Global Gallerina

2011-07-07T00:56:00.001-04:00

to have no soil of America
in my memory, membranes whipped
by alien aromas drenched
in manufactured rosewater you
were my friend and you showed
me how to love, me in your gravitational
pull your dark astronomy
marshmellow starspots, cones
of brilliant light brilliant light
weak on white, discarded life
in a high whistle like the farce
of eggshells, dollars, gods.

Walmer Castle, Nottinghill

2010-09-12T10:56:00.003-04:00

Walmer Castle is one of the strangest inventions ever. I'm not making a judgement call here, its just random: delicious authentic Thai mixed with an equally authentic British pub located at the heart of Notting Hill. Its a great business venture when you think about it: you can have a fabulous meal upstairs and take a few steps downstairs for a cold pint or two to watch the rugby match! (Not that I would be doing the latter!)

Heavenly starter of seared scallops and lychee in a mild curry coconut sauce followed by the Kaeng Dang.

Portobello Star for a decent cocktail

2010-09-12T10:47:00.002-04:00

Reviews call this bar a 'cracking collision of proper pub and smart cocktail bar'. I'd have to agree. Aside from the eager, casual and artsy/banking crowd, I'd lean more towards smart cocktail bar for the delicious drinks prepared by an ace mixologist! Tom's drink came as a recommendation that I heartily pass on to you. Cheers!

The Portobello Star

171 Portobello Road
London
W11 2DY
tel.: 02072298016

Sunday Run in Kensington Gardens

2010-09-12T10:40:00.001-04:00

With the sun shining and the skies blue, I decided that it was the perfect morning to find my London running route. I checked the map, put on my running shoes and heading from Shepherd's Bush tube station towards Notting Hill; I was on my way to one of the royal parks and gardens that London boasts: Kensington Garden. A 30 minute walk got me to the Western and Northern-most tip of the gardens. Diana, Princess of Wales', Memorial Playground site happened to be the start of my hour's running loop. I ran south passing in the (very) far distance on my right, Kensington Palace, home to Princess Diana of Wales and birthplace of Queen Victoria (first used as a royal palace in 1689!), making a left at the Palace Gate. I continued my journey passing a grand memorial statue to Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, making my way past public tennis courts on my right and the famed Serpentine body of water on my left. And into Hyde Park I ran. At some point, I made a loop, running past Victoria Gate, Marble Arche Gate with the ornamental water gardens with fountains, known as the Italian Gardens on my left. I ended the first part of my 2 loop running session with the sounds of children coming from Diana's Playground.

I reckon, with 2x the loop, I ran about 10km...A good average!

And a history lesson on the run.

Heaven in a bowl brought to you by the BBC

2010-09-12T10:35:00.005-04:00

This recipe was recommended by a dear veggie-loving friend. Note: Preparation time: less than 30 mins and cooking time: 10 to 30 min.

Namminess!

Spinach and butternut squash soup

By Nick Nairn

From Ready Steady Cook

Serves 1

Ingredients

100g/3½oz butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes

3 tsp olive oil

1 garlic clove, roughly chopped

100g/3½oz potato, peeled and cut into cubes

200ml/7fl oz pint vegetable stock

150g/5½oz spinach leaves

1 tbsp Greek yoghurt, to serve
Preparation method

Preheat oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.

Drizzle two teaspoons of the olive oil over the butternut squash and place onto a baking sheet. Place into the oven and roast for 10-15 minutes, until tender.
Heat the remaining teaspoon of oil in a saucepan over a high heat. Add the garlic and fry for one minute.
Add the potato and fry for two minutes.
Add the stock and spinach leaves and simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted. Transfer the soup to a food processor and blend until smooth.
To serve, divide the roasted butternut squash between two bowls and pour over the soup. Garnish with the yoghurt.

Refab @ Thames River festival

2010-09-12T09:42:00.005-04:00

One of the stalls featured at the Thames Festival was something called Refab, which as their card states, turns 'vintage fabric into cool things.' I thought this was a pretty great idea. Its ecofriendly, creative, and useful all in one. Its one of those DIY projects that one always thinks about doing, yet never actually accomplishes, due to lack of time, energy, or skill or all the above. This particular stall focused on the doorstop: now you can opt for a fabulously colorful and fun looking creature to make your doorstop attractive. Leaving the lump of black rubber out of your livingroom!

The Thames Festival 11&12 September

2010-09-12T09:11:00.006-04:00

Don't be like me.

Before you even consider attending this free open-door festival make sure you can pronounce the river Thames! (Note: Thames is pronounced /ˈtɛmz/temz)

Once you have mastered the pronunciation, do take part in this festival that sadly is a celebration of the last few remaining days of 'summer' culminating with the fireworks finale on Sunday eve at 9.45pm.

But celebrate we must!

Along the southern bank of the Thames in zones 1, 2, 3 and 4 enjoy a bounty of little stalls and markets selling odds and ends, specialty food, arts and crafts, traders, and bars. In addition, in zone 1 the 'new European village' stalls will feature Hungary, Poland and Romania presenting traditional folk crafts, delicious (fresh, home-made) apple juice and possibly some heavenly Tokaji.

