Archive for March, 2008

NEWSLINKS 04.01.08

Monday, March 31st, 2008


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Gregory Crewdson via New York Magazine

Gregory Crewdson’s elaborate, freaky-suburban, cinema set works [NYMag]
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On the art pilgrimage to Judd’s Marfa, TX [Wall Street Journal]
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A Tom Otterness sculpture to Dumbo [New York Sun]
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Why Asian nations are bargain hunting Japanese Art [Herald Tribune]
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Banksy works headline U.K. regional auction [Bloomberg]
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Update: Overview of the Armory Show [Artinfo]
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Update: Warhol’s “Ten portraits of Jews of the 20th century” [NYTimes]
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Update: Armory sales hold despite economic slowdown [artnewspaper]
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An over-the-front-desk look at the “gallerinas” of Chelsea [NYTimes]
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C-Monster at the Whitney
[Time Magazine]

Television Review

The Independent (London, England) January 26, 2001 | Robert Hanks EVEN IF The 1940s House (C4) had not told us anything about life during wartime, it would have been fascinating for what it told us about life today: how, under the froth and bubble of our pampered lives, there is a search for an “authentic” sense of the past. The Hymers family’s three-month ordeal by ration book was a product of the sort of curiosity and anxiety that led to the Early Music Movement, with its catgut violins and shockingly brisk tempos.

As it happened, The 1940s House did tell us a lot about that period, if not always the things it wanted to tell us. Last night’s post-mortem on the experiment included a fascinating sequence in which the “war cabinet”, the team of historians assembled to oversee the house, expressed their disappointment in the Hymers. It wasn’t just that they had cheated on their ration books (Kirstie stole buns from a whist drive; meanwhile, her mother, Lyn, bummed cigarettes off everybody she met – you got the impression that if there had been any GIs around, she would have been in there). No, the real problem was that they hadn’t tried hard enough. They hadn’t improvised any cleaning materials out of paraffin and vinegar, hadn’t grown any food worth speaking of, hadn’t built their Anderson shelter to spec. here art of war quotes

The Hymers met the charges with indignation towards those “bastards”, those “faceless bureaucrats” handing down the orders. Michael defended his shelter-building robustly; the instructions had said that if the entrance to the shelter was close enough to the house, there was no need for earthworks to protect against a bomb blast.

But the defence seemed to miss the point: that in wartime, people don’t always try as hard as they should, don’t all get the Dunkirk spirit. Angus Calder’s book, The People’s War quotes Mass Observation’s finding that about a third of people bothered to read all the government pamphlets they were sent. As one of the war cabinet admitted, rationing helped crime and the black market to flourish. So, in bending the regulations, the Hymers were closer to the wartime mentality than they would have been if they stuck to them. A further irony: the war cabinet was itself getting sucked into the experiment, taking on the role of wartime civil servants, disappointed by people’s inability to live within the bounds they set them. see here art of war quotes

Not that the programme reproduced the conditions of war perfectly. The physical experience was replicated with surprising accuracy, but the psychological facts proved to be elusive. On the one hand, there was no way for the Hymers to suffer the uncertainty or long-term tedium of war; on the other, they could not enjoy the sense of community, of burdens and jokes shared. What the programme did have to say about the psychology of the period was inadequate. It was stated that the strains of life on the Home Front led to a number of suicides. In fact – Calder again – the suicide rate fell quite dramatically.

As history this was largely bunk, then. But as family drama it was funny and touching, with the Hymers becoming a calmer, happier bunch as they coped with privation. Now, please, can we leave the war alone for a bit?

Robert Hanks

©Murakami Exhibit in Brooklyn Museum to feature Louis Vuitton Pop-Up Store

Monday, March 31st, 2008


Murakami’s Flowerball (3D) 2002 – to be shown at Brooklyn Museum via ArtDaily.org

©Murakami (See Murakami), which has garnered much hype leading up to its debut, April 5th, will feature in addition to ©Murakami, a fully operational Louis Vuitton store featuring a series of Murakami-styled bags, limited edition canvases featuring “Monogramouflage”, a collaboration between Murakami and Vuitton’s artistic director, Marc Jacobs.

