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Internationally-renowned DJ/producer Mark Ronson has dropped a new album with Business Int'l called Record Collection. This very appropriate track, "Somebody to Love Me," speaks volumes with regards to the It Gets Better project/movement. These lyrics are right on time - "I want somebody to be nice...see the boy I once was in my eyes..."
And it's Boy George! Get ready to rock!
This post is in memory of Tyler Clementi and all of the others like him. It does get better...
Published by The Star-Ledger earlier this week:
A Rutgers University freshman appears to have killed himself by jumping off the George Washington Bridge after his roommate broadcast live images of the 18-year-old having a sexual encounter with another man on the internet, according to campus and law enforcement sources.
Tyler Clementi, 18, of Ridgewood, is presumed dead after his car, cell phone and computer were found near the George Washington Bridge last week, law enforcement sources said. His wallet was found on the walkway adjacent to the New York-bound lanes. In a statement released this afternoon, Clementi’s family confirmed the suicide and said his body has not been found.
Luc Tuymans (Belgian, b. 1958) is considered one of the most significant European painters of his generation and he has been an enduring influence on younger and emerging artists. Born and raised in Antwerp, where he lives and works, Tuymans is an inheritor to the vast tradition of Northern European painting. At the same time, as a child of the 1950s, his relationship to the medium is understandably influenced by photography, television, and cinema.
Interested in the lingering effects of World War II on the lives of Europeans, Tuymans explores issues of history and memory, as well as the relationship between photography and painting, using a muted palette to create canvases that are simultaneously withholding and disarmingly stark. Drawing on imagery from photography, television, and film, his distinctive compositions make ingenious use of cropping, close-ups, framing, and Luc Tuymans sequencing, offering fresh perspectives on the medium of painting, as well as larger cultural issues.
The artist's more recent work approaches the post-colonial situation in the Congo and the dramatic turn of world events after 9/11. These series have led Tuymans to a sustained investigation of the realms of the pathological and the conspiratorial.
Luc Tuymans is co-organized by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Wexner Center for the Arts. It is organized in chronological order, highlighting the fluid progression of the artist's work and spanning every phase of the artist's career. It features approximately 80 key paintings from 1985 to the present and is accompanied by a comprehensive, fully illustrated catalogue.
General Visitor Information
Museum Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday 10 am - 8 pm
Wednesday through Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day: Closed
Admission is FREE all day on Tuesdays year round.
Admission Prices
Suggested General Admission $12
Students with ID and Senior Citizens $ 7
MCA Members, members of the military, and children
12 and under (must be accompanied by an adult)
Free
Location
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is located at 220 East Chicago Avenue, just one block east of Michigan Avenue, in the heart of the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago.
General Telephone: 312.280.2660
Box Office Telephone: 312.397.4010
FAX: 312.397.4095
TDD: 312.397.4006
Parking
Convenient discounted parking for MCA visitors is available in our parking garage. The garage is adjacent to the museum and may be entered from Chicago Avenue. Visitors must have their parking tickets validated at the admissions desk in order to receive discounted rates. MCA Member's receive a $4 discount off the standard parking rate and non-members receive $3 discount. The parking garage also has a bike rack available for MCA visitors at no charge. If you have any questions, please call the Parking Garage at 312.399.6831.
Standard Hourly Parking Rates:
Less than 30 minutes: $6
30 minutes - 1 hour: $14
1-2 hours: $19
2-3 hours: $22
3-8 hours: $24
8-12 hours: $27
12-24 hours: $32
Early Morning Special: Enter between 6:30 - 9 am and exit before 6 pm: $16
Additional discounted parking with validation is available at The Bernardin, 747 N Wabash Ave, just a short distance past Michigan Avenue at the corner of Chicago and Wabash.
Luis Jacob: Without Persons
Luis Jacob
Curated by Andria Hickey
Art in General is pleased to present Without Persons, an exhibition, of new and recent works by Toronto-based artist Luis Jacob, including video, painting, and a new work from the artist’s Album series that will be on view from September 16 – November 13, 2010. Receiving increasingly wider recognition, Jacob’s work was first exhibited at Art in General as part of the group exhibition Explosion LTTR: Practice More Failure, in 2004. More recently, Jacob’s work has been included in Documenta 12 and has been the subject of recent solo exhibitions at the Städtisches Museum Abteiberg, Mönchengladbach; Kunstverein, Hamburg; and the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto.
Over the past decade, Jacob’s diverse practice has addressed issues of social interaction and the subjectivity of aesthetic experience. Working in video, installation, sculpture and photography, as well as actions in the public sphere, Jacob’s work is often derived from research on a wide variety of subjects. In bringing together unlikely referents, Jacob invites a collision of meaning systems that destabilize our conventions of viewing and open up possibilities for participation and the creation of knowledge.
In the artist’s words, “what is essential for our experience of art—what is foundational—is the experience of non-intelligibility, a kind of dislocation. Aesthetic experience for us today is first of all an encounter with otherness, with strangeness: but an otherness that, crucially, is there demanding appropriation, intelligibility. What is so constructive about aesthetic experience is that it requires a creative act on the part of the viewer, an act of synthesis that is original through and through.”
The artist’s first solo exhibition in the U.S., Luis Jacob: Without Persons features a series of works that explore absence and authenticity in terms of pictorial representation, the legacy of modern art, and the self and others. These works call on the viewer to consider what may lie beneath the surface of the “empty picture,” and what new forms of real and unconscious knowledge may lay dormant in such minimal propositions.
The central installation, “Without Persons,” for which the exhibition is titled, is an immersive multimedia work that features two computer-generated voices, one male and one female, that talk about “being-in-the-city” and “being-with-others.” The adjacent images project an amorphous, plasma-like liquid, with abstract but seemingly bodily movement, as if animated by the artificial voices. As the liquid finds new forms in formlessness, the voices invite the viewer to consider the discord of the alien world without persons, and the coming to consciousness of an infant who knows no persons.
Jacob’s engagement with abstraction is also reflected in the exhibition through a series of paintings the artist made in response to an early suite of Mark Rothko paintings. Considering notions of authenticity and appropriation, Jacob reconstituted the original works using a staining technique on raw canvas for one series, and a vivid tie-dye technique, with two “eye holes” in the accompanying series of paintings.
Likewise, Jacob’s Album IX, newly created for this exhibition, intuitively reconstructs an uncanny narrative of recent art history. Album IX consists of dozens of images culled from a variety of books, magazines, and other publications. These images are montaged together in plastic-laminate panels, and hung sequentially in the gallery in the form of an “image bank”. Through processes of visual association, the images of Album IX compose a poetic narrative around various themes: reductivism in painting and the modernist tradition of creative rupture; base materialism and the aesthetic sublime; embodiment and the monochrome. Using imagery excised from published sources, Album IX becomes an invitation to construct associative narratives about artistic experience by means of the visual material that surrounds us in the expanded cultural environment. In the fall of 2010, Album IX will be published as an artist book by A Prior (Ghent, Belgium).
About the Artist
Luis Jacob’s work has been presented in numerous international group exhibitions including Haunted: Contemporary Photography/Video/Performance, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York (2010); Animism, Extra City Kunsthal Antwerp; Kunsthalle Bern (2010); Dance with Camera, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and the Contemporary Art Museum, Houston (2009-2010); If We Can’t Get It Together, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Toronto, Canada (2008); The Order of Things, Museum voor Hedendaagse Kunst, Antwerp (2008); and Documenta 12, Kassel (2007). His solo exhibitions include the Städtisches Museum Abteiberg of Mönchengladbach (2009), the Hamburg Kunstverein (2008); Platform Seoul, PKM Gallery, Seoul (2008); the Musée d’art de Joliette, Quebec (2008); the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery of the University of British Columbia (2007), and the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto (2005). In June 2010, Jacob presented the first of a three-part touring mid-career survey exhibition, Luis Jacob Tableaux: Pictures at an Exhibition, at the Darling Foundry in Montréal; the exhibition will travel to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Toronto and to Vancouver. Jacob lives and works in Toronto.
Photo: They Sleep With One Eye Open series, installation view 2009. Image courtesy of
the artist and Birch Libralato, Toronto.
www.OneNationWorkingTogether.org
I am passionate about life, love, family and all things creative. I tend to avoid politics because I think that politics often get in the way of us becoming our higher selves and most certainly present obstacles to otherwise kind and rational people coming together as one.
These past few months have been a reminder of how adversity has the power to bring out the best in people, but when that adversity is coupled with fear it also can bring out the worst in people. I honestly believe that the only way we can survive as a country, rebuild a thriving economy and heal the wounds that threaten to tear our communities and country apart is to earnestly listen to each others complaints and fears and to find common ground. I pray that the day soon comes where we can set aside our petty differences so that we can create a world that is safe, clean and peaceful for our children.
Every institution, relationship, and structure large and small must be built on a solid foundation in order for it to survive. To move forward to a brighter future for ourselves and our children we must first make sure that the foundation of this country is safe, secure and strong. Everyone who wants to work should be able to work, immigrants (of which every single one of us is a descendant) should be lawfully admitted, welcomed and treated with respect and EVERYONE regardless of race, creed, sex, gender or sexuality should be treated with equal protection under the law.
This weekend the NAACP and over 300 organizations including labor unions, Latino cilvil rights organizations and for the first time ever LGBT organizations will march in Washington D.C. to present a common set of values, demands and concerns to our "leaders."
I honestly believe that somewhere between the often hateful and almost always hyperbolic statements made on both sides that there is ultimately much common ground to be tilled in preparation for the next great American harvest. If we plant the seeds of hope, till the common ground of our collective challenges and nurture our children and their dreams as we would crops we will ultimately come together and celebrate a bountiful harvest. Republicans, Tea Party activists, conservatives, liberals, Democrats, straights, gays, women, men, Christians, Jews, Muslims, children, teens and adults are all ultimately human beings entitled to the same inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This weekend is about presenting the progressive approach to securing basic human and civil rights for ALL AMERICANS!
I have lost much of my faith in both sides of our political spectrum to see beyond petty differences, fear and sound bites, but as a human being and artist I do not have the luxury of giving up or giving in. So I urge progressive folks who believe in equal protection under the law, a strong education system and using every tool at our disposal to create new jobs NOW to march this weekend and show our leaders there other voices in this discussion and that we all strive to sit at the table, be heard and to move forward as one country as we renew the American spirit.
On Oct. 2, 2010, we have the opportunity to make history. On that day, the LGBTQ movement will join together with labor, civil rights, women’s, youth, environmental, immigrant, faith and peace communities as we all stand unified as One Nation Working Together (ONWT). Join over 30 local and national LGBTQ organizations and over 300 other progressive organizations as we demand equality for all, because everyone deserves equal access to jobs, justice, and education.
Everyone in America deserves a just and fair chance to achieve the American Dream. Our national identity is rooted in the ideal that all people - regardless of race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or ability - should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute to an economy that works for everyone.
Yet today our nation remains in crisis. We face serious challenges, including: a deepening jobs crisis caused in part by a bubble economy of low wages and exploitative credit. We continue to struggle with a broken immigration system; crumbling infrastructure; too many failing public schools that help some, but not all, children; increased levels of division and discrimination; economic and energy peril; and environmental catastrophe. And, in this time of crisis, too many voices offer only a choice between doing nothing, and turning against one another.
Today, more than ever, we need to break the gridlock in Washington, and we need decisive leadership and policy that will move all in Congress, especially the Senate, forward. A committed public is also needed more than ever, to advance inclusive solutions that will overcome these challenges, put Americans back to work, and pull us all back together as one nation.