On Sunday night, from 7.15-9.30pm there will be a 'night carnival'-- a la Copacabana, (although probably not quite as lavish,) with 30 groups taking part. Dancers, musicians, and masqueraders will be taking on the bank in a fantastic display of street arts and creativity!

Food for thought, Neal Street, Covent Garden

2010-09-12T05:35:00.002-04:00

After a long, hard and unsuccessful day of searching for the perfect (walking) shoes in Covent Garden, I met a friend for dinner at Food for Thought. This vegetarian eatery offers a wholesome menu of fresh, delicious platters for around 7 quid. While I was disappointed at their 'sold out' sign on their Jamaican Stew (I was hoping for something savory with coconut milk), I opted for their Moroccan Dish, served with almond-couscous, stewed veggies in a tomato sauce and lightly steamed seasonal vegetable sauted with garlic and oil. I was, however, disappointed at the Harissa sauce-- where was the spicy potency that I'm so accustomed to in Belleville, Paris?

Saturday Brunch à la francaise in South Kensington

2010-09-12T05:08:00.004-04:00

Nestled in the posh neighborhood of South Kensington lies Aubaine, a French resto with a London twist. Attracting an upscale, casual crowd this eatery is a great Saturday brunch spot particularly for people watching. While its difficult to find bread that is actually edible in London, particularly after having had an indulgent year in Paris, Aubain‎e's bread does the job. Enjoy!

Aubaine

260-262 Brompton Road

London SW3 2AS
tel. 020 7052 0100
(Reservations recommended)

Victorian Fall Coat

2010-09-11T06:01:00.006-04:00

I made my first essential London purchase in preparation for the 'all shades of grey' season: a navy blue Victorian-style coat. I just adore it, and will wear it through all the royal boroughs of London, 'till it is thread-bear!

Delicious Health in a shop: Alara, 60 Marchmont Street

2010-09-10T06:14:00.004-04:00

Home to organic flaxseed oil, tahini, almond creme, and raw walnut butter, this gem of a shop came as a recommendation from a dear, and equally health-conscious, friend. I went to Alara with a mission: to find organic coconut virgin oil. This oil does wonders to vegan cooking, but I opt to use it as a lotion post-showering! I figure: if its good enough to eat, it must be healthy enough to put on our largest organ: the skin. Call me weird, but it works!

coconut smelling gallerina

Alara
58 – 60 Marchmont St
London WC1N 1AB
Tel : 020 7837 1172

The Hen & Chickens Theater, London

2010-09-09T05:48:00.002-04:00

Last night as the London showers showed their face, I made my way North to Highbury & Islington. This delightfully green part of the city grew as a sprawling village, and it has kept its town-like charm. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Islington area was known for its availability of water providing vegetable gardens for London.

At the corner of St. Paul's road we found our venue for the evening. A downstairs pub with an 'off-off' Broadway theater known as the The Hen & Chickens Theater, is a perfect place to grab a casual after-work drink and entertainment.

Crimes Against Humanties Teachers

By
7th - 11th September 7.45pm £10
‘Intelligent, Quintessentially British and Indisputably Hilarious’

ThreeWeeks ****

While this was by no means the best production I've seen, it was a perfect mid-week spot for a bit of laughter interrupted by a delicious Apple Cider. Cheers!

Light a candle!

2009-12-19T02:01:00.018-05:00

Finland becomes a hibernating heaven with sunrises at 9:23 and sunsets at 15:12; the total length of a day exactly 5h 49m (in the Helsinki area). Even when the sun does peak through thick snow (or rain) clouds, it rests idly on the horizon, rarely rising above the tree line. Without snow, this can become quite a desolate little place. (Thankfully, snow was in the forecast before my trip.)

While darkness can be debilitating (unless of course you get hours worth of vitamin D from the various artificial sunlight emitting contraptions, pill form or milk) candles make it oh-so hygge and bearable!

This household, like most in Scandinavia, following the Chinese proverb - 'Don't curse the darkness - light a candle.' (Which was incorporated by Adlai Stevenson praising Eleanor Roosevelt in an address to the United Nations General Assembly in 1962 - 'She would rather light candles than curse the darkness, and her glow has warmed the world.') Light your lanterns, tea candles, candles...!

more moschino

2009-12-14T08:13:00.001-05:00

Here is Santa's wish-list a la moschino:

1.) He doesn't feel appreciated enough (appreciate him more)

2.) Too many requests in too little time (don't be greedy this xmas; la crise financière continues even in Santa land, ya' know!)

3.) The reindeer are threatening to strike (sigh...RER, you made my life tough this season)

4.) In Australia his suit feels too hot (no more chocolate!)

....

5.) Has problems staying awake at night (remember to leave Santa coffee)

6.) Chimneys nowadays are too narrow (or he's getting too fat.)

Le marché de Noël à La Defense

2009-12-13T15:07:00.003-05:00

Les marchés de Noël are not customarily French Christmas practices, but are in fact traditions that have seeped into the Christmas consumer culture through Germany by way of Strasbourg in the north-wester region of Alsace. Every season, little wooden huts and a plethora of Christmas decorations are set up all around Paris, the largest (and cheapest) at La Defense, although le marchés on Champs Elysees is well-worth a visit if you can stomach the many tourists! Get your gluvine, sauerkraut, bratwurst, kartoffelsalat, and lebkuchen...and get into the Christmas (consumer) spirit!

