Mexico City June 14, 2005 | Archives Our trip to Mexico City this past April was a whirlwind of studio and collection visits, gallery tours, pyramid hiking, and architectural and historical sights, just to name a few activities. Here are some photos highlighting our adventures: New Event January 14, 2005 | Archives We've just added a new event to the agenda: Monday, January 31 at 6:30pm - A visit with artist Donald Baechler to view his show New Sculptures at Cheim & Read Gallery. 547 West 25 Street. Invitations are in the mail. The Year in Review January 5, 2005 | Archives We’ve been somewhat delinquent with the blog here, but we’ve made a New Year’s resolution to do better in 2005. However, before we move on, we wanted to review the year past, and acknowledge all of the fantastic people and events that were a part of it. So, in typical end of the year list-making fashion, here are just some of the highlights from 2004: · The artists we met: William Wegman, Cheyney Thompson, Christian Holstad, Jim Lambie, Shahzia Sikander, Daniel Zeller, James Hyde, Dagoberto Rodriguez, Linda Jean Fisher, Joanne Brody, Robert Goodenough, Vik Muniz, Elizabeth Peyton, Julie Mehretu, Orly Genger, Caio Fonseca, Cecily Brown, Julian Lethbridge, Ruth Root, and Robert Gober. · Bill Murray’s surprise appearance at the Film Benefit, A Work in Progress: An Evening with Sofia Coppola. More specifically, Bill’s audience participation, especially the impromptu video recording of our co-chair’s speeches using Greg Allen’s camera, complete with commentary. © Patrick McMullan, Photo - Richard Orjis / PMc Neil Rasmus / PMc · The behind-the-scenes look at the Conservation Department’s restoration of Les Desmoiselles D’Avignon. · The Carnegie International . . . and The Mattress Factory, The Andy Warhol Museum, Falling Water, Kentuck Knob, Pittsburgh, not to mention memorable bus rides. Photo by Jasmine Lam. · The collectors who generously let us into their homes: Agnes Gund and Daniel Shapiro, Joel Wachs, JK Brown and Eric Diefenbach, Livia and Marc Straus, Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder, Margaret and Daniel Loeb, Anne H. Bass, and Douglas S. Cramer. · The Lee’s: Lee Bontecou and MoMA and Lee Lozano at PS1. · The MoMA and P.S.1 curators who walked us through exhibitions, accompanied us on studio visits, and lent their talents and support at every turn: Gary Garrels, Jordan Kantor, Alanna Heiss, Bob Nickas, Susan Kismaric, Eva Respini, Paola Antonelli, Terence Riley, Fereshteh Daftari, Barbara London, Wendy Weitman, Judy Hecker, Starr Figura, Sarah Suzuki, Lilian Tone, and Ann Temkin. · Paper and Prints: Two excellent visits to Two Palms Press, who has the best catering ever, and a visit to Dieu Donné Papermill to make our own paper and learn about the process. · Parties: the Pre Party in the garden at Calvin Klein, all of Warm Ups at P.S.1, and especially MoMA’s reopening party, including sets by world class DJs, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Perry Farrell, the Zutons performance in front of Kelly’s Sculpture for a Large Wall, the infamous Target Lounge, and the Sculpture Garden as a beer garden, just for one night. ©Patrick McMullan, photo-Joe Schildhorn/PMc · And finally, the reopening of MoMA: new works, old favorites, both challenging and comforting installations, breathtaking views thanks to Yoshio Taniguchi plus new viewpoints, the book store, Danny Meyer’s new restaurant, the return of the film program, and more space and more possibilities. The art never looked better, and it is great to be home. Cecily Brown at Two Palms Press October 22, 2004 | Archives Evelyn and David Lasry of Two Palms Press had us over the other evening for a discussion with artist Cecily Brown, who had been working in the studio for the last couple of days. We were lucky enough to view her just finished monotypes, before they are edited down to just a few. Brown answered questions about her method (uses oil paints and paint brushes rather than traditional printing tools), her inspirations (such as old master painters), and when pressed about her politics, her avoidance of such topics when it comes to her work (in order not to date the work, and to avoid illustration). Brown's prints can be viewed on the Two Palms website, www.twopalmspress.com. Loeb collection visit September 24, 2004 | Archives Margaret and Daniel Loeb graciously shared their collection with us last evening. With attention to detail at every turn, the house and the artwork were a great example