prince is about to be back in a major way. Check this out and check out his new website lotusflower.com

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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(Graham Gillmore / Studio View / 2009)

Mike Weiss Gallery presents “Drop Dead, Gorgeous,” an exhibition of new work by Canadian artist Graham Gillmore on view April 2nd – May 2nd, 2009. Gillmore is widely know for his loosely executed text based imagery which reflect his idiosyncratic observations on society and the people in his own life. For this new body of work Gillmore explores the surfaces of some less familiar media and the psychology of the language which serves at the visual signifier.

Featuring paintings on paper and canvas, Gillmore’s new work is a departure from his lustrous oil and enamel on carved panels. Drawing from such disparate inspiration as a lover’s private letter to her ex, short answer psychological survey evaluations and a vintage edition of Norman Peale’s “The Power of Positive Thinking”, the paintings visibly fracture the language of the text. Broken down into each individual letter, words fall from the tops of large colorful canvases and phrases actualize in black acrylic on stark white paper.

Gillmore gives new meaning and context to the wording in his paintings by extracting sentences from their fundamental sources. He places them in bold, bright block letters on naked paper and atop scribbled journal pages offering a new interpretation of the letters dancing in the foreground.

Graham Gillmore lives and works in both New York City and Winlaw, British Colombia. Gillmore has exhibited in a number of international exhibitions including Learn to Read, 2007 at the Tate Modern, London, England. His work is featured in the Museum of Modern Art’s exhibition “Compass in Hand: Selections from The Judith Rothschild Foundation Contemporary Drawings Collection” April 22nd to July 27th.

For further information, please contact Helene Necroto, Directorm, 212 691 6899 or visit our website www.mikeweissgallery.com

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Although I am a visual artist and by my very nature inclined to focus on visuals first, I am of course a well rounded individual who enjoys using all my senses and my intellect. A few weeks back I wrote about the great African-American literary journal called Callaloo and received such good feedback I decided to share information from their special issues and events whenever I think it may be of interest to some of you.

Below please find the details on a great conference that is taking place this week in St. Louis, Missouri. It's a lil late for those of us who live out of state to plan a trip at this point, but I figured I'd share the information anyway for our mid-west readers.

This is just some of the information for the event. If you are interested in more detail visit the Callaloo website.

Callallo online

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We tend to treat people the way we treat ourselves. Remember that the next time you're being fierce! And def remember it the next time someone is mean or disrespectful to you...it aint personal, it's just what they think of themselves.

Love u.

Ricky

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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(Jenny Holzer, Green Purple Cross, 2008, and Blue Cross, 2008. Three double-sided electronic LED signs (two with blue and green diodes on front and blue and red diodes on back and one with blue and red diodes on front and blue and green diodes on back); and seven double-sided electronic LED signs with blue diodes on front and blue and red diodes on back. 59 x 122 5/8 x 100 11/16 in. (149.9 x 311.4 x 255.8 cm); and 85 13/16 x 109 x 100 11/16 in. (217.9 x 276.9 x 255.8 cm). Installation view: Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), Chicago, 2008. Texts: Erlauf, 1995, Arno, 1996, Blue, 1998 (Green Purple Cross); and Arno, 1996 (Blue Cross). © 2009 Jenny Holzer, member Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY. Photo: Lili Holzer-Glier. Collection of the artist; courtesy Yvon Lambert, Paris (Green Purple Cross); and David Roberts Art Foundation, London (Blue Cross)

About the Exhibition

On view March 12-May 31, 2009

Jenny Holzer's pioneering approach to language as a carrier of content and her use of nontraditional media and public settings as vehicles for that content make her one of the most interesting and significant artists working today. Alternating between fact and fiction, the public and the private, the universal and the particular, Holzer's work offers an incisive social and psychological portrait of our times. PROTECT PROTECT centers on Holzer's work since the 1990s and is the artist's most comprehensive exhibition in the United

Hours and Information

View Larger Map

Whitney Museum of American Art
945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street
New York, NY 10021
General Information: (212) 570-3600

Hours
Wednesday–Thursday: 11 am–6 pm
Friday: 1–9 pm (6–9 pm pay-what-you-wish admission)
Saturday–Sunday: 11 am–6 pm
Monday & Tuesday: Closed

The Museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

The Museum is open Tuesdays for prearranged school programs. For more information, please contact the Education Department at schoolvisits@whitney.org, (212) 570-7721 or fax (212) 570-7711.

Admission
Adults: $15
Senior citizens (62 and over): $10
Students with valid ID: $10
Members, NYC public school students with valid student ID, and children under 12: Free
One-day pass to the Kaufman Astoria Studios Film & Video Gallery only: $6

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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Supporting the Whitney has never looked this good.

We've partnered with internationally celebrated artist Jenny Holzer to commission a limited-edition "members only" t-shirt featuring one of her signature Truisms: GOOD DEEDS EVENTUALLY ARE REWARDED.

The shirt is our gift to you when you sign up to become a Whitney member at the $75 level or higher during the run of Jenny Holzer: PROTECT PROTECT, on view now through May 31.

The shirts are only available while supplies last, so purchase a NEW or GIFT membership today! Already a member? Extend or upgrade your membership to qualify for this special opportunity.

Cheers,
The Whitney

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Yo...check this out. I've done a handful of interviews in the past couple of months and they are starting to surface now. Check out this interview from rockacandy.com. It's a pretty cool piece and offers some insight into my work and my motivation for this blog. I'm not so big on interviews and such, but it's a necessary evil and Patrick Taliaferro is a very cool dude and made it easy. Hope I didn't sound too darn serious tho.

Rocka.Candy interview

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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JANE ALEXANDER
Survey

March 19 - April 18, 2009
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 19, 2009, 6-8pm

Jack Shainman Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of Survey, Jane Alexander's first solo exhibition at the gallery of photomontage prints. Alexander works in a range of mediums, including sculpture, installation, photography and video.

In these photomontage prints she has composed images of her hybrid sculptures into African environments, images that make reference to land as a resource and site of human and animal presence in the context of social manipulation, migration, conflict and security. Using her own photographs to compose images from multiple components through the medium of Photoshop, Alexander has considered intervention and change in particular locations such as an actual south western diamond field; an estuary which has been sparsely settled since prehistoric times (Verlorenvlei); a central reserve for wild animals; and the North African frontier of Melilla, separating Africa from Europe.

Jane Alexander was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1959 where she earned her Master of Arts in Fine Art in 1988 from the University of Witwatersrand. She lives and works in Cape Town and is a Professor in the Michaelis School of Fine Art at the University of Cape Town. She has exhibited her work internationally and has been included in numerous biennale's including Meeting Point, The 10th edition of the Havana Biennial opening in March 2009; Re-Thinking Dissent: Fourth Gothenburg Biennial, Gothenburg Sweden, 2007; How to live together: 27th Sao Paulo Biennale, 2006; and Identita e Alterita. Venice Biennial, Palazzo Grassi, 1995. Her work was included in The Short Century: Independence and Liberation Movements in Africa 1945 - 1994, curated by Okwui Enwezor, and Africa Remix curated by Simon Njami. A solo exhibition of her work entitled Being Human is on view at the Galilee Chapel, Durham until March 22nd.

For further information or press photography please contact the gallery at (212) 645-1701 or info@jackshainman.com.

www.jackshainman.com

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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(Rock Band, 2008-09, DVD Animation, Loop 1 minute/ 8 Seconds - Edition 2/5)

Opening Reception
Thursday, March 19, 2009
6 - 8 pm

Collette Blanchard Gallery is pleased to present Héroe, Oscar Cueto's first exhibition with the gallery. Featuring a light table with drawings, video, and sculpture, Héroe will be on view from March 18th through April 29th.

The works Cueto has created for this upcoming exhibition incorporate restructured world maps. The drawings focus on the universal connection of the contemporary art world and the interactions of nations that have resulted in poignant conflict. Inspired by the actions of global citizens, the artist renders realigned continents in commenting upon relationships between persons inhabiting these land masses. In some drawings, recognizable territories intersect in overlapping patterns to disguise their original form with a simple red stain marking the penetration of one territory into another. Other drawings simply show a world view with some or all of the leading countries removed as if they never existed. In one drawing, the eastern point of Europe pierces the center of the United States; in another, Europe is rotated and annexed by western Canada. At once, these renderings reference the geography of Pangea and look forward to the realignment of today's land masses as they may exist in the distant future. Navigating between these extremes, the artist's positioning of the continents reflects his thoughts of monetary and political power, which supersede mere shifts in geographical landscape. Europe, Asia, and the Americas vacillate between recognizable continents and fetish objects, abstracted figures, and/or crows as their orientation and placement vary.

Within the installation, hand sewn flags are strategically placed with black coverings on each side to conceal the instant recognition of the country it represents. The only indications of each flag are sporadically placed holes on the surface and the edge of the pole where colors and patterns are carefully discerned. Cueto furthers his rendering of continental forms with two silent videos. The video animations are made from hand drawn frame to frame images on a digital notepad putting to motion the line of the corresponding drawings. In one video, Cueto portrays a series of moving maps. Dramatically reducing the scale of the continents, the artist, in a second video, contextualizes land masses as musical paraphernalia, as a rock band uses cut out maps as its instruments. A series of unframed gouache drawings entitled Brujeria/Witchcraft will accompany the other works in the show. Through his work, Cueto, without overbearing specificity, whimsically engages prescient and often painful happenings, which have continually defined human experience.

Oscar Cueto was born in Mexico City, where he currently lives and works. Cueto received the Youth Creators Grant (CONACULTA) in 2007 and his work was recently acquired by the Jumex Collection. He previously showed at the Festival la Mar de la Música in Cartagena, Spain and he has been included in solo and group exhibitions throughout Mexico. Cueto has been the subject of numerous solo exhibitions internationally, has shown regularly in Mexico City for the past five years, and has also shown with the Walter Maciel Gallery. In conjunction with the Collette Blanchard exhibit, Cueto will be having a similar show on the West Coast at the Walter Maciel Gallery in Los Angeles.

For more information please contact the gallery at 917.639.3912

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GORDON CHEUNG
The Promised Land

March 19 - April 18, 2009
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 19, 2009, 6-8pm

Promised Land
-noun
1. Heaven.
2. Canaan, the land promised by God to Abraham and his descendants. Gen. 12:7.
3. (often lowercase) a place or situation believed to hold ultimate happiness.
Dictionary.com

Jack Shainman is pleased to present British born Chinese artist Gordon Cheung's first solo gallery show in the USA. His dual background has fuelled his interest in paradoxically belonging and not to both cultures, a condition that led him to focus his work on existence in the artificial landscape of globalization. For Cheung we are all in an in-between state.

Using Financial Times stock listings as a ground in his multi-media paintings Cheung depicts spaces inspired by 19th-century Romantic landscape paintings and Science Fiction. The listings are a metaphor for the dominant global economic ideology that maps the torrential streams of capital around the world.. Cheung's paintings are 'virtual-reality environments' where 'faith' in the numbers of the stock exchange to deliver a 'Promised Land' dictates our lives. An overarching theme of his work is of the 'techno-sublime'; instead of an overwhelming experience of nature bringing us closer to God, the visual rhetoric of the sublime has exchanged to omnipotent information which overwhelms us with an artificial landscape.

Cheung based the show around the romantic myth of the pioneering spirit and the ideas of manifest destiny. He is fascinated by the landscape genre where there is an undercurrent of propaganda of taking what God has 'given' you, never mind the blood soaking along the way - Beauty, Shock and Awe; War on Terror and political gain. Paintings of Rodeo riders become both Romantic icons of conquest and allegories for man's relationship with the environment. Bull riders, contemporary versions of the Minotaur, combine man and bull to serve as an analogy for the financial bull market and extreme corporate being.

Cheung's Technicolor palette scorches the sentimental sepia and flesh tones of the stock listings and creates luminosity within the work. His colors are toxic with a psychedelic and hallucinatory vision referencing the counter-cultural movement, a neon glare, a nuclear sunset, a drug induced vision or even a religious heavenly light. They are artificially luminous, a metaphor perhaps for a techno-utopian vision; when the Internet and mobile phones became readily available it fuelled the digital and communications revolution that gave rise to such terms as Information Superhighways, digital frontiers and global villages. All of which fell into dystopia after the millennium bug, the dotcom crash, collapse of Enron, destruction of the twin towers - and all before the current recession. Yet despite the post-apocalyptic mood the paintings offer glimmers of hope, their multi-layered spaces encourage perception beyond what is at first visible.

Gordon Cheung lives and works in London. He earned his Master of Fine Arts in Painting from the Royal College of Art in 2001 and has exhibited his work in both solo and group exhibitions internationally at such venues as the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Washington, DC; the Aldrich Museum, Connecticut; the Royal Academy of Arts, London; Arizona State University Art Museum, Arizona; and the BALTIC, Gateshead. He has a forthcoming major museum solo show at the New Art Gallery, Walsall UK 2009.

For further information or press photography please contact the gallery at (212) 645-1701 or info@jackshainman.com.

www.jackshainman.com

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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Day 3 of Janet Jackson week. These are four of my favorite Janet videos. What are some of yours?

Posted by rickyday at 04:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Facebook is of course ubiquitous at this point. I have fallen into Facebook hook, line and sinker. I like most people have tons of "friends" the difference for me being that I actually know about 90% or more of my friends personally. There are however, a few people who like the art, know of the photography or are friends of friends. I accepted a friend I didn't know recently and I'm glad I did. This new friend is a new recording artist named Dy'Ary (pronounced diary).

I don't know a whole lot about him yet except he is passionate about his art, seemingly honest about his life experiences and focused on making his dreams come true. I peeped 3 of his songs and I dig them. I am very curious to learn more about him and there may even be an interview sometime soon. Until then, check out his music and tell me what you think.

Introducing Dy'Ari.

Facebook

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LeBasse Projects Opens New Gallery March 21
Opening Reception:
Saturday, March 21st from 7-11pm

PREVIEW ONLINE NOW: www.lebasseprojects.com
LeBasse Projects will be launching their inaugural gallery exhibition ‘Vous Avez Eté Juste Servi' at a newly remodeled 2400 sq/ft gallery space in the heart of Culver City's Art District. Over the past two years, the former project:gallery has established itself as a center for developing some of the most highly talked about emerging talent. The inaugural exhibition will showcase an exciting array of international artists that will be showing with the gallery in 2009.

The show will include Yoskay Yamamoto (Japan), Meryl Donoghue (UK), Tessar Lo (Indonesia), Koralie (France), Melissa Haslam (Australia), Brian Donnelly (Canada), Ryuichi Ogino (Japan), Lisa Alisa (Russia), Kentaro Hiramatsu (Japan), Nate Frizzell, Edwin Ushiro, Amanda Visell, Eric Fortune, Jason Redwood, Scott Belcastro, Alicia Ross, Jack Long, Michele Valigura, Laura Ball and Casey Ruble.

The opening reception will be supported by Gen Art, a leading arts and entertainment organization in Los Angeles, as well as across the country. Gen Art is dedicated to showcasing emerging fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians and visual artists and is partnering to launch the new LeBasse Projects as part of their continuing support of cutting edge contemporary art.

Music and Beverages sponsored by Gen Art. Food by Kogi.

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 21st from 7-11pm

www.lebasseprojects.com

For preview info: contact@lebasseprojects.com

Posted by rickyday at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

This is day two of Janet Jackson week on UrbanPopLife. Check out the first part of the wikipedia bio on Janet and four great videos.

Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American recording artist and actress. Born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Encino, Los Angeles, California, she is the youngest child of the Jackson family of musicians. She first performed on stage with her family beginning at the age of seven, and later started her career as an actress with the variety television series The Jacksons in 1976. She went on to star in other television shows throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, including Good Times and Diff'rent Strokes.

At age sixteen in 1982, Jackson signed a recording contract with A&M, releasing her self-titled debut album the same year. She faced criticism for her limited vocal range, and for being yet another member of the Jackson family to become a recording artist. Beginning with her third studio album Control (1986), Jackson began a long-term collaboration with record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Her music with Jam and Lewis incorporated contemporary R&B with elements of rap music, sample loop, triple swing and industrial beats, which led to crossover appeal in popular music. In addition to receiving recognition for the innovation in her albums, music videos and choreography, Jackson was acknowledged as a role model for her socially conscious lyrics.

In 1991, she signed the first of two record-breaking, multi-million dollar recording contracts with Virgin Records, which established her as one of the highest paid artists in the recording industry. Her debut album under the Virgin label, janet. (1993), saw Jackson develop a public image as a sex symbol as she began to explore sexuality in her music. That same year she appeared in her first starring film role in Poetic Justice; since then she has continued to act in feature films. By the end of the decade Jackson was named the second most successful recording artist of the 1990s. All for You (2001), became her fifth consecutive studio album to debut at number one the Billboard 200 album charts. In 2007, she changed labels, signing with the Island Def Jam Music Group and released her tenth studio album Discipline the following year.

Jackson is ranked by Billboard magazine as one of the top ten best-selling music artists in the history of contemporary music, having sold over 100 million albums worldwide. The Recording Industry Association of America lists her as the eleventh best-selling female artist in the United States with 26 million certified albums. Jackson's longevity in the recording industry has rivaled that of several entertainers and her musical style and choreography have influenced a number of contemporary pop and R&B artists.

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Franz West, To Build a House You Start with the Roof: Work, 1972–2008

March 12–June 7, 2009
LACMA in Los Angeles

A figure of international stature whose work includes sculpture, installation, and design, Franz West appears in his most comprehensive form to date in this retrospective exhibition, with objects ranging from early interactive works from the 1970s to large installations comprised of bright aluminum and epoxy objects that dramatize their surroundings with bold colors and oversize scale. For the past three decades, West has played a critical role in contributing to developments in post-1965 art, redefining the possibilities of sculpture as a social and environmental experience. His manipulation of found materials, papier-mâché, and furniture leads to an art that is unlike any other in appearance and application. Distinctly European in its look and origins, West’s art is now decidedly global, with monumental works populating plazas throughout the world. Organized and circulated by the Baltimore Museum of Art, this exhibition seeks to reveal the history and position of this fascinating artist. Curator: Darsie Alexander, senior curator of contemporary art, Baltimore Museum of Art. Curator at LACMA: Stephanie Barron, senior curator of modern art.

This exhibition was organized and is circulated by The Baltimore Museum of Art.

Generous support was provided by Constance R. Caplan, Andrew and Christine Hall, Aaron and Barbara Levine, and Lin Lougheed. Support for the Los Angeles presentation was provided by the Austrian Consulate General Los Angeles, Gagosian Gallery, Galerie Meyer Kainer, Steven Neu, Galerie Eva Presenhuber, and Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Rachofsky.

In-kind support provided by Austrian Airlines.

Franz West
L'Art Pour l'Art, 1997 (detail)
Twenty-three works on paper ranging in date from 1973 to 1997
Approximately 118.1 x 98.4 in. (300 x 250 cm) overall
Private Collection, Courtesy of David Zwirner, New York
© Franz West
Photographer Mitro Hood

Sisyphos IX, 2002
Papiermâché, Styrofoam, cardboard, lacquer, acrylic paint
68.5 x 59.8 x 44.1 in. (174 x 152 x 112 cm)
The Rachofsky Collection, Dallas
© Franz West

LACMA is located at:
5905 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90036
323-857-6000

* Hours
* Directions and Public Transportation
* Parking
* Wheelchair Access
* Pay What You Wish After Five
* Construction and Collections Access

Hours

LACMA is open every day except Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Monday 12 noon–8 pm
Tuesday 12 noon–8 pm
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday 12 noon–8 pm
Friday 12 noon–9 pm
Saturday 11 am–8 pm
Sunday 11 am–8 pm

Directions and Public Transportation

LACMA is located on Wilshire Boulevard between Fairfax and Curson avenues—midway between Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica.

*
From the Santa Monica Freeway (10), take Fairfax Avenue north 2 miles to Wilshire Boulevard. LACMA is on Wilshire between Fairfax and Curson Avenue.
*
From the southbound Hollywood Freeway, take Highland Avenue 3.5 miles south to Wilshire Boulevard; take a right on Wilshire and proceed 1 mile west to LACMA.
*
For additional maps and driving instructions, see Mapquest.
*
For public transportation information, call 1.800.COMMUTE or use the Trip Planner at www.metro.net to find the route that's best for you. Enter 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles 90036 as your destination.

Posted by rickyday at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Today I was on the train listening to my ipod as usual. On this particular day I decided that I was in the mood for a little old school Janet (Miss Jackson if you're Nasty). The trains sucked as usual so I had plenty of time to listen to plenty of songs. As I listened to hit after memorable hit a conversation that I have had many times with friends came to mind again. The conversation centers around a very basic question. The question is why do we spend sooooooooo much time and energy focusing on feeling bad, holding grudges and generally remembering bad emotions, but so very little time of being thankful for the good times and aware of pleasant feelings?

No where is this more clear to me than in our appreciation or lack thereof when it comes to great music and the artists who created it.

Janet Jackson is quite simply an icon. She is a living legend and hit machine. I can't take an accurate count of how many top ten hits she's had because they are so plentiful. I can't count how many pleasant memories I have of her dazzling myself and the world with her dance moves and innovative videos, but there are tons of such moments and memories. However, for some reason we tend to focus on the negative (the Superbowl fiasco) and the (admittedly) mediocre songs on some of her recent releases. There is another conversation that my friends and I have privately, but I am going to make public...I wonder if African-Americans fully appreciate the history and sacrifices that have been made by stars from bygone eras?

it is not at all rare to see 20 year old white kids at Rolling Stones or U2 concerts with and without their parents. Some how some respect for history and passion for culture gets passed down. This may not be the case across the board, but it is certainly prominent. On the other hand I have a difficult time finding 20 year old kids of color or hip hop heads who'd even know who Earth, Wind and Fire or Prince are (except for a skit on the Chappelle Show). Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and a handful of others are familiar because they get carted out at every awards show like set pieces, but rappers and their fans rarely have any idea who any of the other iconic artists are who they have sampled to death.

Part of the reason I started this blog is to share visual art with all of you. Another huge motivation is to shine a light on all the talented artists who did so much so that today's artists would have the abiltity to do their own thing today. Until Michael Jackson there were basically no black artists on MTV. Black artists literally invented Rock and Roll. Disco music and it's descendants house and electronica are other creations of African-American artists. of course the greatest example of an artform we created and abandoned completely is Jazz.

This week I plan to spotlight Janet Jackson. She's an incredible artist who has brought each of us great moments, memories and music over the years and I for one am grateful for her contribution to Urban Pop culture and African-American history. I acknowledge that there have been moments recently where even I have to question her commitment to greatness and willingness to continue to innovate, but now and then instead of judging or jumping on to a bandwagon..maybe..just maybe..you should listen to the music for yourself. I am not a fan of the Feedback video and I really think that Rock Wit U was a terrible choice for a second single. However, when you get past those mistakes the CD was actually quite decent. Luv is perhaps her best song in years and there are a handful of other cuts that were well crafted soulful pop pleasures.

We all like what we like and there's nothing wrong with that, but it sure would be nice if every now and then you took a second and thought about the hard work that artists put into making art to make us happy.

Posted by rickyday at 04:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

STAN VANDERBEEK

March 14th-April 18th, 2009
Opening March 14th, 6-8pm
Video Screening & Panel Discussion: March 18th, 7pm

The Box is excited to have the first solo-exhibition of works by moving image artist, Stan VanDerBeek (1927-1984) in Los Angeles. VanDerBeek viewed images as a complex and ever evolving medium. He was continuously exploring and expanding the possibilities of this medium throughout his life. From his work with film and multi-media installations to his published manifestos such as Re:Vision and "Culture: Intercom" and Expanded Cinema, he was driven to interpret, evaluate and project a response to the visual criteria of his time.

If you would like to view "Culture Intercom": and Expanded Cinema in its entirety as well as additional writings and works by Stan VanDerBeek please visit http://www.guildgreyshkul.com/VanDerBeek/SVB-re.html

Fore more information and complete press release visit http://theboxla.com/exhibitions/index.html

The Box
977 Chung King Road
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel. 213 625 1747 Fax 213 625 5747
Wednesday-Saturday 12-6
www.theboxla.com

Posted by rickyday at 02:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We don't appreciate them, but the rest of the world does. I certainly hope Michael can deliver to all these people who unconditionally love and respect him despite all his issues. Unconditional love...what a wonderful concept. We learn it in church on Sunday and rarely practice it in our lives. In the old words of Arsenio Hall, "things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmm..."

LONDON, England (CNN) -- Tickets for Michael Jackson's 50 "final curtain call" concerts in London sold out in little over four hours Friday.
Michael Jackson has sold out 50 concerts at London's O2 Arena.

Michael Jackson has sold out 50 concerts at London's O2 Arena.

The tickets went on sale at 7 a.m., with fans queuing since Wednesday. They were limited to four tickets per household at a cost of up to $105 for general admission. VIP tickets cost up to $1,100. Around 750,000 were sold.

Tickets have already appeared online for resale, with one person seeking $35,000 for VIP tickets to the opening show on July 8.

Jackson originally announced he would do 10 shows at London's 20,000-capacity 02 Arena, but huge demand has seen a further 40 dates added. The king of pop's run is now scheduled to finish next February. Video Watch Jackson fan nab first ticket »

O2 owners, AEG Live, said due to the "incredible level of interest" -- pre-sale tickets to 10 concerts offered on Thursday sold out within minutes -- Jackson had agreed to add the extra dates.

To read the rest of the story click here

or peep this video...I must admit this kind of love and adoration fascinates me.

Posted by rickyday at 04:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

KIDS BEHAVING BADLY:
Larry Clark, Karlheinz Weinberger, Nan Goldin, David Armstrong, Jack Pierson, Mark Morrisroe, Ryan McGinley, Jill Greenberg, Brian Finke, John Arsenault, Marc Yankus, Michael Meads, Thatcher Keats, Janine Gordon, Collin LaFleche.

BLAKE FITCH: EXPECTATIONS OF ADOLESCENCE
In the Project Room
March 19 - April 25, 2009
_____________________

Opening reception:
Thursday, March 19, 2009
6.00 - 8.00 p.m.
_____________________

For more information contact:

ClampArt
www.clampart.com

521-531 West 25th Street
Ground Floor
New York City 10001
646.230.0020 T
646.230.8008 F
Gallery hours:
Tuesday - Saturday,
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Posted by rickyday at 02:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Doing a top ten list for an artist who I love and has countless hits is an exercise in futility, but for fun Imma try anyway and encourage you to do the same and share it with others here.

I chose my list by thinking of all the songs and what they mean to me. I factored in melody, track, the good times I had to the song and all that stuff. I thought about lyrics and melody and what moves me about the songs. The most important criteria though was very simple: when I feel like hearing some Janet what are the 10 songs I tend to go to first? With that being said, here's my list complete with some honorable mentions. My list includes a B side and some non singles as well. I was a musician and songwriter before a visual artist so I get deep into music for musical reasons as well as the pure listening pleasure and that sometimes takes me to album cuts and b-sides that few care about. Enjoy the list and please share your own. Oh yeah and I cheated...it's actually 12 songs...I just couldn't get down to 10...lol.

Honorable mentions) Don't Mess Up This Good Thing (Janet Jackson); Pretty Boy (Dream Street); Again (Janet); Nasty (Control); Let's Wait Awhile (Control); When I think of You (Control); Funny How Time Flies (Control); Alright (Rhythm Nation); The Skin Game featuring Johnnie Gill (Rhythm Nation b-side); Runaway (Design of A Decade); That's The Way Love Goes (Janet); Doesn't Really Matter (All For You); Someone To Call My Lover (All For You); Enjoy (20 Y.O.); What's Ur Name (Discipline); Curtains (Discipline)

10) You Need Me (B-side release with Miss You Much - Rhythm Nation 1814) - This joint was Janet's most directly personal joint ever as she went OFF on her father! The track was some of the best New Jack Swing Jam and Lewis ever did and Janet's vocal told me she meant what she was singing about. I loved the track and the melody, but Janet's conviction about what she was sayin waz is what really moved me and still does. Hell I liked it so much that I sampled it for my little joint that I wrote, recorded and released years ago on da west coast. I actually got some play too. Don't bother googling it...you wont find it (lol). I am thinkin bout droppin it and some other old tracks on here soon.

9) I Get Lonely (Velvet Rope) - Sexy, kinda sad, well sung, well produced...I loved it.

8) Feedback (Discipline)/ Luv (Discipline) - Yup I'm cheatin. Feedback and Luv are two of Janet's best songs in years. Feedback is a track that no one can deny, not even the worst haters on the planet and Luv had it been released with a video would likely have been her biggest hit in years. For anyone that doubts the ability to create good music is still in Janet these joints are proof that she can. Now whether she has the will or not remains to be seen.

7) You Want This (Janet)/If (Janet) - I know I cheated again, but whatever. These two joints are probably on everyone's favorites list and for good reasons. Perfect songs, iconic videos and one of the best CD's ever! Yeah I cheated, but I dare you to leave these two off your list.

6) The Pleasure Principle (Control) - The song is so well done it belays exactly how complicated it is in many ways...then of course there is the video. The visuals are forever attached to this song and they are iconic, but the song itself is well crafted, perfectly performed and one of my favorites forever.

5) Got "Til It's Gone (Velvet Rope) - Janet Jackson has been many things. despite her often profound lyrics and very funky black music people wanted to think of her as some kind of pop princess and in very subtle ways undermine her blackness. For a pop artist at the top of her game like Janet and video and track like Got Til It's Gone was damned near revolutionary. Q-Tip did his thing, the Joni Mitchell sample rocked and the video reminded me how cool it is to be African-American.

4) Island Life (Damita Jo) - While everyone else was trippin about her tits I got into the music and man oh man this joint is one of her best songs ever. I'll forever have memories of bumpin this joint in my Mazda 626 as my adopted lil bro Cliff and I ran around NYC living our lives. It's a beautiful song with a hot track from Scott Storch. You may wanna go back and peep dis one.

3) State of The World (Rhythm Nation 1814) - Stevie Wonder (time and time again) and Prince (Sign O The Times) are only artists I can think of off the top of my head who have managed the twin tasks of writing an entertaining and thoroughly musical song while talking about meaning topics that affect our day to day life and politics. This joint was funky as hell, soulful and insightful in ways rarely found in pop music. Dayum Janet.

2) Miss You Much - (Rhythm Nation 1814) - The first time I heard this joint I was driving my car in LA. I casually pulled the car over and listened with my mouth open until the song ended. When the DJ confirmed it was Janet I couldn't believe how much more she (and Jam and Lewis) had stepped up their game. There are very few times in life when you that "shit is never gonna be the same again after this moment." I didn't know the details, but I knew that Janet was on some next level sh#t and was about to make moves that nobody expected. The best part of life is that you get to experience moments like this and this joint will forever be attached to one for me. M-I-S-S- u much!