Les Enfants modèles au musée de l’Orangerie

2009-12-11T15:26:00.001-05:00

The notion of childhood, it has been argued, is a social construction. Looking at Medieval artworks, one is taken aback by representations of children as literally, 'little people' or 'mini adults'. Jean Jacques Rousseau, the French philosopher is the man usually credited with creating the modern notion of childhood. Much like other liberal-minded thinkers, Rousseau believed that childhood was the brief interlude of sanctuary before encountering the perils and hardships of adulthood. "Why rob these innocents of the joys which pass so quickly," Rousseau pleaded. "Why fill with bitterness the fleeting early days of childhood, days which will no more return for them than for you?"

In this exhibit at the musée de l’Orangerie, you will see how art and artists have interpreted the role of children in their period of sanctuary before adulthood.

Nōgaku "Noh" Theater @ La maison culturel japonais

2009-12-10T14:50:00.006-05:00

I had my first experience of Théâtre nô at La maison culturel japonais this past week, and was struck by the peacefulness, the erratic sounds and the slow pace of the piece. The production was divided into two parts, one was a more traditional representation, the other more modern. What interested me was the gender role reversals in the modern piece. In traditional nô theater, men assumed all roles regardless of intended gender. In the modern piece, the lead character was played by a Western female.

Paris en hiver

2009-12-09T15:25:00.000-05:00

Le marché de President Wilson

2009-12-09T15:15:00.004-05:00

Every Wednesday and Saturday from 9-noon, L'avenue de President Wilson welcomes a feast of delicacies. A must for fresh produce! Bring your basket, cash, and your two elbows to make your way down the transformed avenue.

Rue de Grenelle: Lécher les vitrines

2009-12-07T15:01:00.000-05:00

Classic, chic, and AMAZING brought to you by the exceptional and quintessentially French fashion-house Hermes who's creative Kaleidoscope-themed femme fatal in aviator-gear beckons you into her chic 200 (m2) jumbo jet. Hermes' signature orange brightens up even the most dreary of days!

...and if your curious, the details are as follows:

Hermès Ephémère

16 rue de Grenelle

Tél. 01 53 63 02 19

Horaires : 10h30 - 19h00

Rue de Grenelle: Barbie and Louboutin meet its love at first sight!

2009-12-07T14:49:00.004-05:00

Barbie and Christian Louboutin meet at the Rue de Grenelle boutique. While it makes for a fun and sexy window display, it is a rather sad message to women.

Santa in psycho-analysis @ Moschino

2009-12-07T14:35:00.005-05:00

I was super, super sad that on the ONE day that I take my camera, the to-die-for Moschino elephant and pink silk-ruffle dress vitrine display was taken down replaced by a rather dull, fat Santa in a psycho-analysis session with chic-Parisianne femme fatal. Ugh...Dear Santa: Bring sexy back!

33 Rue Saint-Guillaume (and Rue de Grenelle)
75007 Paris

Poupée ou Bebe?..Bonton will cater to both!

2009-12-07T14:24:00.004-05:00

This epitomizes the French 'petite bebe' fashion: dress your sweet lil' chillun' in impossibly fine and doll-like clothes so that they give the impression of being little angels...when we all know what they really are like ;) Bonton has delicious little couture shoes and dresses for your little lap-full of loves.

Bathtub toys as window display!

2009-12-07T14:02:00.008-05:00

Peace, love, and rainbows at this children's clothing boutique. Although the clothes are rather dull, the background window display is ingenious: a multitude of colorful bathtub rubber toys that we've all played with, tightly packed into a heart design. Little plastic animals emitting loooove!

Carline Gilson: get your couture undies

2009-12-07T13:48:00.005-05:00

French philosophy of life is closely linked to the idea that if it looks good, it will taste infinitely better--that's at least their values when it comes to gastronomy, but also to the body and pleasure! Little ultra chic lingerie shops pop up almost as frequently as Starbucks in NYC. Okay, not that frequently! But still often enough for anyone to think: ah yes, I do need another couture nightgown or slip....

This is one of my favorite on Rue de Grenelle, Carline Gilson...Their window-display changes almost as frequently as one should change undies!

Where to get your 500 Euro bra?

18 Rue de Grenelle
75007 Paris

Chez Marianne

2009-11-26T16:50:00.004-05:00

I spent Thanksgiving dinner at Chez Marianne, mainly because I had walked by this little joint several times and it has always been jam packed. While a little on the pricey side (for, lets be honest, pita, hummus, falafel, and other Middle-Eastern goodness) it is worth a shot. I would however, recommend the little pita stand down the street for less and honestly, a much better meal!

La Petite Marquise: Pour les petits et les grands gourmands

2009-11-23T15:19:00.009-05:00

In New York, I became a Pizza Snob, tempted only by Sal and Carmine's, or Joe's. Cream de la cream or nothing. (Lil' Frankies was a close third ...)