of how to really live with art, and enjoy it. For many, the highlight was certainly the Turrell--you have to be a true art lover to sacrifice space in New York for good art. Orly Genger September 22, 2004 | Archives Last night we visited with artist Orly Genger to view her first solo show at Elizabeth Dee gallery. Orly has become recognized for her intricate woven sculptures, crocheted into familiar yet unidentifiable forms with just her fingers; however, Genger is quick to dismiss the assumptions people make upon hearing the word “crochet,” as her work transcends those associations. While many reviews of her work have focused on it through a feminist lens, Genger believes, to a certain extent, her work can be seen as feminist, but that is not the full scope of it. The muscularity and size of the sculptures, which are sometimes larger than the artist herself, do more to strengthen the feminist argument than obvious references to her methodology. In speaking about her work, Genger states that much of the process is intuitive and concerned with problem solving, and it is only after the work is completed that she can recognize it’s significance. Her choice of materials range from ribbons to climbing rope and vary from piece to piece, as do the shapes the works take, which Genger strives to make unique from anything found in nature. The show also includes several drawings, which Orly approaches with the same thinking as her sculptures. Although both mediums share similar forms and ideas, the drawings are not plans for her sculptures, but exist as their own body of work. While we often visit artists at their gallery shows, we don’t often hear from a young artist at her first show exhibited and a young gallerist, such as Elizabeth Dee. Elizabeth addressed the concerns that she takes in choosing her artists, and the pressures and responsibilities of directing a first solo show. She notes that she believes in representing artists of her own generation, as she can better understand the social and cultural environment in which those artists are creating work. Orly Genger runs at Elizabeth Dee Gallery through October 9. Her print work can also be seen through ULAE at www.ulae.com Lee Bontecou walkthrough September 10, 2004 | Archives We bid farewell to MoMA QNS last evening, with our final event: a walkthrough of Lee Bontecou: A Retrospective. Some of the most original work I’ve ever seen, Bontecou’s sculptures, drawings, and I suppose painting-sculptures are executed with painstaking craftsmanship, often using unique materials, including soot and many found objects. Curator Lilian Tone spoke of Bontecou’s influential role in the artworld in the 60s and 70s, inspiring artists like Donald Judd, who has written laudatory articles on Bontecou. Although Bontecou has not shown for nearly 30 years by choice, she has continued to create work dealing with a consistent iconography but in new manifestations and equally as curious. MoMA QNS closes its doors on September 27, and I would encourage anyone who has not seen this show to make it a priority, as there is nothing else like it showing in New York. Last Chance for Warm Up September 2, 2004 | Archives Photo by Eileen Costa. Warm Up comes to a close this Saturday, September 4, 3-9 pm. The line-up includes Cosmic Twins: Derrick May (Transmat – Detroit) together with François K. (Wave Music - NYC). For more details, visit www.ps1.org Julie Mehretu August 10, 2004 | Archives We’d been wanting to visit Julie Mehretu’s studio since MoMA’s Drawing Now show in Fall 2002, and we finally had the opportunity last Thursday night. The timing was actually perfect as we got a sneak peek at the paintings that Julie has been preparing for the Carnegie International, to which the JAs are planning a trip for the opening in October. I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that the work is as complex and absorbing as ever. We’re looking forward to seeing the finished paintings at the Carnegie, as well as the work of the other 37 participating artists. The Closest We Will Ever Come to Sounding Like Page Six . . . August 2, 2004 | Archives Last week's Warm Up was one for the ages. Record heat and humidity (at least according to anyone there), record attendance (it just had to have been), and a record number of celebrity appearances (ok, there was one, but he counts for a lot!). What brought the Jackie-O sunglasses and home-screen-printed T-shirts out in droves were, first and foremost, the art and architecture installations, not to