One Nation Working Together is about a better future for all of us here in America – a future of justice at home and peace abroad, where we create good jobs for all of us and take on the great challenges we face as a nation: rebuilding our economy; respecting all families; educating all our children in safe environments; transforming how we use energy; ensuring safe, vibrant, diverse communities; and providing for an economic future built on the principles that America has always aspired to achieve.
One Nation Working Together will chart a bold, pragmatic path toward a more unified, sustainable, prosperous future.
If you're based in NYC and you want to participate there are buses leaving from Union Square at 6am on Saturday. For more information http://onenationlgbtnyc.eventbrite.com/
One Nation Working Together
For Jobs, Justice and Education for All
WHO WE ARE
We are One Nation, born from many, determined to build a more united America – with jobs, justice and education for all.
We are young people, frustrated that society seems willing to spend more locking up our bodies than educating our minds, yet still we find ways to succeed and shine.
We are students and newly-returned veterans – persevering in the face of mounting debt – determined not to be the first generation to end up worse off than our parents.
We are baby boomers and seniors – who saw hope killed in 1968 and will not let the dream of a united America be taken from us again.
We are conservatives and moderates, progressives and liberals, non-believers and people of deep faith, united by escalating assaults on our reason, our environment, and our rights.
We are workers of every age, faith, race, sex, nationality, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and ability – who have suffered discrimination but never stopped loving our neighbors, or our nation.
We are American Indians and Alaska Natives - citizens of Native nations – who maintain our cultures, protect our sovereignty, and strength America’s economy.
We are the new immigrants, raising our children in the torchlight of the Statue of Liberty, while confronting the shadows that are bigotry and mass deportations.
We are the native born. We inherited the divided legacies of settlers and American Indians, black slaves and white and Asian indentured servants. And yet, in this moment of shared suffering, we rejoice in newfound friendships and new alliances.
We are people who got thrown out – thrown out of our jobs, schools, houses, farms and small businesses – while Wall Street's wrongdoers got bailed out. We are families who pray every day – for peace and prosperity; for deliverance from foreclosures; for good jobs to come back to urban and rural America.
We are unemployed workers – forced to watch hopes for bold action dashed – because some Senators threaten filibusters, and other would-be champions fold in fear.
And yet, we are the majority – fueled by hope, not hate. We have the pride, power and determination to keep ourselves – and our country – moving up and out of the valley greed created.
And most importantly – from ensuring women are treated fairly at work, to expanding health care coverage for millions– we have been victorious whenever we worked together. We have proven the only thing we need to succeed is each other.
And so, on 10-2-10, we come back together - to march.
WHY WE MARCH
We march for a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. We march for jobs, justice, and education. We march for an economy that works for all. We march for a nation in which each person who wants to work can find a job that pays enough to support a family.
We march to create a million new jobs right away, because the national values that got us out of the Great Depression will get us out of the Great Recession.
We march to build a world-class public education system, from pre-school to community college and beyond - because our nation must start unleashing the greatness of every child today.
We march to end racial profiling and re-segregation– from Arizona to Atlanta. We march to defend the Voting Rights Act and the 14th Amendment. We march to advance human rights, civil rights, equal protection, and dignity for all.
We march to fix the broken immigration system – because no child should live in fear that her parents will be deported.
We march to ensure every worker has a voice at work. We march for green jobs and safe workplaces, so no worker will have to choose between her livelihood and her life.
We march for a clean environment, so no child is ever forced to decide between drinking the water or breathing the air and staying healthy.
We march to move our nation beyond this moment when a handful of Senators can block urgently needed progress – skewing our national budget towards tax cuts for the wealthy, unjustified military spending and prisons.
We march to demand full equality for all women in all communities, indulging an end to wage discrimination.
We march for peace abroad and job creation at home. We march for energy independence, public safety, and public transportation because the nation we want to build most is our own.
We march to demand full equality for all women in all communities, indulging an end to wage discrimination.
And on 11-2-10, we will march again – into the voting booths. We will bring our families, our friends, and our neighbors. And once the ballots are counted, we will keep organizing, we will hold our leaders accountable, and we will keep making our dream real.
This movement will grow. It will put America back to work, pull America back together, and keep us moving ever forward.
Join us. We are One Nation Working Together: For Jobs, For Justice, For Education, For All.
When it comes to the relationship between art and commerce, well..."it's complicated." Often so called high art, film and theater that's written for a so-called sophisticate audience tends to be too esoteric and doesn't connect with the masses. The other extreme is all too often the case when writers create films, television shows, theater, etc. with the masses in mind. These productions tend to do well, but be mind numbingly banal and cruel sort of torture for those of us who'd prefer to be engaged in a way that allows us to think for ourselves.
Through The Night is a new show written and performed by Obie Award winner Daniel Beaty and directed by Charles Randolph-Wright. It's a show so promising that it has the support of several prominent artistic ambassadors including Bill Cosby, Ruby Dee, Thelma Golden and Ben Vereen. It turns out that the hype surrounding Daniel Beaty's tour de force is well placed. Through The Night manages to weave a compelling tale about 6 very different yet very familiar black men while balancing the straight forward storytelling style that urban theater audiences tend to enjoy with a very smart and often subtle performance that provides added depth to each character.
Daniel uses stereotypical mannerisms, personality types and dialogue to introduce the audience to men who seem all too familiar, but just when you think it's going to be yet another gospel influenced stage production Mr. Beaty injects each character with dimension and provides insight into why they are who they are.
I could go on, but I feel it suffices to say that Through The Night is so much more than I expected. It's witty, clever, funny, thought provoking and inspiring. Though no art including this show is for everyone, I do recommend Through The Night as a night of theater EVERY ONE SHOULD SEE! For black men the show is a mirror reflecting the our many challenges, triumphs and dreams. For everyone else it is an entertaining night of theater that will help you to better understand what a black man thinks and feels from the inside out. GO SEE THROUGH THE NIGHT!
Check it out.
THREE WAYS TO ORDER:
1. ONLINE. Visit Ticketmaster.com by clicking here, select the performance date you wish to attend,
and enter code DBLAST in the
“Promotions and Special Offers” area.
2. Call Ticketmaster at 1-800-982-2787 and mention code DBLAST.
3. IN PERSON. Bring a print-out of this offer to the Union Square Theatre Box Office (100 East 17th Street, NYC).
REGULAR PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Beginning September 29, 2010
Wednesday - Friday at 8 pm
Saturday at 3 pm & 8 pm
Sunday at 3 pm & 7 pm
FOR GROUPS, please call 646-624-6678.
For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net
Here’s what I like to refer to as an UPL Music Moment. It’s brand new, something different for the musical palate and worth a listen. M.I.A.'s "Story To Be Told" music video...now is this art or too esoteric?
UPL presents...Alexis Foxe!
Alexis has talent and expertise beyond any short blurb I would usually write about an artist. She has traveled the world studying everything from film to music. Her mom is a music industry veteran so Alexis was exposed to a lot of behind-the-scenes action that I'm sure aided her in her own art form. Check out her complex bio at http://www.myspace.com/thealexisfox and view her stateside music video debut for "Cynic" below.
There's something unbelievably enchanting and inspiring about this lady. In "Cynic," she manages to capture the true feeling of fresh love in the song as well as the video. Let us know what you think!
Times Square Reflections V
Jane McClintock
September 29 - October 23, 2010
Artist Reception
Saturday, October 2, 4-6:30 PM
First Thursday Opening
Thursday, October 7, 5:30-8:30 PM
Amos Eno Gallery is pleased to present Times Square Reflections V, a solo exhibition of one of our longest standing members, Jane McClintock. The work on view is part of a larger body of work, New York Reflections, which goes back to 1983. These paintings are of reflections in glass and steel buildings in New York City which are very much part of the "New York scape".
The paintings in the current show are reflections in windows, rather than reflections in glass and steel buildings, which is somewhat reverse of previous work. The windows are in older buildings, reflecting the current lights and ads of Times Square. Ms. McClintockcombines the old and new to express the nature of Times Square.
Jane McClintock crops and edits photographs that she has taken and then uses them as preliminary sketches. The taking of the photographs is a very important part of the process. She uses the photographs as references when making rather complete studies in watercolor. These studies morph and become abstracted as they develop into the finished paintings.
Ms. McClintockhas been a member of Amos Eno Gallery since 1979. She has exhibited in New York, California, among other locations in the United States and abroad. She received her MFA from Columbia University, her BA from Marymount College, and attended the Skowhegan School of painting and sculpture.
After a 10-year bid, Lyfe Jennings produced some great R&B songs for this current generation and always strived to include a positive message in his music especially for the kids. Unfortunately, like many criminal offenders, he's going back to prison for 3 1/2 years. I don't want to get into the details. Let's just celebrate the music as always here at UPL!
The beginning of this video is pretty eerie in hindsight, but a brilliant song nonetheless.
Peo Haggstrom a.k.a. Peo de Pitte, born in Stockholm Sweden, has been busy making music and DJ’ing since the mere age of 14. At 17, the DJ and superstar remixer Stonebridge, signed him up to the legendary Swedish label SweMix. Ever since, he’s been present in charts and radio, working with and remixing many of the world's finest mainstream artists.
Most recently, Haggstrom teamed with UK R&B sensation Terri Walker to record "Be My Baby" (check out the official music video below). Terri Walker just actually signed to Damon Dash's new Rocafella label (minus Jay-Z this time of course). I had the pleasure of seeing Terri perform last week at S.O.B.'s in New York City for what was her very 1st NYC performance. Amazing voice!
SUPPORT GOOD TALENT! (and I have no clue why either of them are not actually in the video lol)
What happens when 2 talented Yale students (a singer and a video director/producer) covering pop tunes go viral?
It's yet another Youtube sensation! Sam Tsui is the singer and Kurt Schneider is the producer. About a year ago, the two friends decided to tape Sam singing a number of pop tunes from Beyonce's "Halo" to Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror." There was a twist though. Kurt had the idea to have Sam appear multiple times in the video singing multiple parts (see his Michael Jackson medley, which has over 16 million hits - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R12QVtuB0_Q). Needless to say, their videos garnered a whole lot of attention especially from the media. Sam has appeared on both The Bonnie Hunt Show and Oprah. He's also been featured on Time magazine's website.
Most recently, Sam and Kurt completed their original debut song/video, "Don't Want An Ending," available on iTunes now. Check it out below - the kid can sing! Also check out his most recent cover video of Bruno Mars' "Just The Way You Are"...
SUPPORT GOOD TALENT!
UPL presents the weekly music rewind to remind us what music is all about. Summer of 1990! Deee-Lite's "Groove Is In The Heart!" :)
On March 30, 2010, Erykah Badu released her fifth studio album New Amerykah Part Two... The first single, "Window Seat," garnered a tremendous amount of publicity due her stripping naked publicly in the music video. Below is a second version of the video featuring Rick Ross. The storyline was written by Ms. Badu herself and I'm anxious to see the end to this saga!
Also check out this live performance of one of my favorite track from the album New Amerykah Part Two...
Introducing Russell Taylor to the UPL community!
Below is the latest single/video, "1URun2," from his sophomore album Confessional. Yes, that is the incomparable Lalah Hathaway featured as his love interest. And yes, that is the same desert where Lady Gaga shot her video for "Telephone" with Beyonce.
Russell has begun working on his new album to be released in 2011 along with an as-yet-untitled documentary about the struggles and rewards of being an independent artist in the music industry today. It's going to be a very intimate look into his music and his life.
In the meantime, Rt is hard at work recording a live album due out in November 2010. Please show your support for good music by attending the live taping on October 15 at Ella Lounge in New York City. I guarantee that you will enjoy this show! See you there!
I really need to take this time out to thank you all for the great comments and the continued support! It has only been a couple of weeks for me as music contributor for Urban Pop Life and it is very rewarding!