In Paris, its la baguette. There is nothing like a fresh, crisp, slightly warm baguette that has been carefully prepared according to the stringent French baguette-laws. No joke. Like all else that governs this country there are rules and regulations, and paperwork to follow that dictate the baguette's properties.

While I have not had the chance to explore all leading bakeries in Paris, I am going to shamelessly advertise my neighborhood's boulangerie, La Petite Marquise where the superior quality of la baguette is on par with it's service.

Do not confuse the perfectly shaped baguette with its inferior brother: le bâtard! (Bastard, en anglais!)

Gooooooal: Vive la France

2009-11-19T05:27:00.007-05:00

In case you slept through the boisterous and clamorous celebrations late last night all over Paris, let me inform you that: No, France did not win the world cup. They merely qualified having tied with Ireland 1-1. Living near L'Arc de Triumph and Champs Elysees has its benefits, but last night's raucous made for a rather sleepless night. As an added bonus to the never-ending honking, Algeria qualified too sending emotions and flags running wild...

Les Triplets de Belleville--its nuts!

2009-11-18T21:51:00.001-05:00

Take the M(2) to Belleville, the multi-cultural and multi-arrondissement (includes part of the 11e, 20e, 19e, 10e on the Parisian escargo map) neighborhood for excellent nut-spice-Middle-Easter-Chinese-Jewish-Lebanese-Moroccan-you-name-it markets. Heavenly pâtisserie and boulangerie orientales--think baklava in multitude of forms and shapes, and flat-bread galore. Patisserie Orientale La Rose Sucrée was one such shop where the elaborate baklava looked more like precious bijoux than edibles. The kind storekeeper gave us a sample of the Malfoufe Noisette Homs, divine--but really, nuts, honey, filo and butter?? Impossible to fail.

Definitely worth a visit--make it an entire day of exploring this modern day Granada (of course without the architectural exquisiteness of the Alhambra...) where cultures and religions are woven together in relative harmony.

Fun fact: Belleville's most famous resident was Edith Piaf...

Fear not the Soufflé!

2009-11-17T21:18:00.002-05:00

Oh, those tricky and temperamental egg-whites!

Don't mix that batter too much!

What if your soufflé never rises? Tsk, tsk!

Or flops upon serving? (Gasp!)

Fear the Soufflé!

Those dreadful physical manifestations of a soufflé failure, a testament to derisory cooking skills, are enough to keep you far away from this truly scrumptious meal.

Contrary to its portrayal in popular media and culture, soufflé preparation is actually pretty simple; its really much more of a mental challenge than any kind of representation of culinary proclivity. A few tricks to assure success:

Use eggs that are at room temperature.

Be sure that when you separate the whites from yoke, no yoke sneaks into the white--this will prevent the whites from fluffing.

Use an electric whisk to beat the egg whites, in a very clean (and dry) bowl. Beat egg whites to a soft peak and a satin look.

When folding the egg whites into your Béchamel sauce, be gentle...

Lucky (très cher!) charms

2009-11-17T21:01:00.001-05:00

When I was contemplating what kind of soufflé to make, I came across my favorite fungi, the chantarelle at the market. My father, of-course would consider it a mortal sin to make anything other than chanterelle smörgås, but it was not so much his objections to 'wasting' the perfect mushroom than the ridiculous price for the delicacies at 31 Euros/kilo, that kept me at bay...

It makes one appreciate those brim-filled baskets from the summer-cottage...long September hours spent deep in the tick-infested, mosquito plagued, elk-poop ridden forest hunting for the little hidden lucky charms. Hmm..

I opted for the chantarelle's shoddier relative, les champignons. It was delicious, non-the-less!

Prelle, please.

2009-11-12T04:09:00.010-05:00

Prelle, located at 5 Place Victoires in the first arrondissement, (tel 01 42 36 67 21) is a descendant from one of the oldest silk furnishing fabric factories in Lyon. The 5-generations old family own business has worked on some of the most regal and renown palaces and castles in France, including Versailles and the Louvre.

Although you will not be able to see the manufacturing process at their Paris boutique, you will be able to appreciate the vast collection in their show room. I recommend taking the tour.

Escapism

2009-11-10T21:26:00.002-05:00

Behold, a late August sunset on a little paradise summer-cottage in Finland. It is this impression Mlle. Global Gallerina seeks to find inner peace and harmony on those bleak winter days when the rat-race, the boundless quick tempo and cacophony of a city overwhelm.

13e: Chinatown for Tom Yum @ Tang Frères

2009-11-08T14:38:00.008-05:00

Tang Frères.

Hidden inside an old French railway warehouse is the enormous Asian produce market, Tang Frères which was established by the Ratanawan brothers, Laotian immigrants. The smells and sights from everywhere will overwhelm you. It is a great experience, much more civilized and richer than NYC's Chinatown!

I was, however, disappointed with the Tom Yum paste selection and, consequently, the outcome of my Tom Yum soup:( The sushi was perfect though!

48, ave d'Ivry. 75013. Métro: Porte d'Ivry.