1) Love Will Never Do Without You (Rhythm Nation 1814) - This is honestly my favorite song by any artist of all time. I am an un-apologetically a loving and blissful and joyful soul and this song sounds like how I feel on the inside when I am at my best...full of love, full of joy, full of hope and full of promise realized. I love the track. I love the melody. I love the arrangement. I love the words. I love the sentiment. I love the lead vocal. I adore the backing vocals. I love Jam and Lewis. I love, love, love the vocal arrangement. I love everything about this song. For me this song is simply...PERFECT!

By the way I left out a few covers to Janet releases...can you name the missing CDs?

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

Blogs like this don't grow unless you tell ya friends. Please do. Ask them to Pop today...after the funny look on their face..explain it all to them...lol.

Enjoy your day.

Posted by rickyday at 01:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Janet Jackson post has inspired a LOT of FEEDBACK AND COMMENTS and something very interesting has been brought to my attention:

Janet's latest release Discipline has re-entered the TOP TEN on the R&B charts.

HMMMMmmmmmmmm.

I wont say I told you so, but...hey.

You really may wanna check the CD out again and check ya bad attitude and pre-conceived notions at the door and just GET INto the music.

I just love the internet.

Listen to the CD and buy it here!

Posted by rickyday at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Grammy Awards

* 1990: Best Long Form Music Video: Rhythm Nation 1814
* 1993: Best R&B Song: That's the Way Love Goes
* 1996: Best Short Form Music Video: Scream, duet with Michael Jackson
* 1998: Best Short Form Music Video: Got 'Til It's Gone
* 2002: Best Dance Recording: All for You
* 2002: Recording Academy's Governors Award

American Music Awards

* 1987: Favorite Soul/R&B Single: Nasty
* 1987: Favorite Soul/R&B Female Video Artist
* 1988: Favorite Pop/Rock Video: When I Think Of You
* 1988: Favorite Soul/R&B Video: When I Think Of You
* 1990: Favorite Soul/R&B Single: Miss You Much
* 1990: Favorite Dance Single: Miss You Much
* 1991: Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist
* 1991: Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist
* 1991: Favorite Dance Artist
* 1999: Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist
* 2001: American Music Award Of Merit
* 2002: Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist

NOTE: Janet's No.1 album "Control" received a record 9 nominations in 1987, and 3 more in 1988 still til this date has not been broken.

[edit] MTV Video Music Awards

* 1987: Best Choreography in a Video: Nasty
* 1988: Best Choreography in a Video: The Pleasure Principle
* 1990: Best Choreography in a Video: Rhythm Nation
* 1990: Video Vanguard
* 1991: Best Female Video: Love Will Never Do (Without You)
* 1994: Best Female Video: If
* 1995: Best Dance Video: Scream
* 1995: Best Choreography: Scream
* 1995: Best Art Direction: Scream
* 2001: mtvICON Award

Janet was the first artist to win the mtvICON Award, she passed the award down to Aerosmith the following year.

MTV Movie Awards

* 1994: Best Female Performance: Poetic Justice
* 1994: Most Desirable Female: Poetic Justice

MTV Japan Video Music Awards

* 2004: Special Inspiration Award

Billboard Music Awards

* 1986: Top Black Artist (combined LPs & singles)
* 1986: Top Black Singles Artist
* 1986: Top Dance Club Play Artist
* 1986: Top Dance Sales Artist
* 1986: Top Pop Singles Artist
* 1986: Top Pop Singles Artist - Female
* 1990: Top Selling Album Of The Year: Rhythm Nation
* 1990: Top Selling R&B Album Of The Year: Rhythm Nation
* 1990: Top Selling R&B Album's Artist Of The Year
* 1990: Top Selling R&B Artist Of The Year
* 1990: Top R&B Singles Artist
* 1990: Top Hot 100 Singles Artist Of The Year
* 1990: Top Hot 100 Singles Artist Of The Year - Female
* 1990: Top Dance Club Play Artist
* 1990: Top Hot Dance 12" Singles Sales Artist
* 1990: Top R&B Female Artist Of The Year
* 1993: Top Pop Albums Artist Female
* 1993: Top Billboard 200 Albums Artist - Female
* 1993: Top R&B Aritst - Female
* 1993: Top R&B Album - Female
* 1993: Top R&B Single - Airplay: That's The Way Love Goes
* 1994: Top R&B Singles Artist - Female
* 1995: Pop/Rock Video Clip Of The Year: Scream
* 1995: Artist of Achievement Award
* 1998: Top R&B Female Artist Of The Year
* 2001: Artistic Achievement Award

Note- Janet Jackson holds the record for the most Billboard Awards of any artist male or female (33). [1]

Billboard Music Video's Awards 1990

* 1990: Best Female Artist, Black/Rap
* 1990: Best Female Artist, Dance
* 1990: Director's Award (Black/Rap): Rhythm Nation"
* 1990: Director's Award (Dance): Alright:
* 1990: Billboard/Tanqueray Sterling Music Video Award for Artistic Achievement: Rhythm Nation

Soul Train Music Awards

* 1987: Best Female Album: Control
* 1987: Best Music Video: What Have You Done For Me Lately
* 1988: Best Music Video: Control
* 1990: Best Female Album: Rhythm Nation
* 1990: Best Female Single: Miss You Much
* 1990: Best Music Video: Rhythm Nation
* 1991: Best Music Video: Alright
* 1992: Sammy Davis, Jr. Entertainer of the Year Award
* 1994: Best Music Video: If
* 1997: Lena Horne Outstanding Career Achievements Award
* 2000: Best Music Video: What's It Gonna Be?
* 2004: Quincy Jones Award for Outstanding Career Achievements: Lifetime Achievement Award

Janet has more Soul Train Awards than any other artist, Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston follow.

NAACP Image Awards

* 1990: Greater Hartford - Musical and Civil Rights Efforts Award
* 1992: 24th Annual NAACP Awards - "Chairman's Award"
* 2008: 39th Annual NAACP Awards - "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture" for Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married?.

Posted by rickyday at 11:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

GORDON CHAMBERS RETURNS TO HOUSTON FOR THE
HENNESSY BIG APPLE JAZZ AND SOUL SERIES
ON MARCH 19, 2009!

Posted by rickyday at 09:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Looks like I will be changing the title of my art exhibit, film and book about The Life as it has now been used. However, it is for a great reason. I participated in the incredible scene that this film captures in South Central LA and it is surely worthy of its story being told. Check it out.

In 1989, a collective of young artists gathered at a storefront in South Central LA. Their mandate? To reject gang culture & expand the musical boundaries of hip hop.

THIS IS THE LIFE chronicles “The Good Life” emcees, the alternative music movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the artform.
__________________________________________

Exclusive Los Angeles Theatrical Engagement!
March 11 - 18, 2009
Downtown Independent
251 S. Main Street, LA
Presented by Forward Movement Films

To coincide with DVD DEBUT on March 10, 2009

http://www.goodlifelove.com
__________________________________________

Winner! Best Documentary Audience Award
Pan-African Film Festival 2008 (Los Angeles)

Winner! Audience Award, Documentary
ReelWorld Film Festival 2008 (Toronto)

Winner! Audience Award, First Place
Langston Hughes African-American Film Festival 2008 (Seattle)

Official Selection:
- National Black Arts Festival (Atlanta)
- UrbanWorld Film Festival (New York)
- San Francisco Black Film Festival
- Don't Knock The Rock (Los Angeles)
- Black Lily Music & Film Festival (Philadelphia)
- Roxbury Film Festival (Boston)
- Arizona Black Film Showcase (Phoenix)
- Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival
- Charlotte ReelSoul Festival

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"Burden" Ink on Paper 11 x 14 2006

Body Accounts
works by Yen-Hua Lee
March 5 - 28, 2009

NY Studio Gallery is pleased to present Body Accounts: Works by Yen-Hua Lee.. Using the space inside of her figures as a platform for her work, Lee’s narratives are taken from stories, dreams and memories. Lee utilizes various media as a vehicle for her illustrations, from the pages of old books to etched ceramic pieces, to an installation of drawings under glass.

Through her illustrations, the artist recreates friends’ stories or uses her own. Ms. Lee states: “Our body is a container. It not only has our organs inside, but also holds memories of our life. At one time my friends told me about sadness in their lives. We need a strong home (body/container) to protect us. I try to open my mind to find the kinds of memories (funny, sad, etc.) that I can use in my drawings.”

Having spent her early life on a farm in rural Taiwan, Lee identifies strongly with Taiwan’s local culture. Her first artistic medium was Chinese calligraphy and her intimate ink drawings are deeply influenced by this traditional art form.

Recipient of the Reality Gallery American Slide-All 2008: Solo Exhibition at NY Studio Gallery

About Yen-Hua Lee
Yen-Hua Lee earned her M.F.A. from Northern Illinois University in 2007. She has participated in residencies in the Kecskemek International Ceramics Studio, Hungary, Kunstforum, Vienna, Austria and I-Park, East Haddam, CT and in 2008 received awards from International Cultural Exchange Grants, National Arts and Cultural Foundation, Taiwan, “Open Doors 08”, Newark Arts Council and The Taipei Cultural Center (TECO) in New York, New York. Selected solo exhibitions include Gallery Uno, Chicago ,IL; Conduit Gallery, Dallas, TX and 214 Gallery, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL.

NY Studio Gallery
154 Stanton Street @ Suffolk, New York, NY 10002
info@nystudiogallery.com 212.627.3276 www.nystudiogallery.com
Thursday - Saturday 12 - 6pm or by appointment

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Liz Markus: Hot Nights At The Regal Beagle
March 19 – April 18, 2009
Reception for the Artist: Thursday, March 19, 6-8 pm

In Liz Markus’s second solo exhibition at ZieherSmith, she moves beyond the hippie era subjects of her last show to an unexpected side of American culture. Instead of portraits of long-haired drop-outs, the artist now approaches emblematic subjects of opposite persuasions:

Too young for a first hand experience of the 60s, I was 13 when Reagan took office as president. My knowledge of Nancy Reagan was limited to her penchant for red Bob Mackey dresses, the “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign, and the obvious power she held in the White House. My parents ingrained in me a distaste for the Reagan administration but I didn’t think much more about Nancy until I came across a classic photo of her in Vanity Fair several years ago. There was something about her face that was compelling. Initially, I had hoped that she wouldn’t immediately read as Nancy but as a generic WASP matriarch of that era. Nope. Everyone knew she was Nancy. I think she must be very tightly wound up inside and I still absolutely dislike her politics. However, I can see that she was a strong and powerful woman in a time when there weren’t a lot of examples like Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama around. –Liz Markus

The exhibition is not limited to images of the former first lady, but Markus freely associates imagery from the Reagan era and beyond. Taxidermy obliquely refers to WASP interiors, while Kenneth Noland inspired targets pay homage to the mid century idols that inform her techniques. Further subjects in the series range from punk rocker John Rotten to the editor and writer George Plimpton, while motorcycles speak as much to mid-life crises as to the Easy Rider protagonists of her past work. Somehow the spectrum of a distant life pokes its spectral countenance through smeared lenses. Through these ghosts— both icon and iconoclast suffer and shine under her caustic, reverent brush.

In all, the works are united by her practice with saturated washes of acrylic on unprimed canvas. Though she has a remarkable degree of control, Markus also surrenders to chance as she pushes and pulls the paint with both brushes and gravity. The results of fresh paint mixing erratically convey both a sense of urgency and unlikely surprises of color, gesture and a chemical vibrancy.

Liz Markus is based in Brooklyn, New York. She received an MFA from Tyler School of Art and a BFA from School of Visual Arts. Her work is currently featured in a group show at Nicholas Robinson Gallery, New York and will be included in an exhibition curated by Angela Dufresne, SCA Contemporary, Albuquerque later this year. Other recent group shows include those at Gallerie Opdahl, Stavinger, Norway; James Graham & Sons, New York; and Werkstatte, New York among others.

ZieherSmith / 533 W. 25th St. / NYC / 212-229-1088 / info@ziehersmith.com / www.ziehersmith.com

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Platinum Recording Artist LeToya Luckett Debuts New Video
"Not Anymore"
New York, NY March 11, 2009 - After reaching platinum with her first album LeToya has finished recording the much anticipated and awaited sophomore album titled "Lady Love". LeToya recently graced us with a new fresh and vibrant look in the premier of her new video "Not Anymore", the leading single from the album.

Directed by Bryan Barber, and set in the 1960's the video gives fans a delightful insight of LeToya's acting skills as her character is forced to throw off a cheating man played by actor Lance Gross, from her tour bus and continues with her successful career letting him know, she is "Not Having It Anymore"!

"LeToya is back!" says long time friend and celebrity make-up artist Aj Crimson "looking more beautiful than ever and with a new swag. This Album LeToya is cheering on and advocating women's independence without bashing".

"It's more of a short film rather than a simple music video" says Barber who has gained prominent stature within the music video industry for his ability to break out of the cliches that have dogged the music video business.

Breaking out and exploring new ideas and showing "another" side of herself is exactly what LeToya did in this video. "I love the video, its very different from my other videos" says the beautiful singer. "It has a great story line. Brian Barber is an amazing director to work with. Furthermore I strongly believe that anyone who is going through hard times weather its relationship or just life in general can relate to this song, just like myself, and sometimes we just have to take a step back and say "Not Anymore"!

The leading single was written by singer and song writer Ne-Yo who has written many number one hits. The "Lady Love" album is set to release May 19, 2009.

For further information, to watch the full video, and for latest news about the "Lady Love" album, LeToya Luckett and her upcoming projects please visit www.letoyaonline.com.

Letoya is repped by The Dejene Agency. The Dejene Agency is a full service PR, Events, and Entertainment agency.

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My boy Kalup Linzy is featured in the current issue of Interview Magazine. it's a great story, nice interview and something you should check out. I am scheduled to shoot Kalup for my upcoming exhibit and book This is The Life. I can't wait to see what magic we make. Congrats on the continuing success Kalup...you deserve it all.

Interview Magazine

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The song is barely-a-double-entendre track, the vocals are catchy and of course sung in the " I aint really a strong vocalist" style that some of us have come to appreciate. I've been waitin and curious to see what kind of video she'd do for this joint and it's done. The official video for Britney's If You Seek Amy is out and I dig it. Yeah it could be stronger, yeah the dancing leaves a lot to be desired and yeah you have to be a little slow not to see past the barely-a-double-entendre lyrics, but it's still a taste of pop pleasure.

Check it out here (until the record company takes it down) or check it on here official website
If You Seek Amy Video

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Seonna Hong, Caroline Hwang & Saelee Oh

I Know What You're Thinking...

Wednesday, March 18th, from 7 to 9 pm

All three artists will be present

The exhibition runs through April 11, 2009

Sloan Fine Art
128 Rivington Street
(corner of Norfolk)
New York, NY 10002
212.477.1140
sloanfineart.com

Brought together by years of friendship, an appreciation for alternate materials such as fabric, wallpaper, cut outs and yarn, and an intense interest in human communication (and miscommunication), Seonna Hong, Caroline Hwang and Saelee Oh will take over Sloan Fine Art for their three-person exhibition I Know What You’re Thinking…

While Seonna Hong’s paintings exude nostalgia and whimsy, they are equally sophisticated, soulful and elegantly rendered. Having mounted several successful solo exhibitions – at Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Tokyo, Oliver Kamm/5BE in New York, the Knoxville Museum of Art in TN and sixpsace in Los Angeles – Hong takes this opportunity to further explore her love of collaboration and mixed media in several large and small scale two-dimensional pieces and site-specific installation. Hong, also an Emmy Award winning animation art director and the author of the children’s book “Animus,” lives and works in Los Angeles.