I am simply a music lover who also loves to write. I love discussing music and what's new as well as what went under the radar in the past. This music column is a dream come true, but it is nowhere near perfect. I have a ton of ideas to make it more interactive, entertaining and informative. This will take some time though so please be patient with us at UPL.
Ultimately, my mission is to prove that good music always prevails. Americans have just gotten so used to the crap being shoved down our throats that many of us either can't recognize talent when it is presented or don't know where to find it past all of the trash. That's where I want UPL to play a significant role in your lives. At no point do I claim to be a "know-it-all." I just happen to know good music when I hear it. ;-)
You can't take anything away from a hard worker! Rihanna, fresh off her Last Girl on Earth Tour, has released a new single, "Only Girl (In the World)" from her forthcoming album Loud due out in November. The clubs are going nuts over this one!
In addition to promoting a new album, Rihanna will also be releasing a new book called Last Girl on Earth, developing a perfume line and starring in the upcoming blockbuster film Battleship based on the board game.
Here's an official link to the song in case Universal gets gangsta and snatches the video down (it happens):
http://www.ryanseacrest.com/blog/whats-happening/listen-to-rihannas-new-single-only-girl-in-the-world-audio/
MR. BIGGS is back! Actually, I believe Ron Isley is allowing Mr. Biggs to take a seat so he can present some pure R&B classics to accompany The Isley Brothers' catalog. Ron is also missing another character by the name of R. Kelly on this new album called Mr. I. I'm loving the direction of this new album based on these two singles below. Check them out and let us know what you think.
"Close to You" is a cover of the Carpenter's 1970 classic. It features Lauryn Hill!
While listening to "No More," I couldn't help but to think of Ruben Studdard's "Make 'Em Like U No More"...they're all beautiful songs.
Partystarter right here!
(Rory Golden "Flowers for the God of Love" Series / Rory Golden "Flowers for the God of Love" Series /Rory Golden "Chickenbones" Series / Rory Golden "Chickenbones" Series)
Rory Golden: No Escape from Love
October 2 - 16, 2010 (OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, October2, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
MARIETTA, GA, August 28, 2010 – Avisca Fine Art Gallery will present a groundbreaking exhibition of works by New York-based artist Rory Golden in his first solo exhibition in the Atlanta area. The exhibition “Rory Golden: No Escape from Love” will feature his enigmatic figurative narrative paintings of recent series, but will also include works from his earlier portrait series depicting black males. The exhibition will be on view at Avisca Fine Art Gallery from October 2 through October 16, 2010.
“Rory Golden is a powerfully articulate artist who takes on some highly charged issues and this exhibition may ruffle some feathers, especially here in the conservative South”, says Byrma Braham, director of Avisca Fine Art Gallery. “But as a gallery that seeks to be relevant, we have to push boundaries sometimes, as well as accommodate a range of voices and a diversity of expressions.”
Rory Golden creates multi-layered figurative work that deals in an unabashed and often provocative way with issues surrounding race, representation, sexual identity and desire. His work takes us to the deep end of our psychic pool where we navigate the psychologically complex and ambiguous waters of our lives, where erotic tension and sexual fantasy are ironically paired with their opposites: struggle and the potential for violence.
In his early work Golden achieved a metaphorical and allegorical engagement with recent history and incidents of violence motivated both by race and homophobia. In the work that forms the core of this exhibition, he pulls us deep into his psyche and into a tenebrous meditation on the dialectics of desire. Stereotypical conventions of racial representation in pornography are appropriated and abstracted to make his point. Nude black males set against a backdrop of macabre, mashed-up color field washings function both as the subjects of curious narratives and as a cultural screen onto which our fears and fantasies are projected.
“What Matisse was to well-kept, demure French women in the 1950’s, Golden is to the sexually seductive, inner-city black man, post-Obama,” says artist and writer Max Eternity, “-think Blue Nude, filtered through graffiti and urban decay. And whether intentional or not, much of art history’s recent discourse can be observed in his compositions; take for instance his placement of Chagal-esque, angelic, figural forms, floating weightlessly, consumed in sensuality and delight, all the while on a crash-course collision with the juvenile mockery, wit and vexation of Basquiat at his best.”
Rory Golden
Rory Golden has exhibited his work widely in solo and group shows at venues such as the New York and San Francisco Public Libraries and the Denver International Airport. Upcoming exhibits include a group show, “Ordinary Torture” at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, and Albion College in Michigan. He has received fellowships from Yaddo, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, the Blue Mountain Center and the National Academy of Fine Arts. Recent grants include an Idea Capital Grant, a Puffin Foundation Grant and a recent grant from Duke University Libraries Special Collections.
Golden holds an MFA in Book Arts from the University of Alabama and his work can be found in public and private collections across the country.
Avisca Fine Art Gallery
Avisca Fine Art Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery specializing in artworks created by black artist in the Americas, Africa and the Caribbean. In addition to its particular focus, the gallery also strives to present a diverse range of artistic expressions and to serve the local art community by featuring local talent. Through its programs, exhibitions, educational activities and an extensive library of books on African American and Caribbean art, the gallery seeks to be a vital cultural resource and to contribute to the cultural enrichment of the Marietta community and the greater Atlanta area.
Content Advisory: This exhibition contains male nudity and explicit content
Rory Golden: No Escape from Love
October 2 - 16, 2010
(OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, October2, 6:00-10:00 PM)
Avisca Fine Art Gallery
507 Roswell Street, Marietta, GA 30060
T: 770.977.2732
www.aviscafineart.com
Gallery Hours: Thursday-Saturday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm + by appointment/Admission: Free
Here’s what I like to refer to as an UPL Music Moment. It’s brand new (well sorta for this pick lol), something different for the musical palate and worth a listen. It's Corinne Bailey Rae's "Closer". I love the movement of the melody in this song. What I mean by that - love can be fast at times and all-consuming and soft and forgiving etc. That's what I think this melody evokes. But I'm just a music lover like you ;)
Nicholas Robinson Gallery is pleased to announce the exhibition, The Interrupted Image. Curated by Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath of Art Reoriented, the exhibition features five artists living and working in different cities throughout the world, including Berlin, Lahore, Vienna and New York. The result is a diversified portrait of contemporary art premised upon the challenge posed by the fragmentation of visual perception.
Wafaa Bilal transforms celebrated master works into reciprocal video installations. Using Edouard Manet's painting, A Bar at the Folies Bergere, Bilal harnesses new media technology to introduce an interactive version of the work, endeavoring to resolve the work's meaning, and/or develop the psychological ambiguities inherent in Manet's original painting - elements of human perception and interaction that have been debated since the work's completion in the late nineteenth century.
Birgit Graschopf's large-scale photographic prints transform people in cafés and malls into a plethora of color spots scattered on apparent blank surfaces. Graschopf's simultaneously panoramic and birds-eye views take on a microscopic quality, toying with the viewer's perception of space and distance.
Bob Knox remodels photographic images of domestic interiors into large-scale paintings, continuously reconstructing the geometry of space within these intimate locales. Knox's paintings range from brightly colored to semi-abstract and flirt with the concept of reality while maintaining strong ties to conventional realism.
Rashid Rana composes images of veiled women and Persian carpets, using clippings of pornography and photographs from slaughterhouses respectively. Through the juxtaposition of traditionally conservative motifs and explicit, disturbing images, Rana's work challenges viewers' awareness of these common depictions within Middle Eastern Art.
Steve Sabellaʼs psychedelic collages are constructed from photos taken daily, documenting his state of mind while living in exile. Sabella's abstractions expand his physical displacement to the mental and psychological by repeating a familiar image hundreds or thousands of times.
The Interrupted Image brings together a selection of painting, photography and video that comments on the act of perception and the role an artist can play in challenging one's preconceived notions of viewing. Alternately political, sociological, anthropological and art-historical in reference, the works in The Interrupted Image render the familiar ambiguous, the mundane enticing, and what would be otherwise unnoticeable remarkable upon closer scrutiny.
Please contact the gallery for further information: 212.560.9075 / info@nrgallery.com
Art Reoriented was founded by Till Fellrath and Sam Bardaouil in 2009 and is a curatorial practice specializing in contemporary art from the Middle East with the mission to instigate a constructive cultural discourse through creating innovative multidisciplinary exhibitions and public programs away from the cultural labels permeating much of contemporary art practice.
The official biography below (because I don't want to miss a thing)...
Jared Evan grew up playing the drums, hoping for the chance to one day become the next Keith Moon. However, with his introduction into the world of Hip Hop during his early teen years he could not help but have his musical aspirations redirected. Jared’s early years were filled with difficult personal issues and Hip Hop provided a fresh outlet as well as a new layer to his musical taste. Jared became heavily influenced by older seminal Hip Hop artists such as the Wu Tang Clan, Mos Def, The Roots, Kool G Rap, Tribe, KRS One, Pete Rock, DJ Premier and others. Jared soon began to fuse his new passion with his old. Taking musical cues from his rock influences such as Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Radiohead, Sublime, The Who and others.
Jared began to produce, sing and rhyme over new genre blending beats while introducing heavily melodic hooks to create classic sounding songs with groundbreaking undertones. Soon, others began to take notice. In 2008 at the age of 19, Jared won the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival’s Spit 16 competition curated by The Source Magazine. Jared was invited to open the festival and his performance immediately caught the attention of attendees, MC’s and the press. Matt Graham (now his manager) formally of The FADER magazine and now owner of BRND MGMT was one of those attendees. Off of the strength of his performance, Jared was invited to perform several shows including an opening gig for Lupe Fiasco in the fall of 2008.
At that point Jared returned to the studio to begin to hone his sound and complete his mixtape entitled “Radio In My Head”. Upon completion of the first draft of the mixtape, Graham put it in the hands of his friend and Hip Hop superstar director, Rik Cordero. Rik said this about Jared after hearing the mixtape “Jared meshes hip hop lyrics, electronic and post punk influences with classic rock to create a truly unique sound.” Rik and Jared immediately began to create visually stunning music videos to compliment Jared’s provocative sound (one of which entitled "Frozen" can be found below). These videos were then circulated to the top music executives and within weeks Jared had several major label offers.
In June of 2009, Jared decided to sign with Zone 4/Interscope. With the support of industry giants like Jimmy Iovine, Polow Da Don, Rik Cordero, Steve-O, Matt Graham and Jimmy Douglass, it appears that at only 21 years old, Jared Evan will undoubtedly be one of 2010’s most talked about artists.
SUPPORT TRUE TALENT
"In Love With You" is the official lead single gaining steam!
KRISHNA REDDY
Master Printmaker, Sculptor and Artist
BOOK LAUNCH and SIGNING
with author Dennis Forbes, artist Joyce Wellman + other special guests
Saturday, September 25, 6.30-8.30pm
Dennis L. Forbes, the author of Studios and Workspaces of Black American Artists and Collecting Limited Edition Prints: Contemporary African American Printmakers, will present his new book on artist Krishna Reddy. Reddy is a pioneer and master of the printing process visconsity, "an invention that has been a springboard for generations of printmakers," Forbes writes. The book is dedicated to the late Bob Blackburn, Reddy's close friend and creative partner of over 40 years.
Join us in supporting this local author and independent publisher, and enjoy being the first to experience this incredible new book!
BOOK ORDERS MAY BE PLACED IN ADVANCE
Call the gallery [202.234.5112] or email intvisions@aol.com
to reserve your copy of Krishna Reddy ($35)
PURCHASE ALL THREE AND RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT!
Studios & Workspaces + Contemporary African American Printmakers + Krishna Reddy for $125
International Visions Gallery
2629 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington D.C. 20008
202.234.5112
Inter-Visions.com
PLEASE BELIEVE IT! - Eric Benet is one of the best contemporary R&B singers around today! The first single (listen below) from his forthcoming album, Lost in Time, is a testament to his vocal ability. The boy can saaannng! I've always been a fan of his music from day one, but I've never heard him use his falsetto like that. I can't wait for the live performance. And is this song written from personal experience???