Pierre Soulages: Outrenoir, Painting with Black

2009-11-08T14:33:00.007-05:00

<J’aime l’autorité du noir. C’est une couleur qui ne transige pas. Une couleur violente, mais qui incite pourtant a l’intériorisation. À la fois couleur, et non-couleur.>

Pierre Soulages le peintre et l’artiste vivant le plus connu de la scène française est né en 1919, à Rodez en Aveyron. En 1924, à un très jeune age, Soulages a perdu son père. Dans sa jeunesse, Soulages a montre un intérêt pour les paysages, et une passion pour l’art romain. C’est à ce jeune age qu’il a proclamé son désire de devenir un artiste. À 18ans, Soulages est allé a Paris pour la première fois. C’est cet été là qu’il a visité les plus grands musées, et il a été inspire par Cézanne et Picasso. En 1940, pendant la deuxième guerre mondiale, Soulages a été appelé sous les drapeaux à Montpellier, mais il a rapidement quitte l’armée et a poursuivi son intérêt par l’art à L’école des Beaux-Arts. C’est cet été-là, à Montpellier, qu’il a connu l’artiste abstrait, Sonia Delaunay, et a develope un style unique, abstrait et géométrique. En 1941, Soulages a eu sa première exposition personnelle à la galerie Lydia Conti à Paris. À parti de 1946, il a travaillé a son atelier à Courbevoie, près de Paris ou il a connu Picabia, Hartung et Léger, ses contemporains. Pendant 1949-1952, ses œuvres d’art ont établi une réputation d’avant-garde et a la mode à Paris. En 1950, Soulages a gange, l’estime internationale avec des expositions collectives a New York, Londres et Copenhague.Ses œuvres sont s’inspires de ses voyages au Mexique, aux Etats-Unis, et au Japon en 1958. Pendant les années 1950, les plus grands musées du monde ont commencé à collectionner ses œuvres. Aujourd’hui il y a plus de 150 de ses œuvres dans des musées.
En 1979 quand Soulages a travaillé pour une exposition du Centre George Pompidou il a découvert la couleur noire. Il a découvert la profondeur, la lumière et la couleur noire, grâce a une toile imparfaite. Dès lors, son style a change profondément : il a refusé toute référence et forme figurative, toutes les tendances géométriques et toutes les couleurs. Il a privilégié la couleur noire, entièrement la couleur noire sur la toile. C’était le début de son style, qui s’appelle l'outrenoir.
À l’age de 90 ans, Soulage demeure une figure très importante dans le monde de l’art. Ses œuvres content cher. Son actuelle rétrospective au Centre Pompidou est un fascinant regard sur sa vie et son travail.

Coquilles Saint-Jacques à la Provençale

2009-11-08T14:12:00.010-05:00

I got into my Julia Child-mode the other night and made a heavenly scallop dish. Just divine (although, really, its impossible for anything to go wrong when cooking with butter and garlic and white wine)!

Buy fresh scallops (à la marche, bien sur), white wine (dry, although it was fine with sweet! ha!) salt, peppa, bay leaf, shallots, butter, olive oil,thyme, swiss cheese, et voila. Delicious!

Learn 'How to Bake a Stuffed, Boned Duck in a Pastry Crust' too.

L'As du Falafel, Best Falafel

2009-11-08T11:00:00.020-05:00

So, why eat falafel in France? Why, indeed.

Well, if truth be told, one can only consume a certain amount of the delicious, rich cream-butter-and-cheese infused gastronomy of France such as, Veau Prince Orloff, or Soufflé au Roquefort, or choucroute, before the waistline begins its interminable expansion, and one begins to lose appreciation for the finer delicacies of French haute cuisine.

L'As du Falafel located in the chic and hip neighborhood of Les Marais is perfectly positioned on the lovely walking street of Rue des Rosiers right in the heart of art galleries, boutiques and vintage stores galore. It also happens to be one of the most vibrant Jewish communities.

The falafels, for pocket change of 5E a piece, were just right, not too fried, the pita fresh and warm, the humus not too bitter, and an interesting addition of pickeled cabbage (a first for me..) and sautéd eggplant to die for...just perfect! La Varenne, the king of bisque and Béchamel sauce, might even have agreed--ha! For an added bonus, walk across the street to the kosher bakery and get divine rugelach!

Even Mark Bittman, my vegan hero, never misses this spot when in town. (I've heard that Chez Marianne is a very close 2nd place winner, have yet to try it, though.)

L'As du Fallafel, 34, rue des Rosiers (Métro: St. Paul); Closed Saturday.

♥ Rue Rembrant, Parc Monceau, 8e

2009-11-08T06:50:00.012-05:00

Hidden behind the magnificent little green splotch known as Parc Monceau in the très très chic quartier of the 8e arronidssement and a natural frontier for the 17e arronidssement, is Rue Rembrant. Thick, autumn-ripe vine leaves cling to the old art nouveau buildings. I can just imagine scenes of 1920's decadence and over-indulgence seeping out from the great lavishly curtained windows.

Ode to the Revolution, Nathalie by Gilbert Bécaud

2009-11-07T16:27:00.000-05:00

In honor of the Russian Revolution (today: November 7th, 1917...)....a very popular French song from the 1960's played today on the radio...