Brooklyn-based Caroline Hwang is known for elaborate stitched and quilted work made from fabric, thread and paint. For her current series she appropriates and reinterprets the nautical flag system, humanizing their imagery and messages with the ideas, issues and predicaments that challenge us all in our daily lives. She will be exhibiting a collection of new “flags” alongside smaller flag-inspired works and at least one site-specific installation. Hwang has exhibited at galleries including New Image Art in Los Angeles, Beaver Projects in Copenhagen, Cinders in Brooklyn, Clementine in New York and Giant Robot in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

With her delicate painted and cut paper pieces and intricate constructions, Saelee Oh embraces a feminine aesthetic and fanciful palette without sacrificing serious ideas. Often incorporating found objects (including one exhibition in which she utilized tampon disposal bags stolen from a ladies room) and elements found in nature such as live plants, sticks and rocks, Oh tells stories of connectedness, alienation, identity and female empowerment.. Her work has been shown at the Riverside Art Museum, the Santa Monica Museum of Art, New Image Art and Tinlark in Los Angeles and Giant Robot in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, among others. For I Know What You’re Thinking… she will exhibit new two- and three-dimensional works.

Sloan Fine Art is located at 128 Rivington St., New York, NY. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6pm and by appointment. The closest subway stops are the Delancey/Essex stop on the F, J, M or Z and the Second Ave stop on the F or V. All three artists will be in attendance at the reception, which is free and open to the public.

Contact info@sloanfineart.com to request preview images and/or additional information.

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The Rodin Museum

Jules E. Mastbaum, Philadelphia's great movie theater magnate and one of its best-known philanthropists, began collecting works by Auguste Rodin in 1923 with the expressed intent of founding a museum to enrich the lives of his fellow citizens. He set about assembling a complete view of Rodin's work, acquiring not only finished bronzes, but plaster studies as well as drawings, prints, letters, and books. By the time of his death in 1926, Mastbaum had brought together the greatest Rodin collection outside of Paris. He had also commissioned two great French Neoclassical architects working in Philadelphia, Paul Cret and by Jacques Gréber, to collaborate on a museum and garden, but did not live to see it completed.

The Rodin Museum, which opened to the public in 1929, houses 124 sculptures, including bronze casts of the artist's greatest works: The Thinker, perhaps the most famous sculpture in the world; The Burghers of Calais, his most heroic and moving historical tribute; Eternal Springtime, one of the most powerful works dealing with human love; powerful monuments to leading French intellectuals such as Apotheosis of Victor Hugo; and the culminating creation of his career, The Gates of Hell, on which the artist worked from 1880 until his death in 1917.

About the Museum's Garden

Over 60,000 visitors annually make the trip to see this spectacular Museum and the gardens which surround it. Designed by Jacques Gréber as part of the Museum's overall plan, the Rodin Gardens have remained a calm respite from the clatter of the city, even as the Parkway has changed over the years.

As Rodin himself knew, the appreciation of works of art is heightened by nature—and that is the goal of the Rodin Gardens. The reflecting pool in the garden courtyard evokes calm and echoes the cool beauty that the visitor will experience within the building.

About Auguste Rodin

It would be impossible to overstate the significance of Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) to the history of art. More than any other sculptor since Michelangelo, Rodin changed the face of figurative sculpture and ushered in a whole new era of artistic expression. Many know Rodin for his famous controversies—the scandal around the Age of Bronze or the Monument to Honoré de Balzac—or for his unfinished projects, most famously The Gates of Hell. But few who recognize Rodin’s works have failed to be moved by them. The innovations he introduced into sculpture were elaborated by countless artists who followed him, including many who worked in his studio, such as Constantin Brancusi and Aristide Maillol.

Rodin was not educated at the École des Beaux-Arts, the most elevated school for the training of French artists, but his works achieved worldwide recognition in his own lifetime and his reputation continues to grow to this day. His genius was to express the inner truths of the human psyche and his gaze penetrated beneath the external appearance of the world. Exploring this realm beneath the surface, Rodin developed an agile technique for rendering extreme physical states which correspond to expressions of inner turmoil or overwhelming joy. Rodin was obsessed with myths, both ancient and modern, and his works commonly evoke classical mythology, the Bible, and the Divine Comedy of Dante, as well as the macabre modern Paris described in the poems of Charles Baudelaire. Deriving inspiration from such literary sources, Rodin sculpted a universe of great passion and tragedy, a world of imagination that exceeded the mundane reality of everyday existence.

Technically, Rodin introduced some very important innovations to the history of sculpture. His ability to make his figures lifelike caused him to be accused of modeling his sculptures directly from live subjects. The heightened expressive intensity of his works introduced a whole generation of artists to the potential for expressing internal depth through external features. In his Monument to Balzac, Rodin took his expressive technique to a new level, producing a figure of a great genius at the moment of his inspiration, wrapped in a cloak in the middle of the night. Though Rodin had made countless studies from life for this monument, he discarded these renderings in order to marry the expressive intensity of his modeling with the brilliance of the subject. This parallel between technique and subject, combined with the courage to throw away years of work in order to achieve a higher level of expression, mark Rodin as a unique and powerful artist.

For more information, please contact the Rodin Museum at (215) 568-6026.

Rodin Museum
Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 22nd Street
P.O. Box 7646
Philadelphia, PA 19101-7646

Driving Directions to the Museum
Directions to the Rodin Museum from Mapquest.

Hours
Tuesday through Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays and holidays.
(Hours subject to change.)

Admission
A contribution of $5 per person is suggested.

Free Public Tours
Free guided tours of the Rodin Museum are given to the public at 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Visitors should gather in the Main Entrance Hall. Please note: Tours are free after the suggested $3 admission donation.

Facilities
Wheelchair entrance, restrooms, and the Rodin Shop.

Accessibility
Parking and barrier-free access available. Listening enhancement system, touch tours, Braille and large-print materials available upon advance request by calling (215) 684-7602. TTY for Deaf and hearing impaired callers, (215) 684-7600.

Photography
Visitors are welcome to use hand-held cameras. Flash, strobe, and tripods are not permitted.

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Zach Johnsen, an American of Italian, Norwegian, and Czech descent, was born in 1978 in the north woods of New Hampshire. He says this of his upbringing:

"My two brothers and I grew up surrounded by wilderness. We made the woods our playground. When we weren't playing outside, we were drawing. We created this world of badly drawn characters that would fight each other in battles — all types of crazy war characters and an assortment of animals strapped with guns. I remember using almost exclusively black pens, with red marker for blood."

Now living in Brooklyn, Johnsen claims that not much about his aesthetic approach has changed. "I still use almost exclusively black pens and variations of red paint. I love line work, and often feel that a single line can communicate more than an entire mural. Meanwhile, I'm trying to make the most of my time here on this earth."

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Juergen Teller (born 1964, Erlangen, Germany) is a German fashion photographer, based in England. He initially photographed celebrities, and then quickly graduated to shoots for youth style magazines such as The Face and i-D. He is regarded as one of the most influential of contemporary fashion photographers, being part of introducing the "snap-shot aestetics" in fashion and now shoots frequently for Condé Nast publication W magazine, and Marc Jacobs. He is well-known for introducing the heroin chic trend in the early 1990s.

Teller grew up in the small town of Erlangen in Germany. His parents was Czech immigrants, and he describes his childhood both as beautiful and suffocating and conservative, much because of his father's emotional absence. During a vacation in Tuscany with his cousin, Teller first got interested in photography.

In between 1984 and 1986 he attended the Bayerische Staatslehranstalt für Photographie in Munich.

In 1986 he moved to London to escape German National Service and a fractured home life aggravated by his father's alcoholism. There he met Nick Knight for a portfolio viewing. Knight supported Teller in becoming an autonomous photographer rather than working as an assistant, and soon started working for magazines like i-D and the Face.

On a photoshoot in Romania he met stylist Venetia Scott, who became his partner both professionally and in private, and Scott helped Teller in finding his own distinctive style. They also have a daughter named Lola (born in 1998), who often features in Teller's photos. Teller and Scott broke up sometime in the early 2000s, but have continued to work together.

In February 1988, just when his career started taking off, Teller's father committed suicide.

In the 1990s, Teller's work was ubiquitous in fashion editorials and advertising spreads for the likes of Hugo Boss, Marc Jacobs, Katharine Hamnett and Jigsaw, and his work was dubbed heroin chic, anti-fashion or grunge, together with that of Corinne Day, David Sims, and brothers Mario and Davide Sorrenti.

He has shot all of the advertisements for Marc Jacobs's clothing line, and (as of Sept 2005) the last two seasons of advertising campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent.

Teller has made several short films including, "Can I Own Myself", in 1998, which featured fashion icon Kate Moss.

He is known for using a simple 35 mm point and shoot camera.

He is married to London gallerist Sadie Coles since 2003, and they have a son named Ed born in 2005.

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Beneath the triviality of the everyday, Ianick Raymond questions the human environement by examining modes of transportation, encounters, exchanges and communications. The work of the artist explores the primary meaning of signs and icons. Thus, as spectators, we bare witness to the subjective configuration of the components in the painting (road markers, bullets, street lights, checkerboards). The recent series consistes of drawings (ink on paper) and paintings (acrylic on canvas) – which also include diptychs and triptychs – ending with the presentation of an intriguing box-home which can be handled and discovered by the viewer. This box-home, entitled État des lieux (The state of place), is made up of screen-prints on wood, a poetic offering that refers back to its own form.

Born in the Laurentian region, Ianick Raymond lives and works in Montreal. He completed his degree in visual arts at UQÀM in 2007. In 2005-2006, he did a residency at the École supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Marseille, France. In 2007, he received the Robert-Wolfe excellency award from UQÀM for the exhibition Printemps Plein Temps. In 2009, he honoured with the title of most promising up-and-coming artist by the Musée d’art contemporain des Laurentides. His works are part of numerous private and public collections (Collection Loto-Québec, Progressive Insurance).

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Miles Aldridge
Spot the Fake #1 (Published: New York Times, T Magazine), 2006
© Miles Aldridge
Courtesy of the artist

This exhibition, organized by Carol Squiers and Vince Aletti, will present the most innovative fashion photography of the last few years, from photographers who draw on a range of influences, including art, sexuality, narrative, digital media, and youth culture. It will also consider the impact of graphic design on the way that fashion photography is presented. Along with original photographic prints, the exhibition will feature hundreds of tear sheets and magazine covers from both mainstream and independent publications, by a range of photographers including Steven Meisel, Cindy Sherman, Mario Sorrenti, Nick Knight, Steven Klein, Miles Aldridge, Paolo Roversi, and Sølve Sundsbø.

Michael Thompson
Ruffled Neck, New York City, 2007
© Michael Thompson
Courtesy of the artist

Tim Walker
Alice Gibb and Olga Sherer, Sennowe Park, Norfolk, England, November 2007
© Tim Walker
Courtesy of the artist

Juergen Teller
© Juergen Teller
Courtesy of the artist

Steven Klein
Untitled, 2008
© Steven Klein
Courtesy of the artist

International Center of Photography
Address:
1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212.857.0000

General Admission: $12
Students and Seniors: $8
Members: Free
Children under 12: Free
Voluntary Contribution Fridays 5:00–8:00 pm

Tuesday–Thursday: 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am–8:00 pm
Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 am–6:00 pm

Closed Mondays
Closed New Year's Day, January 1; Independence Day, July 4; Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day, December 25

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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Edward Steichen
Model Marion Morehouse and unidentified model wearing dresses by Vionnet, 1930
Courtesy Condé Nast Archive, New York © Condé Nast Publications

An exhibition of 175 works by Edward Steichen drawn largely from the Condé Nast archives, this is the first presentation to give serious consideration to the full range of Steichen's fashion images. Organized by the Musée de l'Elysée, Lausanne, and the Foundation for the Exhibition of Photography, Minneapolis, in conjunction with the International Center of Photography, the exhibition will open at ICP after an extensive tour in Europe. Steichen's approach to fashion photography was formative and over the course of his career he changed public perceptions of the American woman. An architect of American Modernism and a Pictorialist, Steichen exhibited his fashion images alongside his art photographs. Steichen's crisp, detailed, high-key style revolutionized fashion photography, and his influence is felt in the field to this day—Richard Avedon, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Bruce Weber are among his stylistic successors.

Edward Steichen: In High Fashion features the finest examples of his fashion and celebrity portraiture made for Vogue and Vanity Fair. Much of the exhibition is drawn from the Steichen Archive at Condé Nast, which contains more than two thousand original vintage prints. A select group of prints from the George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography and Film in Rochester will be shown only at ICP. Some of the images in the exhibition are well-known, iconic images in various histories of photography. Never before, however, have more than a modest selection of these prints been exhibited or published. The exhibition will be accompanied by a book devoted to images from Steichen's Condé Nast years. The book's authors are William A. Ewing, Carol Squiers, and Nathalie Herschdorfer, co-curators of the exhibition along with Todd Brandow, and Tobia Bezzola. The exhibition is traveling to ICP after presentations in Paris, Zurich, Madrid, and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Edward Steichen
Actor Gary Cooper, 1930
Courtesy Condé Nast Archive, New York © Condé Nast Publications

Edward Steichen
Evening shoes by Vida Moore, 1927
Courtesy Condé Nast Archive, New York © Condé Nast Publications

International Center of Photography
Address:
1133 Avenue of the Americas at 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212.857.0000

General Admission: $12
Students and Seniors: $8
Members: Free
Children under 12: Free
Voluntary Contribution Fridays 5:00–8:00 pm

Tuesday–Thursday: 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am–8:00 pm
Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 am–6:00 pm

Closed Mondays
Closed New Year's Day, January 1; Independence Day, July 4; Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day, December 25

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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Zak Smith is a painter who was born in Syracuse, NY in 1976. His third book, We Did Porn, an autobiographical record of Smith's first-hand experiences working in the adult film industry. The book features sketches, paintings, and writing by the artist and will be available in July 2009 from Tin House Books. He currently lives and works in Los Angeles.

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Myoung Ho Lee
Tree
March 19, 2009–April 18, 2009
Artist’s Reception
Thursday, March 19, 2009, 6:00–8:00 pm

Yossi Milo Gallery is pleased to announce an exhibition of color photographs by Myoung Ho Lee, entitled Tree. The exhibition will open on Thursday, March 19 and close on Saturday, April 18, with a reception for the artist on Thursday, March 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. This will be the artist’s first solo exhibition in the United States.

Myoung Ho Lee photographs solitary trees framed against white canvas backdrops in the middle of natural landscapes. To install the large canvases, which span approximately 60 by 45 feet, the artist enlists a production crew and heavy cranes. Minor components of the canvas support system, such as ropes or bars, are later removed from the photograph through minimal digital retouching, creating the illusion that the backdrop is floating behind the tree.

The series includes diverse species of trees photographed with a 4x5 camera in a variety of seasons and at different times of day. Mr. Lee allows the tree’s natural surroundings to fill the frame around the canvas, transforming the backdrop into an integral part of the subject. Centered in the graphic compositions, the canvas defines the form of the tree and separates it from the environment. By creating a partial, temporary outdoor studio for each tree, Mr. Lee’s “portraits” of trees play with ideas of scale and perception while referencing traditional painting and the history of photography.