mention the promise of good eye candy, but then add to the mix the fact that quality DJs like Honey Dijon were playing, and then throw in a getting-bigger-by-the-moment band like the Scissor Sisters . . . well, let's just say I shed a tear for the poor people working the door. A note on beer ticketing, to all those who have not been initiated. In order to get a beer, you must: 1. show your ID at the door and get a bracelet; 2. buy beer tickets from the beer ticket line; and 3. redeem tickets for beer in the beer line (and tip the nice bartenders). With beer now successfully in hand, we took up post next to the beer stand, naturally, alongside the crafty few who had brought their own beach chairs, and watched the scene unfold. Trendspotting, mingling, dancing, the usual, and then, like a vision on the horizon, something completely unnatural happened. The crowd actually parted because. . .because. . .was it the heat that was making us delusional? The Brooklyn Lager? Could that really be . . . It's BONO! Yes, it was Paul himself, plus entourage, and I am pleased to say he paid to get in. This was Bono's first visit to P.S.1, and he was there to check it out and catch the Scissor Sisters. Bono took a seat off to the side of the stage, and then we (albeit several hundred of us) watched the Scissor Sisters perform some inspired glam rock. Being stuck by the beer stand (advantages, disadvantages), we didn't get a great view, but the mist machines on the Canopy certainly gave the show a low-budget rock concert atmosphere. The band rocked, the crowd loved it, and Bono was right there – talk about a Saturday afternoon well spent. Afterwards, as we spilled onto Jackson Ave., our insiders told us that Bono especially enjoyed the Turrell Room and looks forward to returning again. If you ever had reason to go to P.S.1 now, not to mention Warm Up, it would be to fulfill your dream of discussing Doug Aitken with Bono – at least that’s our fantasy. Tall Buildings July 23, 2004 | Archives Terry Riley (rt) discusses Meier's WTC proposal with the JAs. We had a huge crowd for our curatorial walkthrough of Tall Buildings with Terence Riley, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design. The exhibition focuses on 25 international buildings, some built and some not, all demonstrating innovative ways to think about skyscrapers. While most of us associate tall buildings with settings such as New York and Los Angeles, some of the most revolutionary designs are in fact taking place in relatively new urban landscapes, such as Beijing and Frankfurt. Engineers are playing a large role in the latest designs, bringing about technologies that give architects the opportunity to create never-before seen shapes and structures. Such advances not only mean greater possibilities in the ways that buildings can take form, but also include “green technologies,” making building more energy efficient. One great example of these eco-friendly designs is the Swiss Reinsurance Headquarters, also know as the “Gherkin,” which has spiraling light wells that, in conjunction with the building’s aerodynamic shape, work to cool the building by circulating fresh air upward through it. JAs look at a model of the Swiss Reinsurance Headquarters. Although there was much to discuss, with each building having its own tale, the greatest points of interest in the evening for many of us were three of the World Trade Center competition entries by Norman Foster, United Architects, and Richard Meier and Peter Eisenman. (Daniel Libeskind’s “Freedom Tower” was not included given that Terry’s co-curator of the show, Guy Nordenson, is the structural engineer on the project). Maybe it was all the time that has passed since the proposals were first unveiled, or perhaps it was Terry’s in-depth explanations, but the designs finally made sense to me and dare I say, even looked good. JAs look at model for United Architects' WTC proposal. One of the most resounding points that I took with me from the walkthrough was the notion that tall buildings not only play a functional role in the urban setting as a means of dealing with density, but they also serve as defining landmarks in a city, in a navigational sense and in a symbolic sense. Certainly not a “eureka” thought, but in viewing the exhibition, and in thinking of all the controversy and passions that have been roused in NYC over new buildings, the WTC site in particular, the significance of what to build next seems greater than ever. I highly recommend visiting the Tall Building Web site, which goes into great detail about the exhibition and the individual buildings. http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/2004/tallbuildings/index_f.html Here are more photos from the evening; Terry discusses the Central Chinese Television (CCTV) Tower JAs in the Tall Building gallery JAs look at Gehry's NY Times HQ model Tall Buildings July 15, 2004 | Archives London Bridge Tower, London, England Design, 2000–03; projected completion, 2009. 