Nathalie, Gilbert Bécaud

La place Rouge était vide

Devant moi marchait Nathalie
Il avait un joli nom, mon guide
Nathalie

La place Rouge était blanche
La neige faisait un tapis
Et je suivais par ce froid dimanche
Nathalie

Elle parlait en phrases sobres
De la révolution d'octobre
Je pensais déjà
Qu'après le tombeau de Lénine
On irait au cafe Pouchkine
Boire un chocolat

La place Rouge était vide
J'ai pris son bras, elle a souri
Il avait des cheveux blonds, mon guide
Nathalie, Nathalie...

Dans sa chambre à l'université
Une bande d'étudiants
L'attendait impatiemment
On a ri, on à beaucoup parlé
Ils voulaient tout savoir
Nathalie traduisait

Moscou, les plaines d'Ukraine
Et les Champs-Élysées
On à tout melangé
Et l'on à chanté

Et puis ils ont débouché
En riant à l'avance
Du champagne de France
Et l'on à dansé

Et quand la chambre fut vide
Tous les amis etaient partis
Je suis resté seul avec mon guide
Nathalie

Plus question de phrases sobres
Ni de révolution d'octobre
On n'en était plus là
Fini le tombeau de Lenine
Le chocolat de chez Pouchkine
C'est, c'était loin déjà

Que ma vie me semble vide
Mais je sais qu'un jour à Paris
C'est moi qui lui servirai de guide
Nathalie, Nathalie
Lyrics: Nathalie, Gilbert Bécaud

Day trip-Biking in Vernon

2009-10-27T15:09:00.009-04:00

Located just 45 minutes outside of Paris with the SNCF, this is a charming (bon marché) and highly recommended little excursion North-Westward en route to Normandy. The sights, smells and pace of life of the town of Vernon in Eure are a welcomed change from modish, and quick tempo of Ile de Paris. Pick your own apples, grapes and blackberries on an (easy) 7km bike ride from Vernon to Monet's village of Giverny. A visit to Monet's house and garden (Fondation Claude Monet) is a must preferably during the sping/summer months when the gardens are in full bloom.

My endeavors at verse

2009-09-23T06:49:00.004-04:00

To Mormor on your 80th Birthday

September 23rd 2009, come on, come all, come celebrate!

For those not aware, let me translate,

My Mormor, Sue-Aunt, is maturing in age;

Sue Maguire Beckner is turning to the Octogenarian page!

Born on the Autumnal Equinox;

You hail from the era of pre-jukebox and moonwalks,

Yes, 1929, what an auspicious year! (ha!)

And, weren't you quite the hand-full--or so I hear!

As a youthful charm, you captured many hearts,

At St. Agnes, and Smith you excelled in the arts.

Traversing the world withyour refinement and grace,

Thank-heavens Daddy Bruce scored with an ace!

You're a card playing pro, and a devil at the net

Some might tease, and call you quite the coquette!

What a gregarious hostess, with such culinary proclivity,

Why not mention your cardinal and bluebird affinity.

As written by the stars, you rein with such magnanimity,

You're always perfectly poised and ever so witty.

You're never lugubrious, and neither iniquitous,

And we all laud your endeavors at societal justice.

The many miles you've traveled, criss-crossing the continents,

Withbags full of goodies, you've brought your steady guidance.

From rampant stagflation of the Argentine Peso,

To wobbly Jakarta rickshaws, and that swimming pool gecko!

From Grankulla's pugent lilac tree,

And Warsaw, rather bleakly.

To our many homes, you've come bearing gifts,

But, its your presence that always, always uplifts!

And what happy dog days of summer,

Those warm nights, so tender.

T'was Annapolis childhood bliss,

Those precious memories, how I do miss:

Cathching fireflies in old glass jars

Or the nightly indulgence in our favorite Klondike bars!

The bathing in kitchen sinks,

And your betraying gold-bangled clinks.

You're the P, B &J-sammie expert,

The queen of 'tough-love' but always comfort,

The wrinkled elbows, of course we shan't forget!

But, where were you with our chickenpox onset?

So, read to me in Swedish! Tack and hor du, how about Luparu?

Nobody tells a story quite like Sue!

The lingering family oral anecdotes: Mormor: whare you are?

And the smell of your ol' beat-up Toyota car.

Oh, what a Mormor you've been, and what a Mormor you'll be

Let me sit by you at your vanity!

So much to admire, like your horticultural prowess,

And, how did you ever become such a lexical goddess?

I'm in awe of your everlasting sanguinity,

Hats off to you--you've reach eighty!

Oh Mormor, you are boundless, and more importantly, timeless!

Come, come! Come to Paris!

Tracking Traces @ Kiasma, Helsinki

2009-08-05T02:04:00.006-04:00

Sometimes Finnish art exhibits truly surprise me. In a good way. I loved this exhibit!

"The world that surrounds us is full of signs and messages – traces of the world that contemporary art makes use of by copying, recycling, sampling and commenting on them. Traces can be found near and far: on the human body, in advertising images, on cereal packets and in the urban space. The traces can be physical imprints, visible signs, actions or memory traces. Some of the traces are left consciously, others are accidental. The one thing shared by the traces in the exhibition's works is that they transmit as well as shape our idea of ourselves and of the world. They are about life and the need for interaction."