Myoung Ho Lee is the recipient of awards including the first Young Photographer’s Award from the Photo Artist’s Society of Korea in 2005, Korea’s Photography Critics Award in 2006 and a grant from the Culture and Art Fund from the Arts Council of Korea in 2007. Mr. Lee was born in Daejon, South Korea in 1975 and currently lives and works in Seoul, South Korea.

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This past weekend was incredible! Good weather, good art, good parties and good times. First of all we had a couple of days where the mercury hit a balmy 60 plus degrees. Then there were 4 great days of incredible art. I hit the Armory and Armory Modern shows, as well as Pulse, Scope and Volta. Liked them all to varying degrees and even found a few pieces that inspired me. There'll be more details on all that in coming days.

Saturday night Collette Blanchard Gallery hosted the party of the weekend. The music was provided by guest DJ's iona rozeal brown, Derrick Adams, Michael Paul Britto and Jayson Keeling. They rocked it playing everything from old school hip hop and R&B to club classics and everything in between. Now if clubs could only figure out how to do this consistently then maybe there'd be a reason for me to go out. Sorry, I digressed. The party was a who's who of the contemporary art world with a guest list that included; iona rozeal brown, Nico Wheadon, Wardell Milan, Hank Willis Thaomas, Kalup Linzy, Dimetrius Oliver, Jarvis DuBois, Stacy-Lynn Waddell, Fahamu Pecou, Shawn Cupid and for some reason they let me in too...LOL.

Check out the pics from the party.

(it looks worse than it was trust me...lol)

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There have been some incredible musicians in my brief lifetime. I grew up listening to the clock radio in my grandmothers house. One of my favorite things to do was to listen to Casey Kasem's American Top 40 broadcast every weekend. I knew every artist, every song and even the little anecdotes in the form of letters from listeners. I discovered many of the artists who would become my favorites by listening to the show artists like Stevie Wonder, The Carpenters, Al Green, Gladys Knight and The Pips and more! I was also introduced to entire genres of music from pop and rock to country and of course disco.

Disco was hypnotic and original. It was over the top, but grounded in sound musicianship and talented often virtuoso playing and production. It was also rooted in R&B and gospel and was essentially "black music." One of the biggest stars the genre created was a gender bending vocalist from LA name Sylvester. As a child I thought he was woman and didn't fully realize the nature of his existence until I was an adult. None of that matter to me because his music was soulful, joyful and struck me as an honest declaration of the joy of being alive. Many artists and entertainers have followed in Sylvster's gender bending foot steps, but no one has ever touched his grace under fire and heavenly vocals. Backed by Two Tons of Fun Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes, Sylvester created music that will last forever. Suspend your judgment and issues (if you have any...) and simply enjoy his God given gift.

Sadly disco was buried in the musical graveyard after what many feel was the racially motivated "disco sucks" backlash against the music kicked in. I was to young to remember the mood or judge the intent of the backlash, but I do know that the memories will last forever and the spirit of disco is alive and well in pop music today. Check out this bio and the attached videos.

Sylvester James was born in Los Angeles, California into a middle-class family, and was raised by his mother and stepfather, Letha and Robert Hurd. Many of the facts of his early life are uncertain, and birth dates from 1944 to 1948 have surfaced. One thing is certain though, Sylvester was a child gospel star.

Encouraged to sing by his grandmother, the 1920s and 1930s jazz singer Julia Morgan, James' talent first surfaced at the Palm Lane Church of God in Christ in South Los Angeles, and soon he was making the rounds and stirring up audiences at churches around Southern California and beyond, sometimes billed as the "child wonder of gospel."

Sylvester's home life disintegrated when he was a teenager. He clashed with his mother and stepfather, finally running away from home at age 16. For several years he lived on and around the streets of Los Angeles, but managed to finish high school and enroll at Lamert Beauty College. James moved to San Francisco in 1967 and by his own account, his life began at that time.

“ My life started when I moved to San Francisco. ”

—Sylvester

In San Francisco, Sylvester performed in a musical production called Women of the Blues, then joined a short-lived group of transvestite performance artists called The Cockettes in the early 1970s,[3] his repertoire of Bessie Smith songs in tow. After leaving The Cockettes, Sylvester performed in San Francisco a number of different times as a solo act. One of his most famed shows, entitled Jungle Sin which reprised Sylvester’s greatest Cockette solo songs, took place at the San Francisco supper club Bimbo's and was produced by the rock impresario David Ferguson in 1972. That same year, Sylvester performed at The Temple in San Francisco with the then-unknown Pointer Sisters which was also produced by Ferguson. Sylvester can be seen in the Cockettes' outrageous short film Tricia's Wedding, lampooning the wedding of President Nixon's daughter Tricia, and in an eponymous 2002 documentary about the group (which at one time included Divine).

In 1972, Sylvester supplied two cuts to Lights Out San Francisco, an album compiled by the KSAN radio station and released on the Blue Thumb label. In 1973, Sylvester & his Hot Band released two rock-oriented albums on Blue Thumb (their self-titled debut was also known as "Scratch My Flower," due to a gardenia-shaped scratch-and-sniff sticker adhered to the cover). In 1974, Sylvester met Horus Jack Tolsen (Keyboards) together with Sylvester's drummer Amadeo Barrios (drums) and Brother Adrian Barrios (Bass) formed a trio which backed up Sylvester at a nightclub in San Francisco called Cabaret - After Dark. Shortly after Horus was fired, Amadeo brought in new players, Archie White (Keyboards), Angel Reyes (Guitar), Background vocalist Bianca Thorton, Gerry Kirby and another vocalist named Debbie. This took Sylvester into a new musical direction. The band unofficially called themselves The Four A's and had finally thrown in the towel after several attempts to get signed by a major label. In 1975 The Brother's Barrios gave it one last shot before joining The Lenny Willians Band.

Sylvester signed a solo deal to Fantasy Records in 1977, working with the production talents of legendary Motown producer Harvey Fuqua, who produced his album Stars in 1979. Sylvester later alleged that Fuqua cheated him out of millions of dollars. Sylvester soon met his frequent collaborator Patrick Cowley. Cowley's synthesizer and Sylvester's voice proved to be a magical combination, and pushed Sylvester's sound in an increasingly dance-oriented direction; his second solo album, Step II (1978), unleashed two disco classics: "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)," and "Dance (Disco Heat)". These two songs charted together on the American dance chart and spent six weeks at #1 on this chart in August and September of 1978. By this time both his live shows and recordings also recognizably featured the back-up vocals of Two Tons O' Fun: future Weather Girls Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes. 1979 brought three Billboard awards and an appearance in the movie, The Rose, starring Bette Midler.

Moving to Megatone Records in 1982, Sylvester quickly landed a Hi-NRG classic with "Do You Wanna Funk", which was featured in the 1983 film Trading Places. He was close friends with other Megatone artists Linda Imperial and Jeanie Tracy. Sylvester was also very close to Patti LaBelle and Sarah Dash for whom he recorded background vocals for her dance hit "Lucky Tonight".

Later pressure from the label to "butch up" his image would result in him attending meetings in full-on drag. A drag photo shoot, which he staged and presented to label heads as a gag (calling it his "new album cover") would later grace the cover of Immortal after Sylvester died; it was the label's way of paying tribute to his spirit. In 1985, one of his dreams came true as he was summoned to sing back-up for Aretha Franklin on her Who's Zoomin' Who? comeback album. His sole Warner Bros. Records album was Mutual Attraction in 1986; a single from the album, "Someone Like You", became Sylvester's second #1 hit on the US dance chart and featured original cover art by Keith Haring.

Sylvester died of complications from AIDS in San Francisco on December 16, 1988. He was 40 years old. His good friend Jeanie Tracy took care of Sylvester during his last days.

On September 20, 2004 Sylvester's anthem record, You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real), was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. A year later, on September 19, 2005, Sylvester himself was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame for his achievement as an artist.
(wikipedia)

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It's official begun. The art fairs are in town and I'm all over it. Stay tuned for reports from all the major fairs. For info about where to go or what to do check out the earlier posts here on urbanpoplife.net

Have a great weekend and tall all your friends to Pop everyday!

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Last weekend my assistant Ta'ri and my best friend Akim and I stumbled upon a relatively new retail joint in the Village called Rag & Bone. The company is not new, but the location opened in the village is. I don't get to the village often so I had no idea this spot opened last fall. We walked in to take a look around and immediately fell in love with the vibe of the store and the garments as well.

The store is NOT recession priced at all! However, for those of you who are NOT artists and can afford to treat yourself to great quality clothes with a price to match, it's your patriotic duty to keep the economy rolling buying dropping some hard earned euros and dollars at Rag & Bone. You can style yourself like a hipster or rock star with pieces from their spring/summer 2009 collection. The price range isn't very pedestrian, but neither is the quality. Throw in the fact that they don't overproduce each piece and you wont have to worry about showing up at a party and finding out that someone else is wearing the same rags you are. That's a very unlikely occurrence if you shop at Rag & Bone. I thought long and hard about this post before I did it due to the recession, but even in these hard times it's nice for those who can still afford it to treat themselves to a quality made garment that is made to last.

About The Company

Founded in 2002, Rag & Bone had one very clear vision in mind: to make clothes that they and their friends would love to wear everyday. With no formal fashion training, rag & bone set about learning how to make jeans. They believed that denim represented the history, authenticity and fundamentals of classic work wear that they would strive to reflect in their designs.

Beginning in Kentucky, Rag & Bone surrounded themselves with people who had been making patterns, cutting fabric and sewing their whole lives. Working with these kinds of craftsmen taught them the importance of quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail early on.

These principles soon became the keystones of the Rag & Bone philosophy, the definition of what clothing can and should be. With these principles in mind, rag & bone chose to center all of their manufacturing in U.S. factories that still sew clothes the same way they did 50 years ago.

Rag & Bone launched their men's line in Spring 2004 and expanded the label to offer a full women's collection by Fall 2005. The Fall Winter 2007 season marked the introduction of Rag & Bone accessories for both men and women, adding a touch of style and distinction to their tailored looks. Guided by a strong British tailoring influence, Rag & Bone produces classic yet modern sportswear for men and women that is known for being understated and wearable. Each piece, whether it be a tailored shirt or a pair of jeans, is framed by the constants of high quality fabric, classic construction and perfect fit with a handmade feel.

The Name

A century-old British fixture, the rag and bone man was known for practicing the first form of recycling. The rag and bone man would travel by horse and cart (traditionally a Shire or Clydesdale), circling the neighborhood in search of scrap metal, old furniture, wood or anything else that he could sell or reuse to support himself. Children would come running at the shouts of “rag and bone” to collect sweets and candies in exchange for the items they loaded onto his cart.

Garbage collection began to supplant the rag and bone trade by the late 1970s, and today there are very few rag and bone men. As an homage to their pioneering ingenuity and conservation, Rag & Bone derived their name from this legendary practice.

The New York locations

* Armonk
* Brooklyn
* East Hampton
* Greenvale
* Hewlett
* Manhasset
* New York
* Roslyn
* Rye
* Scarsdale
* West Hampton
* White Plains

The Village location

Here are some shots I took at the Christopher Street location.

The store is located at:
100 Christopher Street.
New York, NY 10014
www.rag-Bone.com

(Michael was quite helpful. He is wearing the rag & bone tie that Justin Timberlake is wearing on the current issue of GQ Magzine).

Excerpts from the Spring/Summer 2009 Collection

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Michael Jackson arrived into the UK on March 3 with his three children - Prince Michael, 10, Paris, nine and five-year-old Prince Michael II. Word has it that Michael is in preparation for the 30-date comeback, which is expected to raise ￡150 million or more.

The official announcement today is expected which will share the basic details of the residency. Michael has already signed contracts with the 20,000 seat venue and is to reveal the exact dates of the residency at a press conference, as well as what may be a new album.

Tickets for the first shows are expected to go on sale soon. More shows are to follow if ticket sales demand it. Sources believe that this series of shows will be the only live performances Michael gives this year. In recent years there have been many reports of failing health for the 50 year old icon. I hope he is physically up to the task of once again moonwalking across the stage.

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Another soul has flown home. The internet is a strange and wonderful place. It's a place where you can meet friends, share ideas, form bonds and never meet in person. Sheldon Jackson was one of these persons in my life. We met online and became associates who conversed and shared ideas over the years. Although we never met in person Sheldon taught me alot about life, acceptance, friendship and the power of self love. He was a courageous, generous and honest soul. Below is the text of the email I received last night. Sheldon's body has departed this earth, but his spirit will stay with me and with others forever. Rest my friend, we'll carry on in your name.

Dear Family, Friends, and Associates of Shelton Samad Jackson:

I am deeply saddened to inform you that our dear friend Shelton Jackson (February 4, 1978 - March 2, 2009) passed away on Monday at The University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. Shelton kept the faith and fought a good fight. My father, Shelton, was a pioneer in love, thought, and spirit. I am forever grateful for everyone who was with him during his last days here on earth.
Shelton is survived by his mother, Lyndale Jackson; his brother, Raheem Jackson; his maternal grandmother, Barbara Williams; his paternal grandmother, Georgia Jackson; three sons (Charles Tyson, Richard Keller, Charles LaMont); his best friend, Ming McCall; and a host of cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Like many, my father inspired me to live as a change agent, whether that change was to manifest in my own self-concept or in my service to humanity. I admired Shelton, not only for his valuable contributions to HIV/AIDS advocacy and literature, but for his steadiness to remain faithful and truthful to his mission in life. For more info on his work, feel free to visit www.sheltonjackson.com.

Funeral services will be held this Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 9am in Newark, NJ at a location TBD. If you would like to attend home going services, please contact Kent Williams directly at (410)493-1858 so she can give you the funeral location details immediately when they become available.

Donations, flowers, and cards can be made to:

Shelton S Jackson Memorial Fund
c/o African American Office of Gay Concerns
877 Broad Street, Suite 211
Newark, NJ 07102
973-639-0700
973-639-9722/Fax
Website: www. aaogc.org

AAOGC is a 501 c 3 non-profit organizations and all donations are tax deductible. To contribute to the memorial fund online, simply go to the website. Scroll down on the menu that's on the homepage and find "Online Donations." That will take you to our PayPal page and just follow the instructions. No codes or passwords are needed.

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Check out these clips from Britney's opening night of her Circus tour. Yes it looks quite derivative of Janet and Madonna, but it also looks like a lot of fun. If anyone wants to take me to the show I'm game. Holla.

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MACHIKO EDMONDSON

SOLO PROJECT, BOOTH NO. D5

Thursday, March 5th through Sunday, March 8, 2009

VOLTA NY, 7 West 34th Street, New York, Daily from 1-9 pm

Please contact the gallery for more information:

535 West 20th Street, New York / 212-560-9075 / nrgallery.com

Currently on View
WEI DONG
New Paintings
February 26 — April 4, 2009

Installation Views
Complete Exhibition
Press Release
Press & News
Artist
WEI DONG
Bio

Installation view, 2009

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It's that time of year when NYC become ground zero for major art fairs. New York is home to the biggest and best museums and galleries in the city and possibly the world, but this weekend there's a whole other level of excitement in the air as several major art fairs roll into town.

Urban Pop Life presents the line up of major fairs and events you don't wanna miss! There's a lot going on and I'm gonna try to present the best of the best without overwhelming you. Here we go.
_________________________________________________

The Armory Show 2009

The Armory Show - International Fair of New Art

PIER 94
MARCH 5-8, 2009

The Armory Show – The International Fair of New Art, has been the world's leading art fair devoted exclusively to contemporary art since its introduction in 1999. The fair is the successor to the highly acclaimed Gramercy International Art Fairs that attracted thousands to their New York, Los Angeles and Miami shows between 1994 and 1998.