1,016 feet (310 meters) Architect: Renzo Piano, Renzo Piano Building Workshop Engineer: Paul Nuttall, Ove Arup & Partners © Renzo Piano Building Workshop Tall Buildings had its opening party last night. The show features 25 skyscrapers from around the world. Best part: the large-scale models, which make the Museum look like a mini-Manhattan. Don't miss our curatorial walkthrough next Thursday with Terence Riley, The Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design! Warm Up is here! July 1, 2004 | Archives It’s one of the most anticipated events of the art year: P.S.1’s Summer Warm Up, i.e. the official start to summer (although some might argue that already happened with Moby’s ceremonial ribbon-breaking run into the sea at the Mermaid Parade last weekend, but to each their own). Like some sort of migratory phenomenon, hipsters, art lovers, and the simply curious alike descend upon the usually peaceful, though certainly never tame, art center in LIC, and line up for hours around the block, creating a sight that is not far from a performance piece in itself. Once inside (and I should add that JAs can skirt the line and get in free as members), it’s a summer playground, with an innovative architecture installation, beer and BBQs, and of course, the DJ series. Depending on what time you go, you can have different experiences. Three p.m, when doors open, is the best time to bring the kids to the wading pools, while at 6ish, the dance floor is packed, people have set up camps all around the courtyard, and I certainly wouldn’t recommend a dip in the pool. Then there are P.S.1’s summer exhibitions to check out. Just opened last week are shows by LA video artist Doug Aitken, controversial young NY photographer Ryan McGinley, and a group show intriguingly entitled Curious Crystal of Unusual Purity, just to name a few. For the full line up, please visit www.ps1.org If you do one thing this summer in the city, go to a Warm Up, cuz love it or hate it, you will certainly experience something that you will be talking about long after. Guaranteed. Warm Up 2004 will be held for 10 weeks, each Saturday afternoon through September 4, from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. Admission is $8.00, and free for MoMA members. A night out in the Hamptons July 1, 2004 | Archives Several JAs joined members from other museum groups at Vered Gallery in East Hampton on Saturday night for Vered’s 2nd Annual Young Collectors Preview Party, which included a reception and preview for the gallery’s summer auction. As our intrepid JA reporter for the evening put it, “It was Fabulous art, great chocolate fondue, and superb French champagne. It turned out to be quite a scene." From Picassos to Pigs: A trip to Kykuit, Union Church, and Stone Barns June 28, 2004 | Archives As grade schoolers will take trips to Plymouth, The Junior Associates of MoMA set out yesterday to learn about our history, which begins in part at Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate and former home of one of the Museum’s founders, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. Our tour guides made us feel like VIPs as we ducked into “forbidden” rooms, like the grotto, and peeked behind curtains. We saw the underground galleries where Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller kept some of his modern art collection, including, curiously, a room of commissioned Picasso tapestries based on some of Picasso’s most famous works. We also strolled the numerous gardens and terraces in which Governor Rockefeller had deftly placed sculptures by Henry Moore, Louise Nevelson, and David Smith, among others. After getting a feel for what life would be like on the estate (a round of golf followed by lemonade or a martini on the porch overlooking the Hudson might be nice), as well as an in-depth history lesson of the philanthropy and artistic interests of the family, we headed off for Union Church to view the stain glass windows. Read Full posting... Canopy at P.S.1 June 25, 2004 | Archives JAs