Brooklyn Museum announces Vuitton store within murakami exhibition [ArtDaily.org]
Vuitton Sales benefit little-known charity [NY Sun]
Murakami Vuitton bags for sale at Brooklyn Museum [NY Daily News]
Louis Vuitton at Brooklyn Museum, brought to you by Takashi Murakami [ArtInfo]

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Video: Armory Show Video’s (Parts 1 & 2)

Monday, March 31st, 2008


Screenshot of Armory Video part 1 courtesy of Vernissage.tv (click through for Video)

Vernissage.tv has two videos of the Armory Show currently on display at Pier 94 in New York. The first (shown above) features works from the galleries such as David Zwirner, Contemporary Fine Arts, Cheim and Reid and Arndt and Partner. Artists on display include Jason Rhodes, Daniel Richter, Johnathan Meese, and Thomas Hirschorn.

See Video 2 after the jump (more…)

Jeff Koons Sued by Porn Star Ex-Wife

Monday, March 31st, 2008


Ilona Staller and artist Jeff Koons via Reuters

The Italian porn star Ilona Staller recently sued her ex-husband Jeff Koons in a claim claims $2.3 million (£1.15 million) due on child support. Ilona Staller aka “La Cicciolina” (which means “the little fleshy one” according to Wikipedia) claimed in New York State Court that her ex-husband has to date only paid $310,600 in child support for their son, Ludwig, since they divorced in 1998. Jeff Koons is known as one of the highest-paid living artists.

Artist Jeff Koons beeing sued [New York Magazine]
Koons sued by Porn Star Ex-Wife [Bloomberg]
Battle between Koons and his ex-wife the italian porn-star [New York Sun]

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AO On Site: Neon Neon: Bright Lights at the Armory 2008

Saturday, March 29th, 2008


Martin Creed; Brass & Chrome in front; Multi-Colored Neon in back; Hauser & Wirth

Commentary and Photos by Faith-Ann Young

In the 1950s, neon represented the light of the American Dream- a technological innovation that emblazoned a company or brands’ success and riches into the starry skies. In the 1980’s art world, neon signs were omnipresent, signifying cool kitsch. At this year’s Armory Show in NYC, neon was back and bold- flashing flamboyantly in at least seventeen exhibitions- whether in traditional form or L.E.D. However today’s neon, rather than to flaunt the obvious (like typical commercial signage), most artists employed these glow rays to reveal the hidden, secret or censored. (more…)

Richard Prince sells rights to apocalyptic film pitch inspired by St. Barth

Friday, March 28th, 2008


Photo of Richard Prince courtesy of Revolver

The Guardian UK reports that Richard Prince recently sold the rights to his film concept to an unnamed buyer.

Picture the End of the World – [Guardian UK]

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AO On Site: More Bucks Than Bang at the Armory Show 2008

Friday, March 28th, 2008


The colorful hall near the Deitch Project’s Exhibit at the Armory 2008 via ArtObserved

Photos and Writing by Faith-Ann YoungEntering this year’s Armory Show felt like entering a Hollywood studio lot. Gone is any semblance to its roots in the fleabag suites of the Gramercy Park Hotel, when zealous artists displayed from suites’ sinks and bathtubs. This Wednesday’s VIP/Press Opening? Tons of Champagne, neon, kitsch, glitter, popped-collars, drugs, sex, but simply not enough BANG.

Opening of the Armory show [Bloomberg]
Armory show 2008 [New York Magazine]
Armory Show review [ New York Times]

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NEWSLINKS 03.26.08

Wednesday, March 26th, 2008


Justin Anderson via the Moment

Art handlers in the forefront, and the back story [NYTimes, the moment]
The story of Gauguin’s severed head Arii Matamoe [NY Times]
Gugg. ex-director Krens up to more than expected in Abu Dhabi [NYMag]
China’s art market as a mere “pump and dump” PR play [Forbes]
Murakami interview before Brooklyn Museum show [New York Magazine]
Spencer Tunick’s nudes at Four Seasons restaurant [New York Post]
Update: The Guardian’s criticism of Whitney Biennial [Guardian.co.uk]
Asian art wrap-up: Yen bolsters Christie’s sales; Sotheby’s slumps [Bloomberg]

AO On Site: Under The Influence at Phillips De Pury, New York, MARCH 25, 2008

Wednesday, March 26th, 2008


Photo via Will Rocklin for Art Observed

Phillips de Pury & Company opened its Chelsea, New York doors March 25th from 6:00-8:00pm for an auction preview of “Under the Influence.” Also on view was an emerging artist exhibition, “Associates in New York.”