The Armory Show was first presented in February 1999 at the 69th Regiment Armory, the site of the now-legendary Armory Show of 1913 that introduced Modern art to America. The fair became part of the Merchandise Mart family in 2007.

_____________________________________________

The Armory Show - Modern

PIER 92
MARCH 5-8, 2009

The Armory Show – Modern is a new section dedicated to international dealers specializing in historically significant Modern and contemporary art. This new program is being held on Pier 92 concurrent with The Armory Show, The International Fair of New Art on Pier 94. With one admission ticket, visitors to The Armory Show on March 5 - 8 will now have access not only to the newest developments in the art world, but also to the masterpieces that heralded them.

Piers 92 & 94

Twelfth Avenue at 55th Street
New York City

The Armory Show 2009 Opening Day takes place Wednesday, March 4th for invited guests.
Opening Hours:
Thursday, March 5 - Saturday, March 7 Noon to 8 pm
Sunday, March 8 Noon to 7 pm

Piers 92 & 94 are located on Manhattan's far West side on the Hudson River (Twelfth Avenue) at 55th Street in the Passenger Ship Terminal complex. The piers are easily accessible by public transportation, taxi, and private vehicle. The nearest subway stop is four cross-town blocks east at 50th Street and Eighth Avenue.

Shuttle Bus Service
Shuttles are available between The Armory Show on Piers 92 & 94 and VOLTA NY on 34th street near 5th Avenue.

Mass Transit
Piers 92 & 94 can be reached by public transportation via the Eighth Avenue subway, E or C trains to 50th street, then via M50 bus line. The M50 bus runs West on 49th Street (to the pier) and East on 50th Street (from the pier) connecting at Eighth Avenue (E or C subway) and at Seventh Avenue (1 or 9 subway). Also, bus lines M16 and M42 provide service to 42nd Street and Twelfth Avenue. For subway and bus information and schedules, call (718) 330-1234 or click here.

By Car
From the Lincoln Tunnel, take 42nd Street west to Twelfth Avenue. Continue north on Twelfth Avenue to Piers 92 & 94 (at the Passenger Ship Terminal). From the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, go west via 34th Street to Twelfth Avenue. Continue north to the piers (at the Passenger Ship Terminal). Access to the piers for private cars via at 55th Street and Twelfth Avenue. All vehicles should follow signs for the Passenger Ship Terminal parking.

Admission tickets are available at the door during show hours.

Ticket prices

General Admission US$30
Students US$10
Groups (10+) US$15
Run of Show Pass (4 day) US$60
The Armory Show/VOLTA Dual Pass US$40

_________________________________________________

Pulse New York

Mar 5-9, 2009 the art fairs invade the city. I will share information of each of the major fairs with you starting with Pulse. Pulse is a fair that focuses on Contemporary Art (that means art being made NOW!). I plan to attend several of the fairs and parties and hope to see some of you there as well. First up: Pulse.

PULSE NEW YORK, Mar 5-9, 2009

PULSE New York returns to Pier 40 following a record breaking 2008 fair, featuring a diverse list of premier, international galleries, and new installations and performances as part of its critically acclaimed series of cultural programming. The 2008 fair experienced solid sales and its highest New York attendance to date, with more than 12,000 visitors (up from 9,500 in 2007), including major collectors, art professionals and critics, attending the fair.

Location

PULSE New York
Pier 40
353 West Street @ West Houston
New York, NY 10014

Fair Hours
Thursday, March 5
Press and First Access

9am - 10am
VIP Private Preview 10am - 12pm
Open to public 12pm - 8pm

Friday, March 6 12pm - 8pm
Saturday, March 7 12pm - 8pm
Sunday, March 8 12pm - 5pm

Admission

General Admission $20.00
Students/Seniors $15.00
Group Discount $12.00

_________________________________________________

Scope

Photo by James Painter Belvin

NEW YORK- Building on Miami's overwhelming success, SCOPE launches its 2009 season with its flagship fair, SCOPE New York 09. SNY09, an invitation only edition of SCOPE art fairs, proudly returns to Manhattan's most famous cultural icon, Lincoln Center, with a glass facade pavilion situated in Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park, at the corner of 62nd Street and 10th Avenue. SCOPE New York is just blocks from the Armory Show and serviced daily by VIP Zipcars, shuttles and pedicabs.

Last year's fair featured galleries from four continents and 20 countries, including China, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Brazil, Italy, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, UK, Spain, and Canada. SCOPE New York 2009's 50 invitees will uphold its unique tradition of solo and thematic group shows presented alongside museum-quality programming, collector tours, screenings, and special events. The fair opens to Press, SCOPE and Armory VIPs on Wednesday, March 4, 3-9pm with the FirstView benefit, a $100 charitable donation for all non-VIP cardholders.

Introducing artists, curators, and cutting-edge galleries to new audiences internationally has made SCOPE the most comprehensive destination for the emerging art world available anywhere. With art fairs in Miami, Basel, New York, London, and the Hamptons, SCOPE is proud to be an influential presence in the expanding global art market.

Location
Lincoln Center Damrosch Park
62nd Street and Amsterdam (10th Avenue)
New York, NY 10023

Opening Schedule

FirstView
for all VIPs and press
or $100 donation at the door
Wednesday | March 4 | 3pm-9pm

PressView
Wednesday | March 4 | 6pm-9pm
RSVP to adam@susangrantlewin.com

General Admission Fair Hours
Thursday | March 5 | noon - 8pm
Friday | March 6 | noon - 8pm
Saturday | March 7 | noon - 8pm
Sunday | March 8 | noon - 7pm

Admission
Free for VIP cardholders
FirstView | Wednesday Only | $100
General | Thursday - Sunday | $15
Student | Thursday - Sunday | $10

Opening Night Party
Friday | March 6 | The Plumm
246 W 14th St between 7th and 8th Avenues
Doors open at 9pm
Open Bar 9pm - 10pm
All are welcome

Subway

Take the 1 train to 66th Street/Lincoln Center Station or the 1, A, B, C, D to 59th Street/Columbus Circle and proceed towards 62nd Street on Columbus Avenue.

_________________________________________________

Volta NY

VOLTA NY was the American incarnation of the successful young fair founded in Basel in 2005. VOLTA NY was conceived to continue the original mandate to create a tightly-focused, boutique affair that would be a place for discovery and concentrate on current and topical art production.

VOLTA NY 2008 introduced a new format with exclusively solo projects, conceived to complement the exciting program of art available during The Armory Arts Week. The Armory Show Executive Director Katelijne de Backer stated, "The VOLTA fair is one of these gems that has emerged on the art fair circuit in recent years and that no one can ignore. As we are part of the same family now, it was only obvious that we invite them to New York."

In 2009 VOLTA NY will be organized as an invitational curated show by the directorial team of art critic/curators Amanda Coulson (Executive Director) and Christian Viveros-Fauné (Curatorial Advisor). By putting the focus back on artists through exclusively featuring solo projects, VOLTA NY promotes a deep exploration of the work of its selected artists and galleries, an opportunity for discoveries that move beyond those afforded by a traditional art fair.

This year's show, entitled Age of Anxiety, will focus on areas currently underexposed by the art world (Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Latin America), while also identifying trends that point towards newly critical aspects of emerging art. The show’s title—taken from W.H. Auden’s 1948 poem of the same name—suggests reexamination as well as novel imaginative departures that herald new beginnings.

VOLTA NY is located at 7W 34th Street, directly across from Manhattan's classic icon, The Empire State Building.

VIP Preview

Thursday, March 5th, 2009

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Public Hours Daily

Thursday - Sunday, March 5th-8th, 2009
1 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Location
7 West 34th Street
betw. 5th Ave. and 6th Ave.

Ticket Price
Admission: Regular US$ 15 Reduced US$ 10
The Armory Show + VOLTA NY Combination Pass: US$ 40

VIPs

The Armory Show and VOLTA NY mutually acknowledge each other's VIP cards and access to both fairs is allowed with either card.

Getting there

A regular shuttle service will run every 20 mins to and from The Armory Show and VOLTA NY, from Thursday March 5th through Sunday March 9th, from 2 to 9 pm

The yellow N /Q/R/W line and orange B/D/F/V line stop directly at 34th St and 6th Ave./Broadway. Walk a half block east.

The green 6 line stops at 33rd and Park Ave (do not take 4/5, they are express!). Walk 2 1/2 blocks west.

Contact Info

info@voltashow.com

For more information, please write to info@voltashow.com
_________________________________________________

Bridge Art Fair

Following a highly acclaimed debut in 2008, Bridge New York '09 returns to the historic Waterfront Building, located in Manhattan’s Chelsea’s Gallery District. Taking place during the celebrated New York Armory Art Week, Bridge New York is noted as one of the most influential presenters of international emerging contemporary art, and it is a top destination for collectors, curators and arts patrons. Bridge New York '09 will feature over 50 exhibitors, a large percentage of which will be international.

SCHEDULE ::

March 5
7 pm-10 pm Opening-Night Vernissage

March 6
12 pm-8 pm General Admission Fair Hours

1:00-Panel: New Media Art & Affect
A panel discussion with Tiffany Holmes, jonCates, Katherine Behar, Huong Ngo, and Seth Hunter.

March 7
12 pm-8 pm General Admission Fair Hours

1:00- Panel: REALCORE - the digital porno revolution
A monologue / lecture / performance by Sergio Messina
Discussion to follow with Barbara DeGenevieve and Charles Lum

11 pm: WGA Afterparty at Supreme Trading (213 N8th Street)

March 8
12 pm-7 pm General Admission Fair Hours

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Collette Blanchard Gallery at PULSE New York

Booth I-02
March 5 - 8, 2009

SunTek Chung and iona rozeal brown

Collette Blanchard Gallery is pleased to announce our participation in PULSE New York 2009. Together, SunTek Chung and iona rozeal brown have created a site-specific project, which will feature photographs, mixed-media works and neon sculpture.

Thursday, March 5
FAIR HOURS 9am-10am: Press and First Access
10am-12pm: VIP Private Preview
12pm-8pm: Open to public

Friday, March 6
FAIR HOURS 12pm-8pm:

Saturday, March 7
FAIR HOURS 12pm-8pm
PARTY for Suntek Chung and iona rozeal brown - Collette Blanchard Gallery 9PM - 1AM

Sunday March 8
BRUNCH for gallery artists Yoram Wolberger and Cindy Wright - Collette Blanchard Gallery 11am - 1pm
FAIR HOURS 12pm - 5pm

http://colletteblanchard.com/home

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Lyons Wier Ortt Gallery invites you to visit us at PULSE New York (booth G-02)

Lyons Wier Ortt Gallery will present, Reception a mixed-media installation by New York based artist Vadis Turner. Turner's work juxtaposes gender roles and cultural measures of worth in traditional and contemporary contexts.

Utilizing the universal value of objects historically made by women, Turner is developing a series of contemporary heirlooms that will ultimately comprise her "Dowry". Traditionally exchanged for marital advancement, conventional dowries differ from Turner's in that hers illustrates the values of her generation and will be traded solely for professional advancement.

Reception lavishly celebrates, and at the same time politely ignores, the marital convention of consummating and receiving.

We will also have highly anticipated new work by Amanda Besl, Alex Blas, Kermit Berg, Ryan Bradley, Chris Cosnowski, Mary Henderson, Cheryl Kelley, Anthony Lister, Fahamu Pecou, Melodie Provenzano, James Rieck, Matt Straub & Cayce Zavaglia. Also introducing Adam Cohen and Lauren DiCioccio.

PULSE New York is located at Pier 40
• 353 West Street @ West Houston, New York, NY 10014

FAIR HOURS:
• Thursday, March 5: 9am - 12am Press, First Access & VIP
• Thursday, March 5: 12pm - 8pm Open to public
• Friday, March 6: 12pm - 8pm
• Saturday, March 7: 12pm - 8pm
• Sunday, March 8: 12pm - 5pm

Current Gallery Exhibition

Gallery I - Matt Straub:Stand Still, You Buzzards Don't Go For Those Guns!

Gallery 2 - BUCKLE: The Art and Craft of the Western Belt Buckle

The gleam of pure silver meets the punch of pop art in a groundbreaking exhibition running thru March 12th. Lyons Wier Ortt Gallery combines the bold, iconoclastic vision of New York painter Matt Straub who takes on the American West with the visceral art-to-wear of fourteen of the nations' finest Western belt buckle makers.

Straub tackles the highs and lows of society with a comic visual vocabulary and a bold, fresh Sixties sensibility. Like a good Country Western song, the show Stand Still, You Buzzards Don't Go For Those Guns!, profanes the sacred while poking fun at the good, the bad and the ugly.

The art of the buckle is one of the few bridges between the world of the cowboy, the art of the graphic designer, and the heritage of the European tradition of engraving, mastered by a select few silversmiths who are making award-winning, museum quality pieces.

Lyons Wier • Ortt Gallery 175 Seventh Ave (@20th St.) NYC 10011 (212)242-6220

info@lyonswierortt.com • Lyons Wier Ortt Gallery

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(Claudette Schreuders,The Bystander, 2008, Obeche wood and enamel paint, 38 5/8 x 13 3/8 x 11 3/4 inches)

Jack Shainman Gallery
Participating in The Armory Show
March 4 -8, 2009
Pier 94: Booth 621

Exhibiting works by:

El Anatsui
John Bankston
Tim Bavington
Nick Cave
Gordon Cheung
Till Freiwald
Todd Hebert
Barkley Hendricks
Nir Hod
Bharti Kher
Kerry James Marshall
Richard Mosse
Zwelethu Mthethwa
Adi Nes
Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison
Odili Donald Odita
Jonathan Seliger
Claudette Schreuders
Arlene Shechet
Malick Sidibe
Hank Willis Thomas
Carlos Vega
Leslie Wayne


The Armory Show

Public hours:
Thursday, March 5, noon - 8 pm
Friday, March 6, noon - 8 pm
Saturday, March 7, noon - 8 pm
Sunday, March 8, noon - 7 pm

For further information please contact Jack Shainman Gallery at (212) 645-1701.

www.jackshainman.com

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This event looks like it's gonna be kinda cool. Check it out and see if it's for you.

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Face With a Question by Ibou Ndoye,2008, 32x40)

Kaye Wone
by Ibou Ndoye
and
Considerations II
by Marlene Godoy

show. March 4th- March 28th, 2009

opening reception. March 7, 6:30-9pm

We cordially invite you to the exhibition of African artist, Ibou Ndoye and Brazilian artist, Marlene Godoy.

Kaye Wone, Ibou explains,"literally means come on and show us what you have or what you can do." The main idea is to demonstrate to others the common culture values we share as thinkers, artists, educators and ordinary people, from all walks of life.

We will also be featuring mixed media artist, Marlene Godoy, who employs fragments of Brazilian wood as a medium. Godoy's encaustic technique serves as a material support for her relief and assemblage sculptural paintings. Her work reflects influences of a diversity of cultures: Indigenous, European, African, and Brazilian.

International Visions The Gallery | 2629 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008

gallery hours. wed-sat, 11am-6pm or by apointment | t. 202 234 5112
www.inter-visions.com

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You all know I'm a bit of a Pop music head and not ashamed to admit it. Life's short and I like to laugh and have fun sometimes. From time to time I like to keep it lite. This is one of those moments. For those of you who care or are curious at all check out the set list for Britney Spears Circus tour which opens tonight.

