Skin+ Bones

This exhibit of "parallel practices in fashion and architecture" is a stunning representation of trends that combine structure and texture to create form. Cross uses of materials that seem unlikely make powerful impressions in both apparel and structural objects. Unfortunately, I was not as impressed as the critics. I am sure it is my ignorance of such matters, but the only thing that interested me were the nude models in Burkas, an idea that I had wanted to do for some time which now seems redundant. My wife who is a costume designer on the other hand went twice to the show to fully capture its extensive information, enjoying it completely each time.

World Trade Center

I have been discovering new ways to view videos. It seems that you-tube (in general) has shorter viewing times and attracts mostly shorts. Google video offers longer viewing times and a chance to present an hour long video. I found myself interested in this one in particular. It's about how the three World Trade Center buildings fell down. The third one fell without being hit by a plane! You must see this. Someone orchestrated this event from the inside, lets not forget that Osama Bin-Lauden was once a CIA man. The moment I saw those towers fall with such precision, my first thought in my head was "Musad". The actions that followed and are still in motion make me believe there was a plan to this madness from the beginning.


http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4026073566596731782

Magritte and Contemporary Art: The Treachery of Images

The play of words and images reverberates true in this exhibit of artists that compliment Magritte's work. "Ceci n'est pas une pipe" has come to represent so much more than Magritte ever imagined. The exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is beautifully designed by artist John Baldessari and incorporates themes from Magritte's work into the carpet (clouds) and ceiling (freeway overpasses), even the attendants wear bowler hats.

Inside, they've hung many of Magritte's famous works, and, accompanying these works, they've placed dozens of contemporary sculptures and paintings that rip off Magritte, making fun of him or paying homage to him or commenting on him, by using his work to make new work. The work that was most inspirational to me was a little accordian fold brochure entitled "Word vs Image" in which Magritte compares the relationship of words and images from a phenomenological perspective. It might be worth seeing this show twice.

Photo LA

As Usual, this is the place that inspires me to get into the photo gallery business as an artist. It is a great place to see what is going on in the industry and who is hot. Large close-up portraits (that I have been doing for years) are suddenly hot. Like the one shown here by Pieter Hugo. Also a lady does these totally photoshopped images that look like bad stretched absrtactions.... I found out that all my Helmut Newton signed images and books are worth good money. And I re-connected with some gallery owners and even a contact in China.

Neistat Brothers

I was wondering if You-Tube had anything interesting on it and I ran across the Neistat Brothers. They make shorts that are science based and strange.

Gallery and Museum Log

I didn't want to come back, but once I got here I felt at home.

Starting today, this Blog will focus on Gallery exhibits and Museum shows that I have experienced. This week I thought I would start with the show at LACMA of Magritte. Unfortunately the Museum is not open on Wednesday. So I thought I would swing by the "great scene" in Culver City. I found only one gallery- representing cell painters and selling cartoon art. Hum, maybe some research is in order. I know there are some cool galleries in this area, but I just have to find them.