Below also check out one of his most overlooked singles, "Pretty Baby," from the Hurricane album. This song was released during the "I'm still mad with Eric for doggin' out Halle like that" days. This song should have been a mainstream hit. Whenever I hear it, It always makes me stop whatever I'm doing to truly listen to such a beautiful melody.
Additionally, you need to witness a true father spending quality time with his daughter - singing of course lol...
You must live under a rock if u haven't heard this song yet! Rightfully so, it's a really really good song that should win Train a lot of awards...and just below is Erika David's rendition (the Youtube sensation girl I previously wrote about).
UPL presents the weekly music rewind to remind us what music is all about. Rahsaan Patterson remakes a Sade classic onstage. :)
Here’s what I like to refer to as an UPL Music Moment. It’s brand new, something different for the musical palate and worth a listen. It's Katy Perry's "Firework" from her latest album, Teenage Dream. I'm sure the clubs go crazy on this one...lol
Henry Gregg Gallery
Celebrating It's Seventh Season
presents
Orisha
Capturing the Spirit
The Paintings of André Martinez-Reed
September 9 - October 3, 2010
Opening Reception: Saturday Sept. 25 from 5:00 - 9:00 pm
during the DUMBO Arts Festival
featuring the music of André Martinez Reed.
Friday Sept. 24, 7pm Avant ensemble Earth People
reunite for the first show in almost two years
at the Underwater Lounge, 66 Water Street (www.earthpeople.tv)
Saturday Sept. 25, 12pm - 2pm André Martinez leads
The Drum Circle, Tobacco Warehouse
André Martinez-Reed is a native Brooklynite. His philosophy and ideas coalesce in the exhibition, "Orisha: Capturing the Spirit", which will be presented at Henry Gregg Gallery (www.henrygregggallery.com), 111 Front Street, Suite 226 in Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood. It will showcase 9 oil paintings.
"I believe, to understand the workings of the Spirits roaming the Universe, one must first become aware of its existence. Once you do, it is only a matter of stepping through the door. It is impossible to look back as you explore your subtle surroundings and realize the wonder of all the infinite possibilities that exist around us. As an artist, you need not labor to capture the unexplained in a photograph or in a painting. With openness, it's presence makes itself known. Be open and keen, then your work will become a living entity."
What makes you stop unexpectedly before a face painted on canvas. You've seen countless faces in every day life, countless, the images forwarded as art, news and history. Yet there are times when an image seemingly similar to others beckons one to stop and look again.
It's a magnetism drawing one into a scene. One transcends rational observation for more penetrating, revealing characteristics that trigger recognition of a profound state of being exuded from the depths of the third and fourth dimensions. A face and its surroundings move, taking shapes, released from fixed patterns by no external manipulation. One comes face to face in communion with mysterious forces inhabiting the subject. Forces we know to exist in ourselves in dream states in wakened naked embrace of the spiritual within the soul of our existence, named and no- named. Language recedes giving way to feelings. A face emits an aura embracing our very own inner sanctums of self consciousness. Standing before the image one realizes sensations embedded in the psychic fabric of the mind; elements haunting and liberating, painful and ecstatic.
André Martinez Reed employs the mediums of paint to journey the viewer into the realm of the para-normal. I prefer to call his work: transport to the spirit world.
The exhibition, his sixth. A master jazz musician,gallerist and gifted artisan, Martinez transposes his base mastery onto the visual plain via multiplicity of layered oils, inks, varnish, chalks, lead and Venetian plasters. Bold and free, after utilizing brushes, he shapes his subjects, tableau, by hand, fusing the material to the visceral. In this fashion the painter surrenders to the hypnotic. The results are captivating, enabling the viewer a portal into the micro cosmos of life forms, entry into the known, inexplicable caverns of that which is so often overlooked in one's self, in the surrounding universe.
This exhibition is designed to create an atmosphere of spiritual dialog between painter, subject and visitor. It can easily extend as a long journey, a metaphysical voyage. All one need do, as I have done, is look, look again.
Moe Seager
Henry Gregg Gallery
111 Front Street, Suite 226
Brooklyn, New York 11201
718.408.1090
www.henrygregggallery.com
art@henrygregggallery.com
UPL presents the weekly music rewind to remind us what music is all about. Let's all just stay together! ;)
Her name is Fantasia. She has the voice, the talent, the drama, the suicide attempt, the controversy, the reality show and the music. All too often the music gets ignored...by the public, not Fantasia.
On August 24, 2010, Fantasia released her 3rd studio album, Back to Me. I'm going to now ignore all of the drama surrounding this release and focus on the music. It's a good album, but Fantasia doesn't make bad music. Her self-titled sophomore project went largely unnoticed. However, Fantasia, in my opinion, was a better album than Back to Me. It had a harder sound and approach that may have proved too risky to do the same for the 3rd album (listen below to my fav track "Bump What Ya Friends Say" from the 2nd album and let me know what you think).
Still, Back to Me continues to show and prove that great talent is here! Also below is her latest single, "I'm Doin' Me," and check out the most ridiculously HOT track, "The Thrill Is Gone," produced by soulman Cee-Lo Green.
As promised we are hard at work on a new design of the UPL website and it is scheduled to be completed shortly. Akim Bryant has joined us a music contributor and we will soon announce new contributors in the fields of fashion and visual art as well.
NY Fashion Week was a major success as we were one of a handful of sites invited to stream the Oscar de la Renta show live, covered a variety of the weeks shows and special events and brought you the excitement of Fashion's Night Out!
Coming soon we'll provide you with even more in-depth coverage of art, fashion, music, film and fun. DC Fashion week, Art Basel Miami, the New York Art Fairs, new music releases and more are coming soon. We'll also be launching new features and adding lots of original content in the form of interviews, profiles and more.
There is a small chance the blog may be down for a few minutes at some point in the next couple of days as we make changes behind the scenes. I apologize in advance for any difficulties this may cause you.
Thank you for your support and here's to a great new season of UPL.
Ricky Day
Why oh why does all the good talent have to now originate from overseas??? There is a trend happening in music where more and more labels are signing acts that have established careers internationally. What about all of the great talent right here at home?
Nevertheless, UPL presents Hurts. It's a two-man band from the UK with a massive amount of critical acclaim. Their debut album, Happiness, released on Sept. 6th is the fastest selling debut by a band in the UK this year.
"Wonderful Life" is just one of the many gems available on Youtube. Of course, they have a strong 80's synth-pop sound, which is so good it hurts! ;)
Watch Oscar de la Renta’s runway show live with select items off the runway available for pre-order. The show is TODAY...THURSDAY September 16, 2010 at 5 PM EST. UPL WILL BE livestreaming the Spring/Summer 2011 collection from Oscar De Laurenta right here. Grab a bottle of wine, tell your friends and sit back and enjoy what promises to be a terrific show right here on UrbanPopLife.net
Check out this performance produced by art production fund for campari 150th anniversary. To learn more about Kalup visit him online at http://www.kaluplinzy.net
This film looks like a winner from Tyler Perry.
ATTENTION: This is an UPL Music Moment!
UPL presents the latest single/video, "Rose Colored Glasses," from Kelly Rowland's as-yet-untitled album to be released in 2011. She's blowing up overseas. Let's hope this single gets the traction it deserves here in the US! I'm a sucker for great lyrics and this one is very lyrical and real.
Lesson to learn: stay out of other people's relationships...you just never know what they're going through behind closed doors. Everything that glitters ain't gold!
On September 23, Filmmaker Spike Lee will be directing the second installment to the American Express "Unstaged" online concert series featuring John Legend and The Roots. These two acts will be performing songs from their collaborative album, Wake Up, to be released on 9/21. The project features 11 cover songs from Bill Withers to Donny Hathaway. It also includes their cover of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' "Wake Up Everybody."
This is the game changing slowly, but surely. Online concerts will become more prominent as technology advances. Sooner or later, we all will be able to enjoy our favorite concerts in the comfort of our own homes. It'll feel like we're front stage and center.
I just recently watched this episode of Unsung featuring Teddy Pendergrass. It was very well put together. They showcased him 360 degrees (the good and the bad). I had no idea that he was on the verge of superstardom before the car accident. That was a very tragic event in his life, but he was definitely a fighter. I am very happy that he was able to pass on so gracefully and still enjoy musical success. Rest in peace bro.
Below is a preview clip of the TVOne episode of Unsung featuring Teddy Pendergrass and below that is my absolute favorite Teddy song of all time! The talking at the end is...I mean who else could get away with that but Teddy :)
Since 2004, Kanye West has been telling us just how great he is. Unfortunately, greatness comes in a small package along with tragedy. You can't have one without the other. At the height of his success, Kanye lost his most prized possession - his mom. This was the other person Kanye talked about the most besides himself. He took a long break and everyone assumed he would come back with his head screwed on tightly. NEGATIVE! It takes some people a lifetime to get over the loss of a parent. Then the Taylor Swift incident happened and Kanye became the most hated man in music. I couldn't stand him myself for that moment. Taylor didn't deserve it. Beyonce acknowledged onstage that same night that she didn't deserve it, but the world (or the media circus) would not move on.
Now, in true artist form and fashion, KANYE STRIKES BACK! I dare you to say that this is not one of the hottest songs out there right now! As a matter of fact, don't say it...just listen to his VMAs performance (before Universal/Youtube pulls this link down too lol).
You may recognize him from the smash hit single "Nothin' On You" by B.O.B. or maybe from the equally enchanting single "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy. Well finally, Bruno Mars gets his time to shine with his debut single/video "Just The Way You Are"...
Bruno has stated that he doesn't want his music to be classified into one genre. He just wants to make good music! Amen to that! Doo-Wops & Hooligans is the title of his debut album to be released next month. Additionally, he will be touring with Maroon 5, OneRepublic and Travie McCoy. Should be a great show!
Oh and peep this cool ass t-shirt I found on his website!
This is what dreams are made of. A friend of mine left her stable job earlier this year to begin directing music videos on the road with rock trio Earl Greyhound. By the looks and sound of their latest single/video, “Shotgun”, it was a good leap of faith. Congrats Chell and Earl Greyhound for making such classic material.
The next Youtube sensation with the best cover of one of the best songs of 2010 – Alicia Keys “UnThinkable (I’m Ready)”! This is what I needed to hear live. Who is Erika David? I think we’ll soon find out.
She’s currently working with superproducer/songwriter Brian-Michael Cox on her debut album. Talent is hard to come by these days so support it when it arrives!
What can I say? The Roots are eloquent and brilliant in my opinion. This one is right on time as usual. Prepare yourself…this one is for all of the survivors out there.
Ok ok ok…I know I’m a little late on this one, but I was floored by this song the first time I heard it. I’m a huge fan of So You Think You Can Dance and one of the choreographers used “Drumming Song” by Florence + the Machine for one of the routines this past season. Now I’m hooked! This is Lady Gaga taken to the next level! But is this witchcraft as a dear friend said to me (lol)??? Oh and they gave a great performance at the VMAs this past Sunday...one of the few performers who actually sang live.
OMG! About 5 years ago, I came across an independent album called Emotions by singer/songwriter PJ Morton. One song, in particular, grabbed my ear and wouldn’t let go (http://new.music.yahoo.com/pj-morton/tracks/jiborish--19806562). After some digging, I discovered that India.Arie used to open for him way back in the day (yeah I know…neo-soul blah blah blah lol). He’s super talented though! So much so that he’s now singing and playing with Maroon 5! Congrats to PJ! He also released a new album earlier this year called Walk Alone. Here’s one of my fav tracks, “The One,” from that gem...