joined the good folks at P.S.1 last evening for a reception and preview of this year’s MoMA/P.S.1 Young Architects Program winning project, Canopy, by nARCHITECTS, led by Eric Bunge and Mimi Hoang. Canopy, a new vision for the "urban beach" project, is constructed primarily of freshly cut green bamboo and features spaces for lounging and relaxation including a wading pool and a sandy area for sunbathers. While last night event was swanky and serene, that will be anything but the case when the madness of Warm Up begins next Saturday, July 3. Looking forward to it. To learn more about Canopy or Warm Up, visit www.ps1.org. Studio in a School's Celebrating Young Artists June 22, 2004 | Archives Last night at Phillips, de Pury & Company, Susan G. Jacoby treated us to a private walkthrough of Studio in a School's end-of-year exhibition Celebrating Young Artists with Deborah Schwartz, MoMA’s Edward John Noble Foundation Deputy Director for Education, and Thomas Cahill, Executive Director of Studio in a School. Also on hand were Agnes Gund, Studio’s Founder, and Barbara Gurr, Director of Visual Art at the New York City Department of Education, who gave a briefing on New York City’s public schools new visual arts curriculum. Studio in a School is a not-for-profit organization that places professional artists in New York City’s public schools, day care centers and community organizations to lead classes in the visual arts. This exhibition showcases works by students in the program along with collaborations with their art teachers and parents. It's difficult to say whether it was the overall playfulness of the exhibition as a whole, or the beyond-your-expectations sophistication of particular pieces that made the show so impressive, but it certainly was one of the most fun exhibitions that we've seen in a while. Just take a look at these penguins: Here are some more photos from the evening; Deborah, Barbara, and Tom give the group an introduction A gallery Puppet show Artwork A collaborative work made at the show's opening Aggie with the group Tom talks to the group Jonathan gets eaten by a lion Deborah and Tom De Kooning June 18, 2004 | Archives In the three years I have worked for the JAs, I have come to learn that an event on a rainy day in Chelsea means poor attendance. Given that there were severe thunderstorms on the evening of our walkthrough of Willem de Kooning: A Centennial Exhibition, I thought we'd be lucky if anyone showed up at all. But all such theories were proven wrong last evening, as we had a record attendance of about 50 guests. Just goes to show that people will travel if you offer them de Kooning. Kara Vander Weg, exhibition organizer, took the group through the selection of thirty-nine paintings, spanning de Kooning's work from 1946 through 1988. While the work was as impressive as ever, one thing that fascinated me was seeing how de Kooning has obviously influenced younger painters, as certain elements such as palette and light seem noticeable in works by artists like Cecily Brown. Sotheby's June 16, 2004 | Archives Jamie Niven, MoMA trustee and Vice-Chairman of Sotheby's, invited The Junior Associates and the A+D Circle last evening for a reception and viewing of Important 20th Century Design. James Zemaitis, Sotheby's Director of 20th Century Design, spoke to the group about some of the highlights of the collection, which ranged from favorites such as Mies van der Rohe’s “Barcelona” chair to pieces by more contemporary designers such as John Dickinson. As guests day-dreamed of redecorating, James convincingly explained how you too could afford Frank Lloyd Wright's San Francisco office. Humble Masterpieces June 15, 2004 | Archives Several members from the CAC, A+D Circle, and the JA's got together to discuss Humble Masterpieces with curator Paola Antonelli from MoMA's Department of Architecture and Design. The show highlights everyday objects of ingenious design that are often take for granted. Consider the Post-It, for instance, which Paola describes as " . . . smart, beautiful, and cheap. That's the apotheosis of great design." Other objects to make the list include LEGOs, chopsticks, and the icecream cone. For a complete list, please visit MoMA’s website at http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/2004/humble.html. Jo Carole and Ronald S. Lauder Collection Visit June 11, 2004 | Archives Just when you think you've seen it all . . . Last night, we were dazzled by the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald S. Lauder. Mr. Lauder spoke to the group about the collection, and both he and Mrs. Lauder graciously answered our numerous questions. If you didn't know your modern art history, you learned it last night. New Events and Dates June 11, 2004 | Archives We've just added some events to the calendar, plus filled in some TBD dates. Watch for invites in the mail, but as a heads up, here are the latest additions to the agenda (please remember, you may RSVP up to 3 weeks in advance of an event): In June Thursday 17, 6:30pm - A walkthrough of Willem De Kooning, A Centennial Exhibition with Kara Vander Weg, Exhibition Organizer, at Gagosian Gallery. 