I generally dislike art rooted in Manga. Hiroki Otsuka's playful, often sexually-charged, pieces are an exception. I discovered his intriguing pop art at SHAG, an intesting exhibition space/shop in Williamsburg last week.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Space Invader and Sti(c)kman Hangin' Downtown
What a great couple! It's always fun to see these guys separately, but coming upon them hanging together is a special treat!
Monday, March 29, 2010
C215 in Williamsburg
Tara and I came upon some wonderful C215 pieces in Williamsburg. Their position -- behind a rail -- made them difficult to document. We both tried from all angles!
GATS in Williamsburg
I never know when GATS will surface. I've seen him as far as Tel Aviv. This particular piece is huge and especially striking in its setting.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Hidden in Williamsburg
Tara seems to have a sixth sense as to where hidden gems of graffiti exist. So while walking from Bedford to Havemeyer, she dragged me into a dark, decaying semi-indoor space where we found many treasures -- including this!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
"Art is Long, Life Is Short"
Known primarily as the leader and songwriter for the Cars, Rikc Ocasek has been doing some serious doodling these past 30 years. A collection of these colorful abstract pieces are on exhibit at Cinders Gallery in Williamsburg through April 25th.
Bishop203's Bangal
Tara and I felt as though we had chanced upon an old friend as we were greeted by Bishop's character in Williamsburg yesterday. Thanks, Bishop!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Parades/Ski/2Esae @ 120 Orchard St.
'went over with Endi yesterday to check out "1 Brush and 2 Spray Cans" at Gallery Bar NYC, and we loved it. I've been familiar with Ski and 2Esae's work for quite awhile, but this was my first introduction to the paintings of Miguel Parades. 'so cool the way their distinct styles merge.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Coming to Deitch
Looking forward to this -- Deitch's final exhibit. Also, looking forward to some new Shepard Fairey paste-ups in NYC. (I guess we can't get enough of Basquiat, as he's been celebrated by both Jef Aerosol and MBW these past few months.)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Marlene Dumas & David Zwirner
For various reasons I have mixed feelings towards Marlene Dumas's work and her extraordinary commercial success. But her current exhibit "Against the Wall" is haunting, beautiful and disturbing. Pictured here is a group of men praying. The background -- reminiscent of Jerusalem's famed Wailing or Western Wall -- is actually the separation barrier between Israel and Palestine. Having seen this harrowing wall up close from both sides -- I found myself totally fixated by this body of work. The exhibit continues through April 24th @ 533 19th Street.
Pema Rinzin @ Joshua Liner
Pop surrealism infused with a Near Eastern sensibility -- Now that works!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Anthony Lister @ Lyons Wier
While rushing to the 23rd Street and 7th Avenue station early this evening -- after a day that began way too early -- I chanced upon the opening of Anthony Lister's second solo exhibit at the Lyons Wier Gallery -- (one of the few gallery spaces on 7th Avenue). I was, of course, drawn into the space and immediately taken by this piece. I couldn't decide if I was amused or horrified -- a bit of both. 'not sure what he's saying here -- perhaps we're stifled/imprisoned by the pop culture that engulfs us from early on. With the exception of a live woman posed in a similar fashion, much of the other artworks were relatively tame, provocative and aesthetically appealing. At 175 7th Ave., the exhibit continues through 4.19.
Dennis McNett @ Joshua Liner
'went with Sara and Endi to the opening reception of "Barnstormers" last evening. I was reminded why I generally avoid openings, as it is difficult to focus on the art. I will return to really check it out, but my initial impression was that though there was much work that was disappointing, there was enough that was so good that it more than made up for it. A favorite included this wonderful piece by Dennis Mcnett. It -- alone -- is worth a visit to the exhibit. It continues through April 17th at 548 West 28th Street.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Dan Witz @ Jonathan LeVine
This piece is so realistic, I almost mistook it for a photograph. I'm familiar with Dan Witz's images that have appeared on the streets, but was amazed by his "photorealistic" painting skills. So impressive and so stunning --
Monday, March 15, 2010
This Thursday--
Going through my email, I just came across this. What an amazing group of artists. 'definitely looking forward to this! Gee -- I'm glad to be in NYC!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Ron English @ Jonathan LeVine
I was never a fan of Ron English. Pop surrealism generally doesn't work for me, and I really disliked his Obama/Lincoln portrait, But I love this one. The juxposition of this character against this suburban setting is brilliant!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
New to Chelsea
While walking in the rain yesterday from Jonathan LeVine's gallery to the Keith Haring 20th Anniversary exhibit, Moriah and I came across this. We were both mesmerized. From a distance, I thought it might have been a wheat paste, but it was clearly painted. 'wondering if it's by Ethos --
Friday, March 12, 2010
Keith Haring, 20th Anniversary
In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Keith Haring's death, the Tony Shafrazi Gallery is exhibiting an eclectic selection of Haring's work. New to me are the many sculptures. This is probably my favorite one. The exhibit continues through April 10th at 544 West 26th Street.
That Door on Rivington Street/A New Guy in Town
Whenever I'm on Rivington Street, I check out the door where I first saw a Swoon paste-up. The latest layer is this somewhat gory Superman. A few hours after spotting him here, we saw him in the Meatpacking District on West 13th Street.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
More on MBW: On Satire, Originality and Appropriation
'curious to get my son's reaction to MBW's exhibit, I returned there once again -- this time, with Dani. He was also fascinated by it all. He noticed that just about every piece has a red dot on it. We asked for a price list; none is available. The particular piece that intrigued Dani was $90,000. And so I've been thinking lots about MBW and decided that he's a genius. Not only does he satirize the entire notion of originality and appropriation -- but he's brilliant at it.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Claudio Ethos in "Re-Creation 2"
Among the highlights of "Re-Creation 2" are the brilliantly-executed surrealistic paintings of Brazilian street artist Claudio Ethos. I was not familiar with his work. 'strange to have discovered it in a corporate setting. But it is definitely one of the wonders of the Ogilvy Chocolate Factory -- and will remain on the walls of its third floor through July 31st.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Boxi in "Re-Creation 2"
In collaboration with the Carmichael Gallery, the Ogilvy Chocolate Factory at 636 11th Avenue has transformed its first seven floors into an impressive street art gallery. My favorite floor was floor 3 -- that introduced me to the the haunting work of Ethos and Boxi.
Space Invader In SoHo
'always fun to run into Space Invader when I least expect to. 'found him yesterday on Thompson Street. 'loving it!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Rosson Crow, "Bowery Boys"
As I was down in SoHo this afternoon, I stopped off at Deitch Projects to check out Rosson Crow's exhibit "Bowery Boys," -- just a few hours before its official opening. I was not familiar with Rosson Crow, but I've never been disappointed by any exhibit at Deitch. And this one wasn't an exception. I was mesmerized by the brashness and boldness of Crow's paintings referencing NYC's outlaws. Only when I read the press release did I discover that the painter is a female. I wouldn't have thought so. The exhibit continues through March 27th at 18 Wooster Street. 'can't imagine SoHo without Deitch Projects. I will miss it.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Bombs and Throw-Ups
I always wondered what was on those parking lot walls -- always blocked by cars whenever I passed by. Well, tonight I finally found out -- layers and layers of bombs and throw-ups. I had the place almost to myself while walking across town on West 17th Street after dark.
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