(Chris Beckman 'Evolution#1" 2010 - 6 Pewter cast sculptures, pigment, gesso, plywood
and mirror (metal frame) (unique work))
I met a cool artist named Chris Beckman at the Paul Mullins opening at Collette Blanchard Gallery. He is in a group show on Long Island and if you are out that way you should check out the entire show (which looks pretty good) and his work in particular.
The Fireplace Project presents
"THE END OF THE AFFAIR"
a group exhibition
curated by Edsel Williams
September 10 - October 4, 2010
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 11, 6-8PM
Featuring: Chris Beckman, Shane Campbell, Jeremy Everett,
Judith Hudson, Marc Hundley, Natalya Laskis, David Salle,
and Max Snow.
851 Springs Fireplace Road,
East Hampton NY 11937
Tel: 631.324.4666 Fax: 631.614.4437
info@thefireplaceproject.com
www.thefireplaceproject.com
Make sure to add me on Facebook.com and follow me on Twitter.com
For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net
(Cacy with yours truly)
This past Saturday I went to check out my friend Cacy Forgenie's new solo exhibit JADED on display at Chi Chiz Bar 135 West Christopher Street in the Village.
Jaded gets its title from the idea that patrons frequenting Chi Chiz Bar (the only Black gay bar in NYC) people living in the Tri-State area, inter-generational Blacks and Latinos of different socio-economic backgrounds, have seen or done it all. By showing photographs of figures in their most trying circumstances, the photographer hopes to traverse the venue as a site of expectation, disillusionment and eroticism and further ...transform it into a space of empathy, solidarity and recognition.
Photographs feature the captured trauma of strangers on the streets of New York City and include images of the 9/11 attack, street fights, car accidents; and the arrests and subjugation of young black men by New York City Police.
The images of Jaded are part of a larger body of work called "LIVE! From New York", shown in NYC, Rio, Berlin and Novo Mesto as part of solo and group show installations and projections. They were made with disposable, 35mm and digital cameras during routine walks around NYC between 1998 and 2010.
Photographs measure 30x40 inches and run in Editions of 10. Some photographs were published by AP World Wide Photos (9/11 images) and The NY Post (9/11 images; "Cop Car Crash" is archived). Russell Simmons' OneWorld magazine published "The Fire Next Time" in 1999).
Kudos to Cacy on a great show and thought provoking works of art.
Make sure to add me on Facebook.com and follow me on Twitter.com
For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net
Inspired by the Japanese Street-wear culture "Amecaji" SABIT NYC presented the 2011 SPRING/SUMMER Collection. "SABIT" meaning the "Hook" or the best part of the song continues to "Hook" the fashionable, trendsetter on both a local and international scale. The show took place at Touch West 52nd Street (Bet. 8th & Broadway). The invite said "6:00pm-8pm (VIP Cocktail Reception) OPEN BAR -Invite ONLY, showtime was supposed to be 8:00pm SHARP!!! and EARLY ARRIVAL RECOMMENDED!
Well they definitely were right about early arrival as the line was crazy to get into to the show. Special shout to Ra-Fael Blanco (Two R's Media) for making sure I didn't have an issue with the line. The show started a bit late, but in all fairness it wasn't the first show I attended this week to start behind schedule.
Now, about the show itself. The invite for the show read "Shoichi Amemiya affectionatlely known as "Uncle Sho" has garnered a following that reflects his sheer genius and devotion to fashion excellence, and the integrity of "brand" alike." The look is very urban, very casual and sported a rather large "S" on most of the jackets and cardigans. A mature man like myself is clearly not the target audience as we tend to shy away from overly large logos and lot of writing on our apparel. That being said I found the pieces to well constructed, the color palette sensual without being overbearing and likely to be very pleasing to it's target audience (young men who are fans of urban American style).
Congrats to Shoichi for bringing his vision to life and special shout out to Shalik Ian Harford for continuing to provide people of color with valuable exposure and opportunities to live their dreams of working in fashion as models, stylists, etc. Special shout out to my friends, models Seandon and Levante who both walked in the show.
To see the entire gallery add me on facebook.com and follow me on Twitter.com
Make sure to add me on Facebook.com and follow me on Twitter.com
For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net
Saturday evening September 11 I caught the Jose Duran Spring/Summer 2011 show at the Samsung Experience in the Time Warner Center. The show was breathtaking, elegant and sexy. If the sales of this line aren't through the roof then someone on the business end aint doing their job. Kudos on a wonderful show and collection and here's to an even brighter future.
In addition to the great show, I must say the audience was very sexy and stylish as well and included well known personalities and professionals like Memsor Karamake, June Ambrose, Derrick Adams, Spry Lee Scott and Harriett Cole.
Check out a few images from the show. The entire gallery will be posted later today on facebook. To view it you must add me on facebook.com and twitter.com.
For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net
(my neighbors in the first row June Ambrose and Harriett Cole)
(Angela Simmons and friend)
(Memsor and the most beautiful girl in the room June's daughter)
(Memsor, June Ambrose and yours truly)
(Jose Duran and Derrick Adams)
(Memsor and Jose)
(Jose and yours truly Ricky Day)
(Jose, Ty, David Melton)
(Randal Jacobs, Ty and Shaun Wright)
(Collette Blanchard, Paul Mullins and beautiful sister whose name I do not know)
Paul Mullins has created a terrific collection of paintings of richly painted animals and portioned figures. The sometimes almost melancholy works "sometimes have moments when sentiments, that are assumed polar opposites, become intertwined" as stated in the press materials released by the gallery.
All in all the show is full of very well done works by an obviously talented artist. The artist currently lives and works in San Francisco and received an MFA from Ohio University and a BFA from Marshall University. His works have been exhibited widely in venues including the Frye Art Museum, the Triton Museum of Art, the Corcoran Museum of Art, and the Walker Art Center.
If It's All the Same T' You, a selection of new paintings by Paul Mullins. This exhibition will be on view at Collette Blanchard Gallery - 26 Clinton Street from September 12th through October 24th, 2010.
For more information, please contact the gallery at 917.639.2912 or gallery@colletteblanchard.com
As promised Urban Pop Life (UPL) is about to undergo an upgrade. The upgrade will include a design tweak, new features and new contributors to bring you fresh perspectives on the worlds of art, fashion, music, pop culture and more!
Today I have the pleasure of announcing the first of these new contributors, my dear friend and esteemed colleague Akim Bryant. Akim joins UPL to focus on all things music including multiple genres (R&B, pop, rock, soul), live music events, reviews and more.
Born and raised in Newark, N.J., Akim Bryant received his B.A. in Communication from William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J. Akim is an entertainment/media professional with over 10 years of work experience as a music programmer (radio & video) for Music Choice. Most recently, Akim decided it was time to change careers and left his job at Music Choice. Music and writing have always been his two passions in life so he has chosen now to pursue a successful career in journalism. Akim has on several occasions served as a contributor to GIANT magazine and SoulTracks. He has also written artist biographies for Lola Davis (singer/dancer), Julian Keyz (singer/songwriter/producer) and Margo Thunder (legendary singer/songwriter).
Attention publicists, promotion companies, etc. to contact Akim directly reach out to him at akim.bryant2@gmail.com. Of course you can still reach out to me directly as well during the transition. I'm excited to have such a talented and connected writer join our team. It's gonna be fiyah yawl!
Please join me in welcoming Akim to the UPL family.
Stay tuned for announcements about additional contributors coming soon. It's gonna be a great new season of POP.
Underrated modern-day funkster Cee-Lo Green is about to release his new solo album, The Lady Killer. Want to know what the album is about? Listen to the official lead single/video -
– it’s entertaining to say the least. In a recent interview, Cee-Lo expressed that he’s been described as being “before-his-time” and now he feels this is the right time! You have UPL’s support without a doubt!
And Cee-Lo has confirmed that him and Danger will be doing another Gnarls Barkley project soon.
Move over Jaden! Your 9-year-old sister, Willow Smith, just released her debut single, “Whip My Hair”, and people are buzzing! This kid is going places with or without her Hollywood power couple of parents. People are dubbing her a mini-Rihanna. Willow definitely has the style and star power to be successful. Whip your hair all the way to the top gurl!!!
AND Jay-Z just signed Willow Smith to his Roc Nation label!
Why do the kids of every famous rapper want to get into this music biz especially when most of them really can’t sing or rap??? This is the attitude I wore when I heard yet another Simmons’ offspring wants to do music. Diggy Simmons (son of hip-hop pioneer Rev. Run and nephew of Russell Simmons) changed all of that real quick! This kid is DOPE! There’s a difference between a rapper and a lyricist. Diggy is well on his way to lyricism. Check out this new track featuring yet another lyricist by the name of Lupe Fiasco along with music maestro Pharrell Williams…”Oh Yeah!”
What a blast! Fashion fashion fashion everywhere. Registers ringing, music pumpin', food, drink and lots of beautiful people. Fashion's Night Out 2010 in NYC was amazing, hectic and by all accounts a success! In my personal travels I partied at Nicole Miller, strolled thru Soho checking out Ralph Lauren, Nicole Miller and more! Then we walked over to Patricia Fields to party, shop and mingle and then after a quick change and brief break headed over to the meatpacking district for a hot party at the Maritime Hotel! Wow..what a night.
As usual check below for a few pics from the evening. You can see a complete gallery of images by adding me on Facebook or following me on Twitter.
Later today we check out Cacy Fornegie's JADED art opening at Chi Chiz Bar in the Village and then it's Jose Duran at The Time Warner Center.
No rest for the fashion weary. Time to make more moves.
If you know someone in the photos below and need to correct or provide a name either comment here or shoot an email to me at Uptownsun@aol.com
(Tayo and I)
(recording artists J-Harris and Cassie at Nicole Miller)
(three beautiful sistas partying at Nicole Miller)
(Linda , a model with Ford Models and her good friend looking fab as usual)
(J-Harris, Steph Jones and Angel Laws of AngelOnFire.com at Nicole Miller/we had a blast!!!!!!!)
(DJ Tyger Lilly looking fab and spinnin the FIYAH for the Nicole Miller party/this woman is BAD!!!!!)
(Stephanie and Tayo from Ford Models)
(the Ford Models crew left to right models Melissa and Ashley, Stephanie who is an agent with her boyfriend, on the far right is Linda who is also a Ford model and her friend)
(writers Akim Bryant and Shydel James with a beautiful sista who's name I will drop in when I get it)
(Valerie and Jean writers of the blog idiosyncraticfashionistas.blogspot.com)
(Valerie, jean and I...I LOVE THESE LADIES!!!!!)
(Vanessa and Angela Simmons)
(Jonathan Rodrigues and his business partner)
(yours truly with the iconic Amanda Lepore at Patricia Field)
(Tayo with Amanda)
(the line outside of Patricia Field was crazzzzy!!!! Of course we didn't participate...lol)
Here’s what I like to refer to as an UPL Music Moment. It’s brand new, something different for the musical palate and worth a listen.
The band is named 2AM Club after the popular L.A. bar and this is their new single, “Worry About You,” I don’t at all mind listening to. What do you think?
Last night I dropped in to see ELSE , the new group exhibition presenting a selection of work situated in between the recognizable and indistinguishable. A combination of sculpture, painting, printmaking, video and installation bringing about various overlapping conversations and exploring the way we interpret cultural, religious and personal narrative in a way that gives the viewer a glimpse into something uncanny.
The show is at Tilton Gallery and is co-curated by Derrick Adams + Jack Tilton and includes PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:Noel Anderson | Adler Guerrier | Arjan Zazueta | Carlos Rigau | David Antonio Cruz | Diane Wah | Frohawk Two Feathers | Jaret Vadera | Langdon Graves | Simone Leigh | Yashua Klos | Felandus Thames
It's a great show with terrific work by a diverse group of artists. If you haven't been to Tilton it's a treat as well because it is a wonderful space on two levels with a friendly and warm staff headed by Jack Tilton and family.