Under the Influence [Phillips de Pury]
Associates in New York [Phillips de Pury]
Auction Registration [Global Auction Network]

(more…)

Bacon’s 1976 “Triptych” could reach $70 million in May

Wednesday, March 26th, 2008


Triptych by Bacon via Bloomberg

In May Sotheby’s New York will auction a Francis Bacon painting which could fetch a record of $70 million. The triptych and was painted in 1976 when the Bacon lived in Paris, comprised of oil and pastel on canvas in three parts.

Record for Bacon’s painting [Bloomberg]
Bacon’s most important work in sale [Guardian.co.uk]
Sotheby’s sets record with Bacon nude [ArtObserved]

(more…)

NEWSLINKS 03.25.08

Tuesday, March 25th, 2008


John Baldessari, Carsten Holler, Nathalie Djurberg and Thomas Demand; Prada’s Patrizio Bertelli and Miuccia Prada; the curator Germano Celant;Francesco Vezzoli via the New York Times

Miuccia Prada as global patron of the arts [NY Times Magazine]
The expansion of South Korean art galleries in Chelsea [New York Sun]
Update: “Warhol’s Jews” the Sun reviews
[New York Sun]
Salander profiled as a martyr of sorts for old masterworks [New York Mag]
On Artist Zhang Huan’s [Men's Vogue]
Hockney donates fifty works to Tate Britain [the Times.UK via ArtForum]
Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster chosen for Turbine Hall [Guardian UK]
Sonnabend’s collection to be sold to pay taxes on $400 million estate [Crains]

New York Armory Arts Week to begin, March 27th-30th

Tuesday, March 25th, 2008

Crowds at the 2007 Armory via Kopenhagen

The Armory Show pulls droves of collectors, curators, dealers and enthusiasts.  Now in its tenth year, the Armory Show is New York’s largest contemporary art fair. However, many of the satellite fairs that have sprung up as a result of the crowds are not to be missed.  After the jump, a full rundown and schedule…

Companion Fairs offer variety for Armory attendees [NYSun]
SCOPE art fair sets itself apart[NYSun]
Newcomers to Armory Arts week [Artnet]

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Will Cotton at the Eden Rock hotel, St. Barth’s through March 31

Monday, March 24th, 2008


The Eden Rock hotel via Eden Rock, St.Barth’s

Until March 31, The Eden Rock hotel will display Will Cotton new works on paper. The artist was recently the guest of the hotel for three weeks in one of their beachside bungalows.

Will Cotton’s exhibition [Wall Street Journal]
Will Cotton’s exhibition at the Eden Rock hotel [Eden Rock hotel]
Richard Prince at Eden Rock Hotel in St. Barth [ArtObserved]

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Video: Tobias brothers at Kunstmuseum

Monday, March 24th, 2008


Kunstmuseum Video from Vernissage.TV (Click for link)

Running from March 5th until the 12th, the Kunstmuseum in Bonn, Germany will feature a full survey of twin artists, Gert and Uwe Tobias’ work. 100’s of works be on display, including their well-known oversized wood cuts. In the video Dr. Stefan Gronert, curator of the museum, speaks about the artistic world of the Tobias brothers.

Gert & Uwe Tobias / Kunstmuseum Bonn, Germany[Vernissage.TV]

Don’t Miss: Mark Handforth at Gavin Brown’s Enterprise through March 29

Monday, March 24th, 2008


Mark Handforth via Gavin Brown’s enterprise

Through March 29, Gavin Brown’s Enterprise will present Mark Handforth’s fourth gallery show. The exhibition will feature large-scale sculptures.

Review of Mark Handforth at Gavin Brown’s Enterprise [New York Times]
Mark Handforth at Gavin Brown’s Enterprise [Gavin Brown's Enterprise]

(more…)

FBI Busts Seven in $5 Million International Art Print Scam

Sunday, March 23rd, 2008


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US Attorney announcing charges via Chicago Sun-Times

Buyers of ‘limited edition’ signed fine art prints take note– the Feds have indicted an international ring of several dealers making, forging signatures, and selling fake prints by Chagall, Picasso, Calder, Warhol and other big name artists. Utilizing Ebay, galleries and art fairs to sell the works, the fakes were made by reproducing from original artworks and by creating prints in the ‘style’ of a particular artist.

Official FBI Press Release[FBI]
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7 dealers from US and Europe indicted [Chicago Tribune]
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Same dealer was imprisoned for fraud in the 90s [Chicago Sun-Times]

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GO SEE:Rosy Keyser at Peter Blum NY, February 28-April 19

Friday, March 21st, 2008


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Rosy Keyser via Peter Blum Gallery

From February 28 until April 19, Peter Blum gallery presents the exhibition of Rosy Keyser’s “Rivers Burn and Run Backward.” This is Rosy Keyser’s first solo exhibition in New York.