She's doing a lot of the songs that I actually like so I am very curious to see how the show is staged. Should be fun. Lawd knows we could all use a little levity.

Britney Spears Circus Tour Set List

CIRCUS

Perez/Parade Intro
Circus (Funky Remix)
Piece of Me
Thunderstorm Segue
Radar

HOUSE OF FUN (Anything Goes)

Martial Arts Segue
Ooh Ooh Baby/Hot as Ice
Boys
If U Seek Amy
Me Against the Music (Bollywood)

FREAKSHOW/PEEPSHOW

Everybody's Looking for Something Segue
Freakshow
Get Naked
Britney's Hotline
Breathe on Me/Touch of My Hand

ELECTRO CIRC

Break the Ice Segue
Do Something
Slave
Dancer Solo Segue/Heartbeat Segue
Toxic
Baby One More Time (Remix)

ENCORE

Womanizer (Extended Remix)
Circus Reprise: The Bow

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Check out this great article about black film directors from the New York Times. Thanks JR for sending me the link.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/11/movies/11seym.html

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PIER 92, BOOTH NO. 232

Thursday, March 5th through Sunday, March 8, 2009

THE ARMORY SHOW, Twelfth Avenue at 55th Street, New York,

Please contact the gallery for more information:

535 West 20th Street, New York / 212-560-9075 / nrgallery.com

Current Exhibition:

Wei Dong - New Paintings

February 26 - April 4, 2009

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I've been teasing you with it for weeks and it's finally arrived, Urban Pop Life's new section called Personal Pop Style. I travel with my camera and when I see someone exhibiting personal pop style I'll capture an image of it and share it with you.

Personal Pop Style is about expressing yourself with what you've got. It may be a Fendi bag and six inch heels or and H&M scarf, Old Navy jeans and Chucks. The bottom line here is a focus on ordinary people expressing extraordinary style. It's not so much the price of each piece, but how it all comes together and the way you pull it off that matters most. I've never been a label whore, but I've been told that I have a distinct style. Not to mention in these economic times it's those who know how to put what they've got together who will rock the asphalt runway. Labels aren't required, but there's nothing wrong with them either (I want my McQueen Pumas...lol).

First up - Damien. I ran into Damien uptown in Harlem, NY. Damien resides in Harlem and works at the front desk of a famous hotel in midtown Manhattan. When I ran into Damien he was on his way to file his taxes. New Yorkers do everything with style. His sense of style is casual, trendy and urban. Hot look for a cold day. Damien definitely Pops!

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

Hooded coat by Calvin Klein, inner zippered jacket by Zara, grey sweatshirt (vintage - brand unknown), black jeans (H&M), black sneakers (Zara) and bag (H&M)

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Mar 5-9, 2009 the art fairs invade the city. I will share information of each of the major fairs with you starting with Pulse. Pulse is a fair that focuses on Contemporary Art (that means art being made NOW!). I plan to attend several of the fairs and parties and hope to see some of you there as well. First up: Pulse.

PULSE NEW YORK, Mar 5-9, 2009

PULSE New York returns to Pier 40 following a record breaking 2008 fair, featuring a diverse list of premier, international galleries, and new installations and performances as part of its critically acclaimed series of cultural programming. The 2008 fair experienced solid sales and its highest New York attendance to date, with more than 12,000 visitors (up from 9,500 in 2007), including major collectors, art professionals and critics, attending the fair.

Location

PULSE New York
Pier 40
353 West Street @ West Houston
New York, NY 10014

Fair Hours
Thursday, March 5
Press and First Access

9am - 10am
VIP Private Preview 10am - 12pm
Open to public 12pm - 8pm

Friday, March 6 12pm - 8pm
Saturday, March 7 12pm - 8pm
Sunday, March 8 12pm - 5pm

Admission

General Admission $20.00
Students/Seniors $15.00
Group Discount $12.00

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The Armory Show - International Fair of New Art

PIER 94
MARCH 5-8, 2009

The Armory Show – The International Fair of New Art, has been the world's leading art fair devoted exclusively to contemporary art since its introduction in 1999. The fair is the successor to the highly acclaimed Gramercy International Art Fairs that attracted thousands to their New York, Los Angeles and Miami shows between 1994 and 1998.

The Armory Show was first presented in February 1999 at the 69th Regiment Armory, the site of the now-legendary Armory Show of 1913 that introduced Modern art to America. The fair became part of the Merchandise Mart family in 2007.

_____________________________________________

The Armory Show - Modern

PIER 92
MARCH 5-8, 2009

The Armory Show – Modern is a new section dedicated to international dealers specializing in historically significant Modern and contemporary art. This new program is being held on Pier 92 concurrent with The Armory Show, The International Fair of New Art on Pier 94. With one admission ticket, visitors to The Armory Show on March 5 - 8 will now have access not only to the newest developments in the art world, but also to the masterpieces that heralded them.

Piers 92 & 94

Twelfth Avenue at 55th Street
New York City

The Armory Show 2009 Opening Day takes place Wednesday, March 4th for invited guests.
Opening Hours:
Thursday, March 5 - Saturday, March 7 Noon to 8 pm
Sunday, March 8 Noon to 7 pm

Piers 92 & 94 are located on Manhattan's far West side on the Hudson River (Twelfth Avenue) at 55th Street in the Passenger Ship Terminal complex. The piers are easily accessible by public transportation, taxi, and private vehicle. The nearest subway stop is four cross-town blocks east at 50th Street and Eighth Avenue.

Shuttle Bus Service
Shuttles are available between The Armory Show on Piers 92 & 94 and VOLTA NY on 34th street near 5th Avenue.

Mass Transit
Piers 92 & 94 can be reached by public transportation via the Eighth Avenue subway, E or C trains to 50th street, then via M50 bus line. The M50 bus runs West on 49th Street (to the pier) and East on 50th Street (from the pier) connecting at Eighth Avenue (E or C subway) and at Seventh Avenue (1 or 9 subway). Also, bus lines M16 and M42 provide service to 42nd Street and Twelfth Avenue. For subway and bus information and schedules, call (718) 330-1234 or click here.

By Car
From the Lincoln Tunnel, take 42nd Street west to Twelfth Avenue. Continue north on Twelfth Avenue to Piers 92 & 94 (at the Passenger Ship Terminal). From the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, go west via 34th Street to Twelfth Avenue. Continue north to the piers (at the Passenger Ship Terminal). Access to the piers for private cars via at 55th Street and Twelfth Avenue. All vehicles should follow signs for the Passenger Ship Terminal parking.

Admission tickets are available at the door during show hours.

Ticket prices

General Admission US$30
Students US$10
Groups (10+) US$15
Run of Show Pass (4 day) US$60
The Armory Show/VOLTA Dual Pass US$40

For my info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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There are those people who walk into your life and after they've entered your world life is never the same again. B. Michael L. is one of those people. "B" (das what I call him) is a very talented singer/songwriter/vocal arranger. I've known him for several years and he has become a friend. He is also one of those rare people who support your efforts and believe in you even when you don't believe in yourself.

Long before I became a visual artist I was a singer/songwriter/producer. I did my thing and made my money, but this is NOT about me. This is about sharing with you the power of positive energy. After years of writing and being behind the scenes I decided I was interested in performing my own material. Early on I didn't have a lot of faith in my own talent as a performer until B. stepped in as a collaborator, friend, backing vocalist and partner in crime. He encouraged me to do what I felt was correct and get out and share it with the world. I eventually did just that and have never been the same person since.

I've since decided music would take a back seat to visual art (because it is my passion and gift), but the lessons learned in music have made me fearlessly creative and taught me to never again doubt my ability to do anything I want to do.

I wanted to publicly thank B for the support and now share with you a post about his art.

Thanks B, for being an inspiration and a friend.

Bio

B Michael L is a trained vocalist who graduated from Howard University's School of Fine Arts. During his time there, B Michael L popularized a fusion sound of blending jazz, hip hop and pop music from various time periods. Vocally influenced by funk and R&B masters of the 70s, B Michael L became a premier vocalist for the Jazz Vocal Workshop under the guidance of the late Webster Lewis, Grady Tate and Kehembe Eichelberger, three world-reknowned jazz virtuosos.

Now out on his own, B Michael L has blessed many successful independent acts with his lyric writing, vocals and harmonies. A fine solo performer, B Michael L has stepped from under his mentors to perform his own material in live.

A driven promoter, B Michael L has organized and promoted showcases for other artists as well as for himself. Here in New York, in DC, in Miami and other locations, B Michael L has performed and promoted for many events and venues, some locally televised and others private and upscale. He is the founder of B Michael L Promotions, a marketing and promotion group which will breathe new life into the musical underground landscape by presenting sophisticated, original and cutting edge live acts. He is also heavily involved in the grooming of other artists, linking them with needed resources to help assist their own careers. Due to his hard work determination and the support of a faithful following, B Michael L's success continues to grow.

Like most Leo's B. Michael L. is creative, driven and has varied interests. He has modeled for Graffiti On Wear - an online clothing company owned by local designer Tyre Washington, written and co-produced tracks for indie artists from New York to Washington DC, performed live, produced showcases and of course written and co-produced his own material. Who knows where his creativity will take him, but I am sure it be a melodic and soulful place.

B Michael L partial discography :

Underdawg Champion (music collection, CD, digi-downloads)
-DJ
-Girl Like U
-What U Need (feat. Ricky Day)
-No Matter
-My Home
-Out of the Blue (soul version)

executive produced by B Michael L

Lullabye Mood 2 (current upcoming releases)
-Strange Place For Rain
-Wide Open Eyes
-Catch Me
-All Over You
+ more

executive produced by Cedric Munch

session recordings
-Outta the Blue (dance version; produced by Montal Fish)
-Find Somebody To Love (produced by Colleen Max Fisher)
-Don't You Understand (produced by Dwayne Bastiany)
-live at Downtime with Ricky Day (produced by Ricky Day)
-Morena's Blues
-Sugar
-The Need to Smile
-Song For My Father (produced by HUJE - Howard University Jazz Ensemble, CD now on sale)

Check B out on myspace and listen to What You Need one of the joints I produced for him a few years ago.

http://www.myspace.com/bmichaell

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Check out singer/songwriter B. Michael L. live.

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James Jaxxa Earth, 2004 8" diameter Styrofoam, sequins, photographs, beads, plastic film and straight pins

Rush Arts is doing it big! First off there's a great new exhibition called Latitude that's going on right now in the gallery. Rush Arts is also presenting a great show of work at Scope Art Fair called Small is The New Big.

SCOPE International Art Fair/New York
March 4-8, 2009

We are pleased to announce that Rush Arts Gallery has been invited to participate in the 2009 SCOPE International Art Fair as one of 50 invitees who uphold its unique tradition of solo and thematic group shows presented alongside museum-quality programming, collector tours, screenings, and special events. This is a great opportunity and exposure for Rush and the artists we support.

Small is the New Big, is the concept for our selection process which brings together a diverse collection of sculptural objects, drawings and photographs that operate as modest gestures and meditations on grander concerns, often highlighting the increasingly complex relationship between scale and value.

For more information on SCOPE clink the link below:
http://www.scope-art.com/Index.php/new_york/

Also On View Thru March 28, 2009
RUSH ARTS GALLERY/CHELSEA

image: Brendan Fernandes: Africa Shop, 2007. Variable dimensions
Latitude

Rush Arts Gallery & Resource Center
Opening reception: Friday, January 30, 6 - 8 PM
On view February 3 - March 28, 2009

In the many modes that latitude can describe place on both a personal and global scale, Sung Jin Choi, Brendan Fernandes, Mona Kamal, Sungmi Lee, Vered Sivan and Jessica Vaughn investigate the complexities of mixed cultural identity and the increasingly unstable political and emotional notions of homeland. Each approaches visual narrative and representation uniquely yet shares a communal emphasis on material and process. The line is often articulated as a symbol that references memory, points of departure and the linking of time and space. Much like the longitudinal and latitudinal lines of the globe, the highly-detailed, repetitive quality in these works highlights the prescribed parameters of the gallery space and challenges this rigidity to further complicate the boundary of experiences. Ideological constructs and pre-existing binaries are deconstructed as these six artists come together in this installation-based exhibition to redefine notions of identity, authenticity and heritage outside of a hegemonic vernacular.

Curator: Nico Wheadon, Associate Curator

Image: Pierre Obando, Nowhere (detail), 2008, oil & acrylic on paper, 18"x24"
Pierre Obando
Nowhere

Rush Arts Gallery & Resource Center
Opening reception: Friday, January 30, 6 - 8 PM
On view February 3 - March 28, 2009

The works of Pierre Obando operate with a minimal and graphic aesthetic that suggests blankness, and a lack of identity. The paintings challenge our tendency to place them in customary categories like abstraction or representation, and also emotional categories like sincere or ironic. His work in painting and photography is inspired and grounded in observations of the everyday where abstraction and formal play is a by-product of our cultures desire for efficiency and order.

Born in Belize, Pierre Obando grew up in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Miami, FL and Jackson, MS. Pierre completed his MFA at Hunter College, New York City, in May 2001. In 1997 he completed his undergraduate studies at New World School of the Arts, Miami, Florida. His work has been exhibited at Queens International 2004; Queens Museum of Art; Angela Hanley Gallery; Rockland Center for the Arts; and MACO Mexico Art Fair in Mexico City. The artist lives and works in Queens, NY.

Curator: Derrick Adams, Curatorial Director

526 West 26th Street #311 New York, New York 10001, 212.691.9552 / 212.691.9304 www.rushartsgallery.org

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I have found memories of good times past. There were often times when I had nothing to do and didn't really wanna go out to a club or a movie, so I'd just hop in my car or on a train (after I moved to New York) and just go hang out at a record store. Back in the day it was Tower Records on Sunset (in LA) or Tower Records near Lincoln Center here in New York. I could just spend hours walking the aisles, listening to new music and basking in the vibe of the store. It was joyous because I was surrounded by the sites and sounds of great music, television and filmed entertainment. Another great memory was lining up with hundreds of other fans to wait for the midnight release of a new Prince album or to buy tickets to Janet or Madonna's latest tour. No mas.

Later the industry starting going through upheaval and Tower closed it's doors. No reason to fear, there was still Virgin Megastore in Times Square and Union Square. The Times Square store was legendary for in store appearances and there was literally always a party of sorts going on. Well the party is over.

Declining CD's sales due to digital downloads, wack music and changing habits have doomed the major retailers. The consumer desire for cheap products drove us to get the latest releases at electronics stores and discount retailers like Wal-Mart and Target didn't help either. So now we find ourselves at this cross roads where the old school Mom and Pop stores and nationwide music retailers are essentially gone forever. The only way to get new music is to download it online (if you have a computer and remember lots of lower income people still don't have home computers) or buy a CD from the incredibly limited selection of about 50 titles available at Wal-Mart (out of literally thousands of titles produced every year).

Change is scary, change is real and change is here! Music retailing will never be the same again. Gone are the days of wandering the store for hours just hanging out and enjoying the sites and sounds of new music. Gone are the days of waiting in line for hours to get an autograph from your favorite recording artists. The future is a lonely little seat at home in front of your computer where you search for music, download new songs (sometimes legally and sometimes not) and rarely interact with any other human being. I've come to appreciate the internet, downloading and having the world at my finger tips. However, I am also painfully aware of what we are losing. There is something special about the communal experience of discovering new music in a public venue and discussing it with perfect strangers who share their excitement about a new artist with you and anyone who will listen.

I'm embracing change, but I can't help but be a little sad about what we've lost. How do you feel? Comment on this post. Also, if you have great photos of you with your favorite artist at an in store event send them in and I will post the images here on the blog.