EXHIBITION DATES:
September 9- October 16, 2010
Check out a handful of images below and add me on facebook or follow me on Twitter to see a complete gallery of images.
Fashion week has begun. Anyone who reads this blog knows that we spend as much time focusing on regular everyday people and the behind the scenes folks who make things happen as much as we do on celebrity and the glitterati. In that spirit a large number of images over the next few days will focus on a diverse group of fashionistas, fashion professonals and regular folks who are attending shows, hosting events or quite simply attending to their own personal style.
Check out a few images from Lincoln Center and check in for more photos, stories about Fashion's Night Out and more! Add me on facebook to see a full gallery of images.
New York does not have a monopoly on great art. As a matter of fact there's some evidence that LA may even have equaled or surpassed NYC as the art capital of the country. I wont wade into that argument, but I will make sure to offer a much more diverse selection of shows in the coming months from LA, Chicago, Dallas, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Asia in addition to the offerings right here in NYC.
If you're in LA make sure to check out this great show opening this weekend.
MASSIMO VITALI
September 11 - October 16, 2010
Opening Reception
Saturday, September 11, 6-8 PM
Sacred Russian Pool (#3140), 2009, c-print on diasec, 72 x 86 inches, edition of 6
M+B
612 North Almont Drive
Los Angeles, California 90069
310 550 0050
www.mbart.com
info@mbart.com
M+B is pleased to announce an exhibition of new work by internationally acclaimed artist Massimo Vitali. Vitali's unique views of the rites and rituals of modern-day leisure have garnered praise since he began photographing in his signature style in 1994. Featuring new work from 2009 and 2010, the exhibition includes eight large-scale color photographs from Austria, Croatia, Sicily and Turkey. The exhibition opens September 11, 2010 and runs through October 16, 2010 with an opening reception on Saturday, September 11 from 6 to 8 pm. In Fall 2010, Steidl will publish their third monograph of Vitali's work titled Landscape with Figures 2.
Vitali's photography occupies a place between documentary realism and the surreal. His landscapes are casually inhabited by figures such as sunbathers and tourists who often forget about the photographer's presence, as he waits for such a moment while perched 20 feet in the air on a platform. Ever interested in the ways in which people interact with their environment and each other, Vitali's images satisfy a sociological desire as well as a voyeuristic longing to observe unawares. On this level his works are happily profitable, as each mural-sized work allows for the intimate perusal of hundreds of candid portraits.
Massimo Vitali was born in Como, Italy in 1944. Internationally respected for his acclaimed oeuvre of large-scale works depicting people at play and masses at leisure, he has photographed beach scenes, ski locations, as well as tourist destinations. Vitali has exhibited extensively in museums and galleries worldwide, and his work is found in some of the most important private and public collections in the world. This will be his third exhibition with M+B.
For further information, please contact Shannon Richardson at 310 550 0050, shannon@mbart.com, or visit our website www.mbart.com.
M+B
612 NORTH ALMONT DRIVE
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90069
T 310 550 0050
F 310 550 0605
WWW.MBART.COM
INFO@MBART.COM
Remember Remy Shand? (see the video below) Well if you liked him then you should check out newcomer Mayer Hawthorne who wrote and produced his debut album, A Strange Arrangement, released on Stones Throw Records (one of the absolute best independent labels on the planet btw). This track is definitely one of my faves.
For old times sake here's Remy Shand
Else
TILTON GALLERY
8 East 76th Street
New York, NY
EXHIBITION DATES:
September 9- October 16, 2010
OPENING RECEPTION:
Thursday, September 9th 6-8pm
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS:
Noel Anderson | Adler Guerrier | Arjan Zazueta | Carlos Rigau | David Antonio Cruz | Diane Wah | Frohawk Two Feathers | Jaret Vadera | Langdon Graves | Simone Leigh | Yashua Klos | Felandus Thames
ELSE group exhibition presents a selection of work situated in between the recognizable and indistinguishable. A combination of sculpture, painting, printmaking, video and installation bringing about various overlapping conversations and exploring the way we interpret cultural, religious and personal narrative in a way that gives the viewer a glimpse into something uncanny.
Co-Curators: Derrick Adams + Jack Tilton
It's that magical time of year in New York City when Art meets Fashion in the GREATEST CITY IN THE WORLD!!!!!! Spring 2011 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week AND the kickoff of the fall Fine Art Season.
The streets of NYC are on fire with great new art, models and fashionistas everywhere and of course preparations are complete for tomorrow nights FASHION'S NIGHT OUT 2010. Check out the blog for a full listing of the Fashion Week show schedule, news about art openings, FASHIONS' NIGHT OUT and much, much more!
For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net
STOMACH ACID DREAMS
Wednesday, September 15th, 6-8pm
SLOAN FINE ART
128 Rivington Street
(corner of Norfolk)
New York, NY 10002
212.477.1140
sloanfineart.com
Exhibition runs September 10 through October 16, 2010
Preview works from the exhibition online at: http://www.sloanfineart.com/10Brownell/
Sloan Fine Art is pleased to present Stomach Acid Dreams, new paintings by Mia Brownell.
Invoking the Old Masters while simultaneously commenting on contemporary food culture, Mia Brownell's paintings challenge our ability to digest the intellectual as well as the sensual experience of what we choose to eat. With intertwined vines, clusters of ripe fruit, dramatic chiaroscuro, and bold perspectives, Brownell's vibrant compositions simultaneously reference 17th century Dutch Realism and the coiling configurations of molecular imaging. These dynamic (un)-still life paintings re-conceive DNA, amino acids, and protein chains as the architecture on which her food subjects dangle.
In Stomach Acid Dreams Brownell addresses the natural and spurious origins and our relationship to food in a scientifically altered, consumer society, all while challenging our understanding of both still life and abstract painting by fusing the two in a surprising new form. As Donald Kupsit said of her work, "Brownell has invented a unique, convincing way to synthesize Old Master realism and Modern Master abstraction – and make a metaphysical as well as social point by doing so.”
With this new body of work, Brownell pushes the veristic boundaries of her previous works, finding opulent visions in muscle, bone and sinew to create her dense and exquisite allusions. As we examine these paintings, the sheer machinery of nature comes to mind, as do the seemingly abstract manipulations of the genetic biologist and consumer markets – revealing alarming depths in the loveliest of pictures.
Mia Brownell was born in Chicago, Illinois to a sculptor and biophysicist. She has had solo exhibitions at venues in several major American cities including the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC. She was recently selected to participate in the Aldrich Museum’s Radius program for emerging artists and a Visiting Artist residency at The American Academy in Rome. Mia’s paintings have been included in group exhibitions worldwide and are currently on exhibit at the Mattatuck Museum.
For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net
What are you wearing as you run around NYC taking in all the art and fashion shows? Are you a fashionista or a fashionista on a budget? Either way, personal style is just that...personal!!!!! CHECK OUT THIS COOL VIDEO FOR A FEW FALL IDEAS TO PONDER FROM H&M
CORDY RYMAN
Opening Reception: Sunday, September 12, 5-7pm
September 9 - October 31, 2010
Trapped Wave, 2010, acrylic and enamel on wood, 62 x 62 1/2 x 2"
DCKT Contemporary is pleased to present CORDY RYMAN's second solo exhibition with the gallery. RYMAN manipulates and reconstitutes an inherited visual language, defining himself in relation to it. His intuitive and spontaneous process is propelled and determined primarily by the characteristics of his media. Manipulating materials such as wood, metal, velcro, Gorilla Glue, staples and scraps from his studio floor, RYMAN's assemblages are physical and humorous.
A number of new works created for this exhibition, including Trapped Wave, are recycled from Third Wave, a monumental installation work exhibited in RYMAN's first show with the gallery. The careful consideration of the painted wood and its contours guides the artist in the geometric patterning of his reconstructions. RYMAN's paintings and sculptures address elements of architecture with rich texture and a vivid color palette. RYMAN's process allows the work to dictate its own direction and evolution, oftentimes referring back to other pieces or ideas and often referencing the materials used.
RYMAN also works in an architectural mode where he creates a dialogue between his work and its surroundings. These spaces can be specific in location or as common as a 90 degree corner. In the sculptural installation Red Bricks, RYMAN stacks and steps multitudes of painted wood chunks to envelope the gallery's front window facing wall. Wrapping around the existing wall and facing into the gallery is Scrap Wall, a year's worth of leftovers monumentally recycled. The works respond to the unique aspects of their placement in a three dimensional manner. The space in many ways becomes a canvas.
RYMAN's previous solo exhibitions include Kavi Gupta Gallery (Chicago, IL), Mark Moore Gallery (Santa Monica, CA) and Lora Reynolds Gallery (Austin, TX). Previous group exhibitions include Aberrant Abstraction, Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art (Overland Park, KS), One More, Esbjerg Museum of Modern Art (Esbjerg, Denmark) and Greater New York 2005 at P.S. 1 Contemporary Arts Center (Long Island City, NY). His work is included in the Microsoft Art Collection (Redmond, WA) and the Rubell Family Collection (Miami, FL).
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.
For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net
PAUL MULLINS
If It's All the Same T' You
September 12 - October 24, 2010
Opening Reception Sunday, September 12th 5-8
Untitled (Woman) DETAIL, 2010 oil on panel 48 x 48 inches
Paul Mullins
If It's All the Same T'You
12 September - 24 October, 2010
Opening Reception Sunday, September 12, 6-9
Collette Blanchard Gallery is pleased to present If It's All the Same T' You, a selection of new paintings by Paul Mullins. This exhibition will be on view at 26 Clinton Street from September 12th through October 24th, 2010.
Within Mullins's compositions richly painted animals and portioned figures become metaphors for the intricacies of the human condition. Mullins skillfully locates moments when sentiments, that are assumed polar opposites, become intertwined. His luscious paintings make contemporary references that complicate his pictorial content and gesticulated technique. To paraphrase the artist, such contexts emerge from the "base behaviors" of human beings, which evidence a connection to other animals.
While imagery in Mullins's paintings is not easily congruent (The viewer finds a sorrowful dog, the boots worn by wrestlers, hints at men and women who have lived hard, and even references to Star Wars); the flavor of a certain social class and place presents itself throughout. The torso of Princess Leah suggests not only the earliest feelings of lust felt by countless boys but also the broken remains of action figures left out in innumerable back yards.
The football player's crotch, cropped to only depict shorts with centered creases of latent masculinity, it's a sight that more than flirts with the homoerotic. The image vacillates between the two extremes demarcated by society; however, Mullins considers homoeroticism and masculinity as inherently connected. Tensions between other assumed extremes inform the references that the artist makes to the real.
In other renderings, his crude subjects are placed side by side with fragile and dainty imagery. Through representation, which the artist maintains "has to be held onto", Mullins makes monuments to that which is observed, through means that would be accessible to most -and in his words "would fly back home"-home being West Virginia. It is Mullins's particular means of representation, highly-selective within obfuscated contexts, that infinitely complicates the work beyond that which is represented.
The artist currently lives and works in San Francisco and received an MFA from Ohio University and a BFA from Marshall University. His works have been exhibited widely in venues including the Frye Art Museum, the Triton Museum of Art, the Corcoran Museum of Art, and the Walker Art Center. Mullins's work has been reviewed by ArtNews, Artnet, and FlashArt Magazine.
For more information, please contact the gallery at 917.639.2912 or gallery@colletteblanchard.com.