555 West 24 Street. Monday 21, 6:00pm - A private walkthrough of Studio in a School's end-of-year exhibition Celebrating Young Artists, with Deborah Schwartz, MoMA’s Edward John Noble Foundation Deputy Director for Education, and a briefing on New York City’s public schools new visual arts curriculum with Thomas Cahill, Executive Director, Studio in a School, and Barbara Gurr, Director of Visual Art, New York City Department of Education. Phillips, de Pury & Company, 450 West 15 Street. Saturday 26, 8:00pm - Join other young art patrons for champagne, dessert, and a private preview of Vered Gallery’s 6th Annual Summer Auction. Vered Gallery, 68 Park Place Passage, East Hampton, NY. Sunday 27, 9:00am - A day trip to Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, in the Hudson Valley. More details to follow. And in August Thursday 5, 6:30pm - A visit to the studio of artist Julie Mehretu. Two Palms Press with Elizabeth Peyton June 9, 2004 | Archives Last night's visit to Two Palms Press with Elizabeth Peyton was one of those wonderful events that makes us in the JA office think, this is a pretty great job we've got. David and Evie Lasry of Two Palms went above and beyond as hosts, organizing a spectacular evening. Guests grabbed mojitos as they entered and circulated about the spacious studio, which was Eminem, and Marc Jacobs. Everyone then gathered for the discussion portion of the evening, which, along with Elizabeth, included curator Judy Hecker from MoMA's Department of Prints and Illustrated Books, David Lasry, and master printer Craig Zammiello. Elizabeth spoke about the process of print making, in particular monoprints, as well as her experience working at Two Palms and how printmaking has affected her painting. Since working at the studio, Elizabeth has been making more work from life rather than photos. This in combination with the pressure that Elizabeth puts on herself when working in the printshop ("I don't want to waste anyone's time!") has forced her to make quicker, looser work, which she finds both scary and rewarding. Hearing Elizabeth speak about her work, you can really understand why her prints and paintings have such a serene quality about them. And visiting Two Palms, you can see why artists have such great success working there. For more information about Two Palms Press and to view some of Elizabeth's work, visit its website at www.twopalmspress.com. Here are some photos from the evening. Guests More guests Introduction Talk Elizabeth, Eminem, and Tony Evie and David Lasry JA and David Elizabeth, Tony, and JA co-chair Hilary Rubenstein Judy and Elizabeth Looking at a print Party in the Garden June 8, 2004 | Archives Many JAs attended last night's Party in the Garden, helping to make it the one of the most successful "PIG," as we abbreviate it, in the Museum's history. At dinner, Ronald Lauder welcomed guests, followed by Agnes Gund, whose introductory speech for Steve Martin was SNL caliber material and brought the house down. Banjo player Curtis Eller then did a rocking routine, including some fancy foot work as well as balancing acts with coordinated strumming. Not to be outdone by Aggie or Curtis, Mr. Martin lived up to his reputation as comic genius while managing to express his gratitude for the honor and for everyone's support of the Museum. The after party started promptly at 10 pm, and by 10:05, the dance floor was packed. With breaks for refills on champagne and mini hotdogs, guests danced right up until closing time at 1am. Not bad for a Monday night. Festive Dress June 4, 2004 | Archives With The Party in the Garden coming up on Monday, we've received several calls and emails asking just what exactly does "Festive Dress" mean. A valid question, and we can really only define it for what it is not: it is not black tie. But for a more thorough definition, we have polled the experts in the office, namely some our editorial staff, who can define anything, and some of our special events staff, who have seen everything. Here's a sampling of what they had to say: 'For the ladies, a cocktail dress is most appropriate, although a fancy skirt/blouse combo is doable. For the gentlemen, a suit is a must but, surprisingly, a tie is not (although it is preferable).' 