___________________________________________________________

Two More Virgin Megastores To Close
February 27, 2009 09:57 AM ET
Ed Christman, N.Y. (Billboard Magazine)

The six-unit Virgin Megastore chain will close two more stores, the Union Square location in New York City at the end of May and the Market St. store in San Francisco at the end of April, sources say. As previously reported, the company announced that its Times Square store will close in April.

In August 2007, the Virgin Entertainment Group North America was acquired by two real estate companies - the Related Cos. and Vornado. Since then, the chain has been reduced from 11 units - with the industry awaiting word of the fate of the three remaining stores in Denver, Los Angeles, and Orlando, Fla.

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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By Poitier's own account, he was raised in Miami, Florida but spent his childhood in Cat Island, Bahamas and later moved back to the United States in 1943 at age 15. By other accounts, he was born at sea en route to Miami, Florida, where his Bahamian parents, Evelyn (née Outten) and Reginald James Poitier, traveled to sell tomatoes and other produce from their farm on tiny Cat Island.Poitier still has family throughout the Bahamas islands. His younger brother, Carl Poitier died in December 1989. Poitier was born prematurely and was not originally expected to survive the boat ride; his birth was recorded in Miami (though he may not have been born there), as the vessel was already closer to Florida. He spent his early years on remote Cat Island, which had a population of 4,000 and no electricity.

At the age of 10, Poitier traveled to Nassau with his family. His family attended the Anglican and then the Catholic church, and Poitier was also involved with local voodoo traditions. As he got older, he displayed an increasing inclination toward juvenile delinquency. At the age of 15, his parents shipped him off to Miami to live with his older brother. At age 17, Poitier moved to New York City and held a string of menial jobs. During this time, he was arrested for vagrancy after being thrown out of his housing complex for not paying rent, and decided to join the United States Army. He worked as a dishwasher until a successful audition landed him a spot with the American Negro Theater.

Poitier tried his hand at the American Negro Theater, where he was handily rejected by audiences. Determined to refine his acting skills and rid himself of his noticeable Bahamian accent, he spent the next six months dedicating himself to achieving theatrical success. On his second attempt at the theater, he was noticed and given a leading role in the Broadway production Lysistrata, for which he got excellent reviews. By the end of 1949, he had to choose between leading roles on stage and an offer to work for Darryl F. Zanuck in the film No Way Out (1950). His performance in No Way Out as a doctor treating a white bigot was noticed and led to more roles, each considerably more interesting and prominent than most black actors of the time were getting, though still less so than those white actors routinely obtained.

Poitier's breakout role was as a member of an incorrigible high school class in the 1955 film Blackboard Jungle. At age twenty-seven, like most of the actors in the film, he was not a teenager. Poitier was the first male black actor to be nominated for a competitive Academy Award (for The Defiant Ones, 1958), and also the first to win the Academy Award for Best Actor (for Lilies of the Field in 1963). (James Baskett was the first to receive an Oscar, an Honorary Academy Award for his performance as Uncle Remus in the Walt Disney production of Song of the South in 1948, while Hattie McDaniel predated them both, winning as Best Supporting Actress for her role in 1939's Gone with the Wind).

He acted in the first production of A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway in 1959, and later starred in the film version released in 1961. He also gave memorable performances in The Bedford Incident (1965), A Patch of Blue (1965) co-starring Elizabeth Hartman and Shelley Winters; Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967); and To Sir, with Love (1967). Poitier played Virgil Tibbs, a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania detective in the 1967 film In the Heat of the Night and its two sequels: They Call Me Mister Tibbs (1970) and The Organization (1971).

Poitier has directed several films, the most successful being the Richard Pryor-Gene Wilder comedy Stir Crazy, which for years was the highest grossing film directed by a person of African descent. His feature film directorial debut was the western Buck and the Preacher in which Poitier also starred in alongside Harry Belafonte. Poitier replaced original director Joseph Sargent. The trio of Poitier, Cosby, and Belafonte reunited again (with Poitier again directing) in Uptown Saturday Night. Poitier also directed Cosby in Let's Do It Again, A Piece of the Action, and Ghost Dad. Poitier also directed the first popular dance battle movie Fast Forward in 1985.

Poitier was first married to Juanita Hardy from April 29, 1950 until 1965. He has been married to Joanna Shimkus, a Canadian-born former actress of Lithuanian descent, since January 23, 1976. He has four children by his first marriage and two children by his second marriage, all girls. His daughters are Beverly, Pamela, Sherri, Anika, Sydney, and Tamiia.

Actress Diahann Carroll has claimed in a memoir that Poitier had promised to marry her and subsequently broke his promise.

He has written three autobiographical books, This Life (1980), The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (2000) and Life Beyond Measure - letters to my Great-Granddaughter (2008). The second one became an Oprah's Book Club selection.

In April 1997, Poitier was appointed as ambassador of the Bahamas to Japan, a position he currently holds. He is also the ambassador of the Bahamas to UNESCO. During the period of 1998 to 2003, he served as a Member of the Board of Directors of The Walt Disney Company.

In 2001, Poitier received an Honorary Academy Award for his overall contribution to American cinema.
(Courtesy wikepedia.com)

For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net

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Guess Who's Comin to Dinner

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image: Mary A. Valverde, Fractal Forms, 2008, wood, ink and acrylic, variable dimensions
Mary A. Valverde
Mappings and Transformations

Corridor Gallery Brooklyn
On view February 4 - March 28, 2009

Informed by memory, ritual and native South American culture, Mary A. Valverde's drawings and installations reveal a connection between common every-day objects and the various systems that governs our lives. The use of materials such as salt and copper pennies in her installations, show a conversion of the ordinary into the divine. The complex geometric designs and organic shapes in her drawings are inspired by ancient Incan calendars and cubic mathematics. Valverde's work serves as mappings of cultural migration and transformation.

Mary A. Valverde received her BFA at the School of Visual Arts in 1999. Valverde's exhibitions include "Fragmentations of the Self" at Rush Arts Gallery, 2006; "Queens International 2006" at the Queens Museum of Art, 2006; "Tropicalisms" at the Jersey City Museum, NJ 2006; "Black Rock" at Gallery Aferro, NJ, 2007; "S-Files 2007" at El Museo del Barrio, NY, 2007; and "Emerge 8" at Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art, NJ, 2007. Valverde was born in Queens, NY and currently lives and works in New York City.

Guest Curator: Rose Ojo

image: Florence Neal, Runes, 2008, found pine charcoal on paper
Florence Neal
Out of the Woods

Corridor Gallery Brooklyn Project Space
Opening reception, Sunday, February 1, 4 - 6 PM
On view February 4 - March 28, 2009

Out of the Woods is an exhibition of block prints and drawings by Alabama born, Red Hook, Brooklyn-based artist Florence Neal. Neal's goal is to question the notion of the known, whether in or out of the woods. To do so she will transform the gallery space into an arboretum of graphic explorations of leaves and trees. Neal will install the work so as to create a dialogue between individual works - a conversation between bold and subtle images in different mediums reflecting on observations from the woods.

Florence Neal has exhibited her work throughout the United States, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic. In 2008 she was an artist in Residence at The Banff Centre, Leighton Artists' Colony, Banff, Alberta, Canada; in 2007 she was a 2007 Nominee for the prestigious Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award and she is a recipient of a Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant. In addition to her own studio practice, Florence Neal is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Exhibitions of Kentler International Drawing Space, a not-for-profit exhibition space located in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Curator: Meridith McNeal, Director of Education

334 Grand Avenue Brooklyn, New York 11238, p.718.230.5002 / f.718.638.0741 www.corridorgallerybrooklyn.org

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Just thought about her and decided she deserved some respect and shine.

Enjoy

Bio

Early years

Carroll was born Carol Diahann Johnson in The Bronx, New York, to John Johnson and Mabel Faulk. Her family moved to the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City when she was an infant. She attended Music & Art High School, along with schoolmate Billy Dee Williams.

Career

Carroll's first film assignment was a supporting role in Carmen Jones in 1954, playing a friend of the sultry Carmen, played by Dorothy Dandridge. She then starred in the Broadway musical House of Flowers. In 1959, she played Clara in the film version of Gershwin's Porgy and Bess along with Sidney Poitier, Dorothy Dandridge, Sammy Davis Jr., and Pearl Bailey. All singing voices were dubbed in the film, with the exception of Pearl Bailey, with opera singer Loulie Jean Norman standing in for Carroll. In 1962 she won the Tony Award for best actress (a first for a black woman) for the role of Barbara Woodruff in the Samuel A. Taylor and Richard Rodgers musical No Strings. In 1974 she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for Claudine.

Carroll is best known for her title role in the 1968 show Julia in 1968, which made her the first African American actress to star in her own television series where she did not play a domestic worker. She was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1969, and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress In A Television Series” in 1968. Her first Emmy nomination had come in 1963 for Naked City. Some her other earlier work included appearances on shows hosted by Jack Paar, Merv Griffin, Johnny Carson, Judy Garland and Ed Sullivan, and on The Hollywood Palace variety show.

In the 1980s, Carroll was signed on to join the nighttime soap opera Dynasty and its spin-off The Colbys, as the jet setter, Dominique Deveraux, half-sister of Blake Carrington, played by actor John Forsythe. She received her third Emmy nommination in 1989 for her recurring role as Marion Gilbert in A Different World. In 2006 she appeared in the television medical drama Grey's Anatomy as Jane Burke, the demanding mother of Dr. Preston Burke.

Carroll starred in the Canadian production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical version of the classic film Sunset Boulevard. She played the crazed silent movie star Norma Desmond, with the role of Joe Gillis played by Rex Smith.

Carroll has been cast in the pilot for USA Networks's series White Collar.

Personal life

Carroll has had four marriages, the first of which produced a daughter, Suzanne Kay Bamford (born 1960), who became a freelance media journalist.

In 1973, Carroll surprised the press by marrying Las Vegas boutique owner Fred Glusman. She and British television host and producer David Frost had been dating at the time, and were actually engaged. Several weeks later, she filed for divorce, charging Glusman with physical abuse. In 1975, she married Robert DeLeon, a managing editor of Jet magazine. She was widowed two years later when DeLeon was killed in a car crash. Carroll's fourth and last marriage was to singer Vic Damone in 1987. The union, which Carroll admitted was turbulent, saw a legal separation in 1991, a reconciliation, and finally divorce in 1996.

Carroll is a breast cancer activist and survivor, who invited a camera crew into her treatment room for a national broadcast special to draw attention to the disease.

She was called "possibly the most perfect woman" and the "all-time best-dressed woman" by fashion critic Richard Blackwell.

Television

* The Man in the Moon (1960)
* The Garry Moore Show (1960)-Recurring for several weeks
* The Eleventh Hour - (1963) as Stella Young in episode "And God Created Vanity"
* Julia (1968-1971)
* The Diahann Carroll Special (1971)
* The Black Journal (co-host 1974-1975)
* Death Scream (1975)
* The Diahann Carroll Show (1976) (summer replacement series)
* The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978)
* Roots: The Next Generations (1979)
* I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1979)
* Sister, Sister (1982)
* Dynasty (cast member from 1984-1987)
* From the Dead of Night (1989)
* A Different World (1989-1993)
* Murder in Black and White (1990)
* Sunday in Paris (1991)
* Lonesome Dove: The Series (1994-1995)
* A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Lethal Lifestyle (1994)
* The Sweetest Gift (1998)
* Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years (1999)
* Jackie's Back (1999)
* The Courage to Love (2000)
* Sally Hemings: An American Scandal (2000) (miniseries)
* Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story (2000)
* The Court (2002) (canceled after 6 episodes)
* Grey's Anatomy (2006-2007)

Filmography

* Carmen Jones (1954)
* Porgy and Bess (1959)
* Goodbye Again (1961)
* Paris Blues (1961)
* Hurry Sundown (1967)
* The Split (1968)
* Claudine (1974)
* The Five Heartbeats (1991)
* Color Adjustment (1992 (documentary)
* Eve's Bayou (1997)
* Over The River...Life of Lydia Maria Child, Abolitionist for Freedom (2008) (documentary) (narrator)

Discography

* Diahann Carroll Sings Harold Arlen Songs (1957)
* Best Beat Forward (1958)
* The Persian Room Presents Diahann Carroll (1959)
* Porgy and Bess (1959) (with the Andre Previn Trio)
* Diahann Carroll and the Andre Previn Trio (1960)
* Fun Life (1961)
* The Fabulous Diahann Carroll (1963)
* A You're Adorable: Love Songs for Children (1967)
* Nobody Sees Me Cry (1967)
* Diahann Carroll (1974)
* A Tribute to Ethel Waters (1978)
* The Time of My Life (1997)

Courtesy of Wikipedia

Check Miss Carroll out online at http://www.diahanncarroll.net/

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Night Moves - Angles of View
Photographs by
Steve Duncan • Helen K Garber • Robert Vizzini • Jill Waterman • Marc Yankus
Co-curators: Jill Waterman and Daryl-Ann Saunders
March 5 - April 11, 2009
Opening Reception: Thursday, March 5, 6-8 PM

New York, NY (February 7, 2009) The photographic works of thirteen artists who toil under cloak of darkness are featured in two neighboring galleries at 111 Front Street in DUMBO. Night Moves - Angles of View is exhibited at the Farmani Gallery and Night Moves - Exploring the Horizon is exhibited next door at Safe-T-Gallery beginning Thursday, March 5. Both shows feature works selected by co-curators Jill Waterman and Daryl-Ann Saunders. Night Moves is a convergence of photographers who have a deep understanding of the techniques employed in night photography and who use the night and its illuminated landscape, be it man made or natural, to capture the distinctive, yet elusive, atmosphere of the world after dark through the camera lens.

In the Farmani Gallery exhibit, Steve Duncan's panoramic cityscapes from atop New York's magnificent bridges induce vertigo with their dizzying heights, while black and white diptychs from Helen K. Garber's LA Noir series entice viewers with the implied motion of shadowy figures suspended within architectural fragments. Robert Vizzini's jewel-like renderings of Manhattan's buildings and parks balance deep shadows against rich colors and shimmering lights, and Jill Waterman's graphic, urban views emanate the cool blue tones of midnight. Finally, Marc Yankus' impressionistic depictions of New York transform the city at twilight into a wash of foggy shapes and soft colored lights.

Several special events run concurrently with the exhibits. The first two are events for those interested to learn about night photography processes and hands-on techniques. On Monday, March 9, a night photography symposium will be held from 10:30 - 4:30PM in conjunction with B&H Photo. On Sunday, March 15 and 22, the co-curators will offer a night photography workshop in collaboration with Workshops@Adorama. The final event addresses the collector, and features a gallery talk with local artists in the Farmani Gallery and Safe-T-Gallery spaces. Scheduled to coincide with the last day of the AIPAD photography show, this event will be held from 2-4:30PM on Sunday March 29.Co-curators Daryl-Ann Saunders and Jill Waterman are both night photography specialists, whose photographs have been widely exhibited. Ms. Waterman has recently published, Night and Low-Light Photography (Amphoto, August 2008).

The Farmani Gallery is located at 111 Front St., Ste. 212, Brooklyn, NY in the DUMBO neighborhood between Washington and Adams St. By subway take A or C to High St., F to York St. or 2 and 3 to Clark St. Station. Gallery hours: Wed. - Sat.: 1 - 6PM; Tuesdays, by appointment. Information: www.farmanigallery.com or info@farmanigallery.com or ph# 718-578-4478.

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