For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net
Liao Yibai
Real Fake
September 10 – October 30, 2010
Opening Friday September 10, 6 – 8 pm
Liao Yibai / RF Perfume / Stainless steel / 26 x 16 5/8 x 12 1/4 inches / Edition of 3 / 2010
Mike Weiss Gallery and ATM Gallery are pleased to present Real Fake, an exhibition of new works by Chinese artist Liao Yibai. The exhibition opens September 10, 2010 and runs through October 30, 2010. By collapsing the concepts of “real” and “fake” through mash-ups of luxury labels, the appropriation of real fake brand names, and the creation of his own luxury brands; Yibai with wit and originality questions China’s rags-to-riches story of material obsession through his exquisitely detailed, hand-welded stainless steel sculptures.
Liao Yibai / Vertu / Stainless steel / 39 1/8 x 16 5/8 x 7 3/8 inches / Edition of 3 / 2010
In China it is difficult to determine what is real while so many fake brands have assimilated into its culture. Liao Yibai’s exhibition Real Fake exposes this cultural phenomenon and questions the skewed concept of value on a variety of levels. The oversized lavished sculptures of watches, rings, handbags, and high heel shoes confront the multitudes of popular brands and logos and their overwhelming presence in today’s society. Yibai’s newest body of work examines this increasing obsession with opulence and luxury goods while glorifying and laughing at it simultaneously.
Liao Yibai describes some of the symbols used in his sculptures as being, taken from the Chinese “Fake Makers”, who take an image from a magazine, copy the shape and logo, and fabricate it subsequently integrating a new fake into the Chinese market. Brand names are transformed into new products, such as “Hiphone” and “CHIMA.” Yibai explains, “Inspired by that tactic I invent my own hybrids, such as a Real Sprada handbag or a Rolls Phillipe watch.” With “Rolls Phillipe” watch, Yibai references ancient Chinese craftsmen using emblems of clouds and water instead of embellishing the sculpture with faux diamonds and gold as the “Fake Makers” would.
Yibai’s second solo show at Mike Weiss Gallery in New York is met with high expectations. His first show, Imaginary Enemy garnered worldwide press, including full-page articles in the New York Times, ARTnews and Sculpture Magazine among others. Imaginary Enemy illustrated the challenges Yibai faced during childhood amidst a secret missile factory in China during the Cold War era and his paralleled fascination with American Culture. Liao Yibai is currently in the group show, I Love You, alongside the artists Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Barbara Kruger, and Pipilotti Rist at ARoS Aarhus Museum of Modern Art, Denmark. He lives and works in Chongqing, China with his wife and daughter.
Liao Yibai / Slipper / Stainless steel / 4 x 15 x 6 1/4 inches / Edition of 3 / 2010
Mike Weiss Gallery
520 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10011
Between 10th and 11th Avenues
Nearest Subway: C/E 23rd Street & 8th Avenue
Tel: 212- 691-6899 Fax: 212-691-6877
Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat 10 to 6
www.mikeweissgallery.com
ATM Gallery
542 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10011
Between 10th and 11th Avenues
Nearest Subway: C/E 23rd Street & 8th Avenue
Tel: 212-375-0349
Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat 11 to 6
www.atmgallery.com
For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net
HEBRU BRANTLEY
Wait a Cotton Picking Minute
CHRISTOPHE ROBERTS
Journey of a Thousand Eyes
Opening:
Friday, September 10, 2010
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Exhibition Dates:
September 10 – October 10, 2010
Hebru Brantley, Front Door, Back Door, In House, Out House, (Detail), Mixed Media
Christophe Roberts, Journey of a Thousand Eyes, Mixed Media
Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday 11-7, Sunday 12-6
Gallery Located: 175 Seventh Avenue on the NE corner of 20th and 7th Ave.
Nearest Subway: C, E exit 23rd @ 8th Ave., 1, 9 exit 23rd @ 7th Ave.
Contact: Michael Lyons Wier, Gallery@LyonsWierGallery.com
Mass Media meets Mass Production: New works by Chicago natives Hebru Brantley and Christophe Roberts will be presented at Lyons Wier Gallery in concurrent exhibitions that blur the boundaries between fine art, social commentary and consumer products. Each artist will present a body of work that engages and navigates contemporary urban realities with critical wit, precision, agility, and vision.
Hebru Brantley presents “Wait a Cotton Picking Minute”
From the absurd and blatant to the subtle and subversive, Hebru Brantley’s work explores the stereotypes and racist propaganda found in American mass media, such as early Warner Brothers and Disney cartoons. What emerges is an intelligent and vivid deconstruction of America’s social history and the chilling possibility that we have all in someway been infected by the same subliminal, racially insensitive media virus.
Brantley’s subjects are often cinematic, gleaned from “Blaxploitation” films and science fiction thrillers. His spray-painted and stylistically brushed canvases show the influence of Romare Bearden, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Black Folk Art. The raw emotion and youthful expression in Brantley's work depicts themes of race like an open, unhealed wound. The characters in Brantley's art, such as his “Coon Toons” series, reveals our shared past co-mingling with our present consciousness and sensitivities.
How should we deal with our racial history and all the artifacts that come along with it? Do we bury the offending materials and pretend it never existed or do we inject the materials into the ongoing public dialogue about race and racism in America? These questions serve as both impetus and fodder for Brantley’s work. The magic and mythology of childhood animation meets a fitting analysis, through a young artist whose critical eye dismantles the soft power of this “entertainment.”
Christophe Roberts presents “Journey of a Thousand Eyes”
By collecting and re-purposing Nike shoeboxes, Christophe Roberts creates striking and meaningful life-size sculptures of wild animals that invite the viewer to consider the environmental impact of the production, sale and consumption of consumer goods.
Made with found materials, spray paint, cardboard and glue, minus the aid of blueprints, Roberts’ beasts are constructed in a freestyle manner from the depths of the artist’s imagination. The sculptures can at once be viewed as visual metaphors for consumerism and society’s general disregard for its wastefulness. Nike’s main advertising pitch aims at convincing the public that their product can impart health, physical acumen and sexual allure. However, the by-product of this positioning is tons of waste generated by the disposal of the packaging itself.
One’s immediate reaction to Roberts’ work is that it could be an exaltation of corporate branding. Upon further examination it becomes clear that Roberts is using art to remind of us that the animals he creates are being destroyed by the very medium he employs, consumer waste.
Whether Roberts’ is admiring or admonishing societal norms, he is certainly addressing it ironically. The very strength and power of his sculptures is surely put in harm’s way by the actual medium of his message. However, by re-purposing these raw abandoned geometric receptacles, he renders connotations of renewal and possibility.
For more information, contact: gallery@lyonswiergallery.com or visit www.lyonswiergallery.com
For more info on me visit my official website
www.rickyday.net
New York Fashion Week: Calendar of Events
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Designer/Event Location Time
Lyn Devon 463 Broome St. 9:00 a.m.
Nicholas K Lincoln Center, Studio 9:00 a.m.
Project Runway Lincoln Center, Theatre 10:00 a.m.
Richard Chai Love Lincoln Center, Stage 11:00 a.m.
Trina Turk 416 W. 13th St. 11:30 a.m.
Anne Bowen Stone Rose Lounge, 10 Columbus Circle 12:00 p.m.
Vena Cava Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 12:00 p.m.
Whit CECO Studios, 440 W. 15th St. 12:30 p.m.
Logan Neitzel TBA 1:00 p.m.
Ruffian Lincoln Center, Studio 1:00 p.m.
Christian Siriano Lincoln Center, Stage 2:00 p.m.
The Vessel. By Lois Grand Central Terminal, Vanderbilt Hall 2:00 p.m.
Bensoni Lincoln Center, Box 2:30 p.m.
Alex Casertano Benrimon Contemporary, 514 W. 24th St. 3:00 p.m.
Candela Jane Hotel, 113 Jane St. 3:00 p.m.
ParkChoonmoo Exit Art, 475 10th Ave. 3:00 p.m.
Johannes Faktotum TBA 4:00 p.m.
Megan Walsh Blansilk Ramscale Penthouse, 55 Behune St. 4:00 p.m.
Rachel Comey Pier 59 Studios, West Side Highway at 18th St. 4:00 p.m.
Cushnie Et Ochs Eyebeam Gallery, 540 W. 21St 5:00 p.m.
Farah Angsana Lincoln Center, Studio 6:00 p.m.
Graey Manhattan Movement, 248 W. 60th St. 6:00 p.m.
Jen Kao Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 6:00 p.m.
Verrier Lincoln Center, Box 6:30 p.m.
Billy Reid Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 7:00 p.m.
Concept Korea Lincoln Center, Theatre 7:00 p.m.
Mandy Coon Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 7:00 p.m.
Richie Rich Lincoln Center, Studio 9:00 p.m.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Designer/Event Location Time
Gull Collections Lincoln Center, Studio 9:00 a.m.
Josie Natori 180 Madison Ave. 9:00 a.m.
Peter Som Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 9:00 a.m.
Tadashi Shoji Lincoln Center, Box 9:30 a.m.
BCBG Maxazria Lincoln Center, Theater 10:00 a.m.
Duckie Brown Lincoln Center, Stage 11:00 a.m.
Rag & Bone 15 Little W. 12th St. 11:00 a.m.
Michael Angel Lincoln Center, Studio 12:00 p.m.
Buckler by Andrew Buckler Lincoln Center, Box 1:30 p.m.
Nary Manivong TBA 1:30 p.m.
Edition Georges Chakra Lincoln Center, Stage 2:00 p.m.
Honor TBA 2:00 p.m.
Jason Wu 82 Mercer St. 2:00 p.m.
N. Hollywood 303 Gallery, 547 W. 21st St. 2:00 p.m.
3.1 Phillip Lim Men's Collection 145 W. 32nd St. 3:00 p.m.
Costello Tagliapietra Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 3:00 p.m.
Frank Tell 450 W. 15th St. 3:00 p.m.
Ports 1961 Lincoln Center, Theatre 3:00 p.m.
Tim Hamilton Redux Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 3:00 p.m.
Alejandro Inglemo 51 Wooster St. 4:00 p.m.
Alexander Berardi Lincoln Center, Studio 4:00 p.m.
Doo.Ri Eyebeam Gallery, 540 W. 21st St. 4:00 p.m.
Nicole Miller 51 Wooster St. 5:00 p.m.
Rag & Bone Men's 15 Little W. 12th St. 5:00 p.m.
Risto Exit Art, 475 10th Ave 5:00 p.m.
Fashion's Night Out various 7:00 p.m.
Academy of Art University Lincoln Center, Theatre 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Designer/Event Location Time
Norman Ambrose Hotel Pierre, 2 E. 61st St. 9:00 a.m.
Yuna Yang Hudson Hotel, 356 W. 58th St. 9:30 a.m.
Lacoste Lincoln Center, Theatre 10:00 a.m.
Binetti Lincoln Center, Box 10:30 a.m.
Cynthia Rowley Lincoln Center, Stage 11:00 a.m.
Edun TBA 11:00 a.m.
United Bamboo Hosfelt Gallery, 531 W. 36th St. 11:00 a.m.
Kaelen Drive In Studios, 443 W. 18th St. 11:30 a.m.
Jill Stuart Lincoln Center, Koch Theatre 12:00 p.m.
Loden Dager Eventi Hotel, 851 6th Ave. 12:00 p.m.
Ohne Titel Exit Art, 475 10th Ave 12:00 p.m.
Prabal Gurung Lincoln Center, Studio 1:00 p.m.
Tess Giberson TBA 1:00 p.m.
ADAM Lincoln Center, Stage 2:00 p.m.
Juan Carlos Obando Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 2:00 p.m.
Callula Lillibelle 423 W. 43rd St. 2:30 p.m.
Yoana Baraschi Lincoln Center, Box 2:30 p.m.