'Party clothes. Just semi-fancy.' 'Dress to impress Steve (Martin)!' The general consensus seems to be a suit or cocktail attire, but most importantly, have fun with it! JA Redesign and Web Site Launch Party at Eyebeam June 3, 2004 | Archives We had a blast last evening at Eyebeam, who was kind enough to host our redesign and Web site launch party. Along with checking out our new brochure and samples of our site, guests were treated interactive art as part of Eyebeam's exhibition, Prix Selection, which features eight award winning works in the Interactive Art category of the Prix Ars Electronica. A crowd favorite was the Inter Dis-Communication Machine by Kazuhiko Hachiya in which two participants exchange visual perspectives, ie see what the other is seeing, by wearing a contraption resembling goggles and backpack with wings, and then have the goal of finding each other (see photo above). As guests munched on snacks reminiscent of a high school basement party (but much better) and drank Lowenbrau, curator Benjamin Weil gave the group the scoop on the exhibition, and JA co-chairs Greg Allen and Hilary Rubenstein thanked the numerous people involved. Thanks to everyone who came out to help us celebrate and to all those who have contributed to our redesign and Web site! We hope you enjoy it. Here are some photos from the evening: Guests Biking through Jeffrey Shaw's The Legible City Crowd shot JAs Steve Tremble of Eyebeam, Maggie Lyko, and JA co-chair Greg Allen JA and friend Cheers Introduction to the JA Blog June 2, 2004 | Archives In preparation for the launch of our new website, we have begun keeping a blog, or “Notebook,” where we will now be making frequent postings. A blog, for all those who are as un-technologically savvy as ourselves, is like a diary, in that we will be reporting on JA events, news, and happenings, and these entries will then be saved as a running list that can be reviewed whenever one wishes, archived by month. We hope that this new feature of our site will become a way for members to keep better informed about and involved in the group. You will be able to sort entries by month or category, such as “collection visits,” “artist studio visits,” on so on, and will also be able to learn what happened at an event, for what events you can RSVP, date changes, etc. While we are excited to have the opportunity to better communicate with our members, we also realize that a great responsibility comes along with blogging, and so we have created a few rules for ourselves, which we will do our best not to break: 1. We will not use the blog as our personal diary. The point of the blog is to inform members, not to give a blow-by-blow of JA office life or to critique art and artists. 2. We will not try to outdo Gawker. In other words, we will not write entries like, “So-and-so looked stunning last night in Gucci, but what was she thinking with those shoes?!” 3. We will avoid using painful words to describe art such as “colorful,” “expressive,” and “painterly.” If you have a word that you would or would not like to see used, shoot us an e-mail about it. 4. We will try to keep the notebook as up-to-date as possible. 5. We will try to get our facts straight, but if we make a mistake, please point it out and we’ll fix it. We hope you enjoy the blog, and we welcome your feedback! Photos from Events June 1, 2004 | Archives Photos from this year's A Work in Progress honoring director Sofia Coppola Sofia Coppola, Bill Murray, and Jim Jarmusch: © Patrick McMullan Atmosphere © Patrick McMullan Bill Murray and Jim Jarmusch © Patrick McMullan Kirsten Dunst, Jimmy Fallon, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Sofia Coppola © Patrick McMullan Ja co-chairs Greg Allen and Hilary Rubenstein © Patrick McMullan At a curatorial walkthrough of P.S.1 Looking at an installation Talking with P.S.1 curator Forever On a gallery tour, visiting artist Janine Antoni More gallery tour Viewing Les Demoiselles D'Avignon in the Conservation Department At a collection visit A Junior Associates reception in Rockefeller Center honoring Takashi Murakami Dieter Roth May 27, 2004 | Archives First off, to