Monet @ Musée de l'Orangerie

2009-07-23T04:55:00.008-04:00

Claude Monet was not only a gifted artist, but also a very intelligent man. At Musee de L'Orangerie, you will be able to appreciate the fruits of his labor: his enormous, all-encompasing, all-embracing 'Les Nymphéas,' that he painted for the government of France to pay off his (many) taxes!

The essentials: Coffee, Books and Design @ Merci: 111 Blvd. Beaumarchais, 3eme Arrt

2009-07-20T04:51:00.018-04:00

This newly opened 'concept-store' on 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais in the 3rd arrondissement boasts a vast and unique collection of designers/ fashion/ lifestyle goods/ perfume, as well as a spacious, large-windowed cafe à la New York with heaps and stacks of used books (between 2, 5 or 10 Euros) in the entry lit by rather gaudy chandeliers.

The owners of Merci, Marie-France and Bernard Cohen, are the founders of Bonpoint, the chic French children's shop, and it seems as though with Merci, their children have finally grown up! The concept of Merci is simple--and geared towards the affluent yet 'responsible and sustainable' shopper: give to a children's charity in Madagascar while you shop! With the exception of the books and cafe au lait, prices are on the upper end of the spectrum and although they do feature some interesting high end designers at discounted prices, such as Jérôme Dreyfuss, YSL, Stella McCartney, Christian Tortu, Paul & Joe I still could not justify (charity or not!) paying 1200 Euros for a Prada over-coat!! All in all, its a eye-candy of a store and a peak is well worth it.

Go for the coffee and books as well as the fantastic Grom gelato!

Photo: New York Times

Bistro: Chez Janou

2009-07-20T04:46:00.018-04:00

Pouring out from Chez Janou a neighborhood bistro, are the happy sounds of satisfied epicureans and smells of dilectable traditional Provençal-style cuisine. Rumor has it that this little Marais resto on rue Roger Verlomme in the 3rd arrondissement boasts an extensive selection of the traditional French liquor, Pastis. Although my first taste of this gem did not entail any Pastis what-so-ever, I do heartily recommend their cheapest bottle of house red, a sultry Côtes du Rhône does magic with any selection from le menu! Be prepared for a row with the maitre d' who will most likely try to squeeze your party into the smallest corner of the restaurant despite the abundance of space avaliable! Just smile and say: 'Pardon, mais non!' Reservations are a must even on a rain-forecasted Thursday night when 'la crise' (credit crunch) rages on, because by 9.30PM this place is packed!

Photograph by John Kernick

Concert: Vivaldi and Pachelbel @ Île de Saint-Louis in Sainte-Chapelle

2009-07-20T04:44:00.013-04:00

Imagine sitting in a French chapel on Île de Saint-Louis built in 1242 by the canonized King, Louis XII and a quartet is about perform. Sunlight streams into the chapel's magnificent rose window as Pachelbel's Cannon in D Major starts. You are perplexed because the program indicated a Mozart, but delighted, because it just so happens to be your favorite Baroque Era piece. By the end of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, you have entered a peaceful reverie!

Evening concert, Sainte-Chapelle

The celebrated windows flamed with light

directly pouring north across the Seine;

we restled into place. Then violins

vaunting Vivaldi’s strident strength, the Brahms,

seemed to suck with their passionate sweetness,

bit by bit, the vigor from the red,

the blazing blue, so that the listening eye

saw suddenly the thin black lines, in shapes

of shield and cross and strut and brace, that held

the holy glowing fantasy together.

The music surged; the glow became a milk

a whisper to the eye, a glimmer ebbed

until our beating hearts, our violins

were cased in thin but sold sheets of lead.

-John Updike

Tea @ Musée de la Vie Romantique, Paris

2009-07-20T04:43:00.018-04:00

If you have no interest in standing in eternal lines at the Musée d'Orsay on a sunny summer day, this charming little (free!) museum is a perfect alternative. Located in the 9th arrondissement on 16 rue Chaptal, La Musée de la Vie Romantique is worth it mainly for the little outdoor cafe, with heavenly savory and sweet treats. Sit in the beautiful rose garden and indulge!

The museum itself, is devoted to the avant-garde author George Sand, but was actually the home to the Dutch artist Ary Scheffer, who opened his house to her (Sand) along with several artistically-gifted followers, such as Chopin (Sand's lover) and Liszet. Go with good knowledge of Sand and her works, it will feel much more personal.

Adieu New York!

2009-07-04T02:38:00.020-04:00

So long, Manahatta

So long, my dependable red line; my lucky silver express.

Take me to far off corners-- I only have 2 bucks.

Honk to me Mr. Taxi man; let me know if you are free!

Curry Hill or Murray Hill,

the 6-train will get me there.

Brighton Beach and Mercer street;

new sights to be seen!

So long, the long, long walks in Riverside.

I'll miss you, my 100th street willow,

And possibly you, Mr. Turkish fruit-man.

Speak to me Malcom X,

and you, Kim's fish lady.

Yo hablo Espanol!

So long, my little West Village.