Patrik Ervell Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 3:00 p.m.
Vivienne Tam Lincoln Center, Theatre 3:00 p.m.
Christian Cota David Rubenstein Atrium, 61 W. 62nd St. 4:00 p.m.
Mik Cire by Eric Kim Lincoln Center, Studio 4:00 p.m.
Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti Aeffe USA, 30 W. 56th St. 4:00 p.m.
Alexander Wang Pier 94, West Side Highway at 55th 5:00 p.m.
Band of Outsiders 548 W. 22nd St. 6:00 p.m.
Charlotte Ronson Lincoln Center, Stage 6:00 p.m.
Isabella Tonchi Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 6:00 p.m.
Gary Graham Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 7:00 p.m.
Robert Geller Exit Art, 475 10th Ave. 7:00 p.m.
Suno Milk Studios, 450 W.15th St. 7:00 p.m.
Z Spoke by Zac Posen Lincoln Center, Theatre 7:00 p.m.
Altuzarra Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 8:00 p.m.
Venexiana Lincoln Center, Studio 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Designer/Event Location Time
Victoria Beckham Dresses TBA 9:00 a.m.
Derek Lam Lincoln Center, Stage 10:00 a.m.
Helen Yarmak The Crown Building, 730 5th Ave. 10:30 a.m.
Timo Weiland Lincoln Center, Box 10:30 a.m.
Lela Rose Lincoln Center, Studio 11:00 a.m.
Simon Spurr Exit Art, 475 10th Ave. 11:00 a.m.
VPL by Victoria Beckham Pier 59 Studios, West Side Highway at 18th St. 11:00 a.m.
Preen Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 11:30 a.m.
Catherine Malandrino Lincoln Center, Avery Fisher Hall, Grand Promenade 12:00 p.m.
Tom Scott TBA 12:00 p.m.
Behnaz Sarafpour TBA 12:30 p.m.
DKNY 711 Greenwich St. 1:00 p.m.
Melissa Henriquez Skylight Studios West, 500 W. 36th St. 1:00 p.m.
Marlon Gobel The Four Seasons Restaurant, 99 E. 52nd St. 1:30 p.m.
Elise Overland Exit Art, 475 10th Ave. 2:00 p.m.
Rebecca Taylor Lincoln Center, Studio 2:00 p.m.
Rebecca Minkoff Lincoln Center, Box 2:30 p.m.
Antonio Azzuolo Jack Studios, 601 W. 26th St. 3:00 p.m.
Herve Leger by Max Azria Lincoln Center, Stage 3:00 p.m.
Designer's Collective Skylight Studios West, 500 W. 36th St. 4:00 p.m.
Diane von Furstenberg Lincoln Center, Theatre 4:00 p.m.
Araks Hosfelt Gallery, 531 W. 36th St. 5:00 p.m.
Carmen Marc Valvo Nasdaq Tower, 4 Times Square 5:00 p.m.
Cynthia Steffe Eyebeam Gallery, 540 W. 21st St. 5:00 p.m.
Erickson Beamon Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 5:00 p.m.
Trias Lincoln Center, Studio 5:00 p.m.
Y-3 Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave. 5:00 p.m.
Thakoon TBA 6:00 p.m.
Global Glam Collection Lincoln Center, Box 6:30 p.m.
Staerk Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 6:30 p.m.
Custo Barcelona Lincoln Center, Stage 7:00 p.m.
Erin Fetherston Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 7:00 p.m.
Pamela Love Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 8:00 p.m.
Peter Jensen Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 8:00 p.m.
Sally Lapointe 548 W. 22nd St. 8:00 p.m.
Tommy Hifliger Lincoln Center, Theatre 8:00 p.m.
Vassilios Kostetsos Lincoln Center, Studio 9:00 p.m.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Designer/Event Location Time
William Tempest Lincoln Center, Box 8:30 a.m.
Jenny Packham Lincoln Center, Studio 9:00 a.m.
Wes Gordon Empire Hotel, 44 W. 63rd St. 9:00 a.m.
Carolina Herrera Lincoln Center, Theatre 10:00 a.m.
Richard Chai Men's Collection Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 10:00 a.m.
Carlos Miele Lincoln Center, Stage 11:00 a.m.
Graeme Armour Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 11:00 a.m.
Malan Breton Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. 11:00 a.m.
Zero + Maria Cornejo Hosfelt Gallery, 531 W. 36th St. 11:00 a.m.
Reem Acra 730 Fifth Ave. 11:30 a.m.
Diesel Black Gold TBA 12:00 p.m.
Marisol Henriquez Skylight Studios West, 500 W. 36th St. 1:00 p.m.
Tracy Reese Lincoln Center, Studio 1:00 p.m.
Wayne TBA 1:00 p.m.
Donna Karan Collection 711 Greenwich St. 2:00 p.m.
Jenni Kayne Industria, 775 Washington St. 3:00 p.m.
Monique Lhuillier Lincoln Center, Stage 3:00 p.m.
Rad Hourani Milk Studios, 450 W. 18th St. 3:00 p.m.
Barbara Tfank 535 W. 24th St. 3:30 p.m.
Hexa by Kuho TBA 4:00 p.m.
Linda Rowe Thomas Skylight Studios West, 500 W. 36th St. 4:00 p.m.
Yeohlee TBA 4:00 p.m.
Chris Benz Rubenstein Atrium, 61 W. 62nd St. 4:30 p.m.
Alexandre Herchcovitch Lincoln Center, Studio 5:00 p.m.
Devi Kroell TBA 5:00 p.m.
Jonathan Simkhai The Griffin, 50 Gansevoort St. 5:00 p.m.
Temperley London Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 5:00 p.m.
Betsey Johnson Lincoln Center, Theatre 6:00 p.m.
Michael Bastian Exit Art, 475 10th Ave. 6:00 p.m.
Sang A The Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Ave. 6:00 p.m.
Halston TBA 6:30 p.m.
Leifdottir Lincoln Center, the Box 6:30 p.m.
Perry Ellis Lincoln Center, Stage 7:00 p.m.
Marc Jacobs The Armory, 68 Lexington Ave. 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Designer/Event Location Time
Elie Tahari Lincoln Center, Studio 9:00 a.m.
Monique Pean Lincoln Center, Box 9:00 a.m.
Rachel Roy NY Public Library for Performing Arts, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza 9:30 a.m.
Badgley Mischka Lincoln Center, Theatre 10:00 a.m.
Karen Walker Exit Art, 475 10th Ave. 10:00 a.m.
Vera Wang Lincoln Center, stage 11:00 a.m.
Reem Acra TBA 11:30 a.m.
Rodarte TBA 12:00 p.m.
Complex Geometries Pier 59, West Side Highway at 18th St. 12:30 p.m.
Allison Parris 252 7th Ave. 1:00 p.m.
Cynthia Rose TBA 1:00 p.m.
Matthew Ames Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 1:00 p.m.
Rose Cha Lincoln Center, Studio 1:00 p.m.
Wayne TBA 1:00 p.m.
Bibhu Mohapatra Lincoln Center, Box 1:30 p.m.
Mulberry Soho House, 29-35 9th Ave. 1:30 p.m.
Grey Ant TBA 2:00 p.m.
Max Azria Lincoln Center, Theatre 2:00 p.m.
Dennis Basso Lincoln Center, Stage 3:00 p.m.
TSE Industria, 775 Washington St. 3:00 p.m.
Barbara Tfank 535W. 24th St. 3:30 p.m.
Hexa by Kuho TBA 4:00 p.m.
Marc by Marc Jacobs The Armory, 68 Lexington Ave 4:00 p.m.
Yeohlee TBA 4:00 p.m.
Jonathan Simkhai The Griffin, 50 Gansevoort St. 5:00 p.m.
The Row TBA 5:00 p.m.
Pamella Roland Whitney Museum of Art, 945 Madison Ave. 5:30 p.m.
Luca Luca Lincoln Center, Studio 6:00 p.m.
Odyn Vovk 87 Lafayette St. 6:00 p.m.
Sang A Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Ave. 6:00 p.m.
Yigal Azrouel Exit Art, 475 10th Ave. 6:00 p.m.
Halston TBA 6:30 p.m.
Sophie Theallet Lincoln Center, Box 6:30 p.m.
G-Star Pier 94, 711 12th Ave. 7:00 p.m.
Tibi Lincoln Center, Stage 7:00 p.m.
ThreeASFOUR TBA 7:30 p.m.
Alice + Olivia TBA 8:00 p.m.
Marc Jacobs The Armory, 68 Lexington Ave. 8:00 p.m.
Narciso Rodriguez Lincoln Center, Theatre 8:00 p.m.
Nordic: New York Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, 248 W. 60th St. 9:00 p.m.
Toni Francesc Lincoln Center, Studio 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Designer/Event Location Time
Bill Blass Lincoln Center, Box 8:30 a.m.
Tory Burch Lincoln Center, Studio 9:00 a.m.
Michael Kors Lincoln Center, Theatre 10:00 a.m.
Nanette Lepore Lincoln Center, Stage 11:00 a.m.
Douglas Hannant Plaza Hotel, 768 5th Ave. 12:00 p.m.
Adrienne Vittadini Lincoln Center, Box 1:00 p.m.
General Idea Lincoln Center, Studio 1:00 p.m.
Jeremy Scott Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 1:00 p.m.
Onestopplus.com Frederick Rose Hall, 33 W. 60th St. 1:00 p.m.
3.1 Philip Lim Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave. 2:00 p.m.
Gottex Lincoln Center, Theatre 2:00 p.m.
Yigal Azrouel TBA 2:00 p.m.
Milly by Michelle Smith Lincoln Center, Stage 3:00 p.m.
Marchesa Chelsea Art Museum, 556 W. 22nd St. 3:30 p.m.
DKNY Men's Collection TBA 4:00 p.m.
Reed Krakoff TBA 4:00 p.m.
Gant TBA 5:00 p.m.
Odd Molly Lincoln Center, Studio 5:00 p.m.
Anna Sui Lincoln Center, Theatre 6:00 p.m.
Mackage Lincoln Center, Box 6:30 p.m.
Stanley Adams Jimmy Crystal, 260 W. 35th St. 7:30 p.m.
Proenza Schouler TBA 8:00 p.m.
Adrienne Zernich National Arts Club, 15 Grammercy Park South 8:30 p.m.
"Imitation" Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 9:00 p.m.
Zang Toi Lincoln Center, Studio 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Designer/Event Location Time
L.A.M.B. Lincoln Center, Theatre 8:00 a.m.
J. Mednel Lincoln Center, Studio 9:00 a.m.
Ralph Lauren Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson St. 10:00 a.m.
Jeremy Laing Milk Studios, 450 W. 15th St. 11:00 a.m.
Ralph Lauren Skylight Studio, 275 Hudson St. 11:00 a.m.
Andy & Debb Lincoln Center, Box 11:30 a.m.
Isaac Mizrahi Lincoln Center, Theatre 12:00 p.m.
Davidelfin Lincoln Center, Studio 1:00 p.m.
L'Wren Scott TBA 1:00 p.m.
Angel Sanchez 148 W. 37th St. 2:00 p.m.
Argentina Group Show Lincoln Center, Stage 2:00 p.m.
Stephen Burrows 209 W. 38th St. 2:00 p.m.
Joanna Mastroianni 230 W. 38th St. 2:30 p.m.
Calvin Klein Collection 205 W. 39th St. 3:00 p.m.
Elene Cassis Exit Art, 475 10th Ave. 5:00 p.m.
Oscar de la Renta 583 Park Ave 5:00 p.m.
Rebecca Moses Lincoln Center, Box 6:30 p.m.
Naeem Khan Lincoln Center, Stage 7:00 p.m.
Ivan Helsinki Lincoln Center, Studio 9:00 p.m.
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