settle the debate, Roth is indeed pronounced, "Rote." Gary Garrels treated the group to a mesmerizing tour last evening of the exhibition, Roth Time: A Dieter Roth Retrospective. Walking through the spiraling show, it is astounding to see how willing Roth was to try out other artists techniques, and in turn, how many contemporary artists are borrowing from him now. This is not to say that Roth didn’t make works of incredible originality, but that he focused on making work about more universal themes such as life, death, sex, rather than about the individual. Along the same lines, his work is to be experienced using all of the senses, as is evident by the aroma of chocolate and garlic and the howling tape recordings of music boxes. Working in such a vast array of mediums and deftly jumping between works that are poignant or hilarious, or sometimes both, Roth is clearly an artist who lived his art. P.S.1 should be busy this week as we are all going to check out the parallel Roth show there before it closes on June 7. Starting the weekend off right with Vik Muniz May 24, 2004 | Archives Another Saturday morning, and still, people show up! We’re very impressed with the JA’s dedication to early am art. But this one was well worth it as we had the pleasure of hearing from artist Vik Muniz at Brent Sikkema Gallery. Vik spoke about everything from his work process (collaged hole punchings from magazines to form copies of old masters works, plus giving us a tip: golf magazines make a good source for the color green), to the biology of the eye, to his thoughts on the importance of art education. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating Vik’s book, which is due out at the end of the summer, as I enjoyed hearing him speak so much, but alas, lack his brain capacity to retain all of that information. I’d also like to add that Brent Sikkema gallery spoiled us rotten by not only arranging our talk with Vik but also providing quite a breakfast spread. Shoes and Chocolate May 19, 2004 | Archives Elle and Sergio Rossi threw the JAs quite a bash, going above and beyond with chocolates from La Maison Du Chocolat, reflexology by Angel Feet, and of course, exquisite shoes galore. I am sorry to say that I did not win the shoe raffle, but I did take home a lovely gift bag. Road Trip to the Hudson Valley May 17, 2004 | Archives About 30 dedicated JAs managed to meet the bus at the inhumane hour of 9am on a Saturday morning for what proved to be an incredible day of art in the Hudson Valley, thanks in part to the great weather, but mostly to our terrific hosts, Livia and Marc Straus. Read Full posting... Collection visit to JK Brown and Eric Diefenbach May 13, 2004 | Archives Yes another rainy day, but we can proudly say that nothing will keep the JAs away from good art. Last night we attended the collection of JK Brown and Eric Diefenbach. While it’s always lovely to visit someone’s home and see how people live with art, this collection visit was particularly informative as JK and Eric spoke eloquently on how they began and now approach collecting. Pre-Party in the Garden May 12, 2004 | Archives Calvin Klein hosted The Junior Associates annual pre-Party in the Garden at their Madison Avenue store. CK went all out and put our cheese-sticks to shame. Agnes Gund and Jo Carole Lauder hosted, and Aggie was witty as usual in her remarks, noting that this will be the first time she and Mrs. Lauder will be going to a party at the Roseland Ballroom, the location of this year's Party in the Garden. We all drooled over the fine clothes, some bought, most drank, the music blared, and everyone agreed that it was a great bash. The Party in the Garden will be held on Monday, June 7, honoring Steve Martin. Fashioning Fiction May 7, 2004 | Archives Last evening, Susan Kismaric and Eva Respini treated the group to an exceptional walkthrough of their exhibition Fashioning Fiction in Photography since 1990, which the JAs helped to fund. Susan and Eva discussed how after countless hours of research of fashion photography in magazines and advertising over time, they noticed two themes emerge, upon which the show is based: the snapshot and the cinematic. They went on to describe how a transformation in fashion photography occurred in the 90s along these two lines of thought, the result being intriguing new work by both commercial and fine art photographers alike, to which the fashion civilian could actually relate. Read Full posting...   Past Entries 2007 Archives Back To Blog Main Page