Rosy Keyser Review [New York Sun]
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Rosy Keyser at Peter Blum Gallery [Artnet]
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Peter Blum gallery [Peter Blum website]
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(more…)

NEWSLINKS 03.21.08

Friday, March 21st, 2008

The Apotheosis of King James I via the Times U.K

Tate seeking £6 million to keep “country’s most significant” Rubens[Times UK]
Monet, Rodin, 30 other works stolen from ‘priceless’ French collection [Bloomberg]
As Indian art gains value, is it a good time buy? [NY Sun]
Chanel commissions Sophie Calle, others for bag inspired installation [The Age Australia]
Fake Picasso prints sold over eBay, arrests made in the U.S. [New York Post]
Update: Is the Whitney Biennial too smart for its own good? [NYMag]
Sischy, Brant formerly of Brant Publications (Art in America), are new editors of European Vanity Fair [Mediaweek]

Go See: Richard Dupont “Terminal Stage” Lever House New York, March 13-May 3

Friday, March 21st, 2008


“Terminal Stage” via Artnet

Since March 13, at the lobby of the Lever House on Park Avenue in New York, Richard Dupont has set nine naked figures as the latest installation piece in Aby Rosen’s iconic office tower.

Richard Dupont’s exhibition [artnet]
video [coolhunting]
Terminal Stage at the Lever House
[New York Sun]
Richard Dupont’s new exhibition [Artnet]

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Go See: Candida Höfer at Yvon Lambert, Paris, March 8 – April 5

Thursday, March 20th, 2008


Salle de conférence du Sénat via Yvon Lambert

Yvon Lambert gallery in Paris is presenting works by the German photographer Candida Höfer from March 8 through April 5. The show is entitled “Paris Serie” and features a large variety of indoor pictures of well known monuments such as the “Sorbonne” library, the “Théâtre de Marie Antoinette” in Versailles, the “Salle de Chasse” in Fontainebleau, the “Salle Pleyel” concert hall in Paris.

Candida Höfer’s exhibition [Yvon Lambert Gallery]
Candida Höfer’s works at Yvon Lambert [Artnet]
“Paris Serie” [re-title]

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Go See: Marcel Dzama at David Zwirner, March 6- April 19

Thursday, March 20th, 2008


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The Lotus Eaters, 2005 via Zwirner

Marcel Dzama is a young Canadian- born artist best known for his intricate pen and watercolor works on paper, featuring fantastical characters. For this solo show at David Zwirner, Dzama is showing drawings, as well as five 3-D dioramas, a film, and a special sculptural installation that pays homage to Marcel Duchamp.

Even the Ghost of the Past [Zwirner]
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Marcel Dzama’s current picks for art to see in NYC [Artinfo]
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Profile of Marcel Dzama [New York Times]

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Newslinks 3.19.08

Wednesday, March 19th, 2008


Maison Tropical via The New York Times

Jean Prouvé’s Maison Tropicale to Art Basel Miami [The Art Newspaper]
Met buys Delacroix in honor of retiring director Montebello [New York Times]
LACMA spends $12 million on more land [Los Angeles Times via ArtForum]
81 artists are selected for international Biennial in New Orleans [ArtForum]
Capital’s influence on Chinese contemporary art [GuardianUK via c-monster]
Rome’s growing contemporary art scene [New York Times]

2008 Armory Show to Begin Next Wednesday, March 27

Wednesday, March 19th, 2008


Mary Heilmann “Yellow Wave” and John Waters Courtesy via The Armory Show

From March 27 through March 30, Pier 94 will host the Armory show in New York. While there will certainly be sales made, the Armory show will expand its offerings to panel of discussions, tours of the Whitney Biennial, visits to New York collectors’ homes, and cocktail parties, and other events throughout the city.

The Armory show [New York Sun]
Official Website of the Armory show [Armory Show]

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Lauder gifts $131M to Whitney – Largest in its history

Wednesday, March 19th, 2008


Leonard A. Lauder via the New York Times

Leonard A. Lauder the executive of Estée Lauder and the chairman of the Whitney Museum of American Art committed $131 million to the Whitney Museum of American Art: it is the biggest donation that the 77-year old museum has ever received. The major part of the gift will be to the art museum endowment

$131M gift to the Whitney Museum [AP]
Leonard Lauder’s donation to the Whitney [The New York Times]

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