Sweet Revenge. Jazz at Fat Cats.

Adieu Big Nicks and Bearded Pappa.

Lil' Frankies and Joe's will have to wait.

I'll take a Choux for the road;

no need to be late.

Good bye slooowww and steady Williamsburg,

I'll pocket your vintage and pinch your music.

Inspire me from a far, Miss street-artist.

Will hunt for you across the seas

or trace your mediocrity.

Miss me Perry Street. And you, Christopher and Commerce!

Uptown and Downtown.

Good-bye, Empire with your crunchy salmon avocado.

East side and West side!

Book stores and shoe stores!

Hello Strand. Or is it, stranger?

I'll miss you when you're gone.

Good-bye constant cacophony,

Good-bye sorrow eyes,

I'll see you somewhere, sometime down the line!

Art: The Generational: Younger than Jesus @ New Museum

2009-06-30T15:20:00.001-04:00

What did Jesus do before 30? A lot...

And, if you do make it to this exhibit, go with your own bible of a guide to understand it all. Good luck.

Art: Matisse: Cut-outs @ National Gallery

2009-06-12T08:37:00.009-04:00

Matisse's gouaches decoupes have always been a favorite for their simplicity, minimalism and elegance. Although the National Gallery's Matisse cut-out collection is quite small, it is well worth taking a peak. Cut and composed later in Matisse's life, they continue to show the vigor, acute color sensibility and perverted spacial composition that his paintings are celebrated for. In his own words, these are his "paintings with scissors."

Art: Luis Melendez @ the National Gallery, Washington D.C

2009-06-11T08:36:00.021-04:00

Luis Melendez, Still Life with Watermelons and Apples, Museo del Prado, Madrid.

I have never been drawn to 'Stillleben'. What exactly is so impressive and fascinating about paintings that portray, with such excessively embroidered detail, decaying fruits and vegetables or impeccable yet improbable floral arrangements? What possibly can be the meaning behind these overly crafted compositions? Where is the emotion that, in my (narrow) mind, art needs!?

Luis Melendez, an Italian by birth, but a life-long Madrileno, captured my interest at the National Gallery in DC. The 30-odd oil on canvases by Melendez focused heavily on the juxtaposition of 'exotic' and common-place edibles displayed in various arrangements, often set in peaceful rural Spanish landscapes. From the Royal house of Asturias, Meledez was commissioned to paint "the four Seasons of the Year -- with the aim of composing an amusing cabinet with every species of food produced by the Spanish climate." It was perhaps, the painting featured above, as part of this season order: Still Life with Watermelons and Apples, that did it for me. Up close, the juicy, palpable chunks of pink watermelon dripping off the canvas with little black cockroach-like pits roaming through the rose-colored terrain, were a calling that wrote: virtuosity. He captures the subtle shifts of textures, and the gleams of light from the succulent watermelon and the lustrous pits with such care that its almost...comical!

His contemporary, Francisco Goya, overshadowed Melendez’s career and only recently has his work been re-evaluated and reappraised. Today, he is seen as one of the preeminent still-life artists.

Art: Francis Bacon: A Century Retrospective @ the Met

2009-06-02T12:04:00.000-04:00

Painting, 1946 (MoMa) Oil on Canvas

"I remember looking at dog shit on the pavement and I suddenly realized, there it is--this is what life is like." --Francis Bacon

Crude, unapologetic, caged biomorphic bodies, butchered cadavers, unremorseful, pummeled faces, horrific intensity, a dance between self-love and self-loath. These are the words that spring to mind while wandering through Francis Bacon: A Century Retrospective on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Sixty-five punches of unrepentent intensity.

And the critics response? Same as its always been: hotly divided. While Slate's art critic, Christopher Benfey gave the show a remarkably attuned (and sagacious) appraisal , The New Yorker's art columnist (and ruler #2 of my universe--after Schama, of course), Peter Schjeldahl held Bacon's work at an arm's length in Rough Stuff, where the paintings are undermined as mere "pageant(s) of hangovers and refractory lovers." Ha!

With my own short-lived aspirations to become 'an artist' Bacon had been a powerful force in my search for self-expression. His images to me dwelled in the shadowy margins of socially 'acceptable' emotions, the angst of youth, horrors of life and death, and the battles between conceit and self-hate. Bacon's images in reproduced form, were very familiar and became part of preparatory work for my own oeuvres. Something was awry, however, as I walked through the glut of Bacon-filled rooms. I had waited what seemed to be an eternity to see a full retrospective of his work, as a thought crept in: was I really and truly feeling ever-so slightly nostalgic and (gasp!) disappointed?

What ever my own hopes and expectations were, it became clear to me that Bacon's work had once meant something quite different to eyes trained as an artistic sponge, directed to soak up emotions and inspiration. It was a revelation that today Bacon's work, while still riveting, shocking and awe-inspiring, could be appreciated from a healthy distance. It seems fruitless to dwell in my own personal development at least in blog-form-- I realized that I no longer needed Bacon's hateful and tortured images; they have served their purpose. From an art historical perspective, however, Bacon remains a seemingly eternal curiosity. Artistically he cannot be categorized as a member of the abstract expressionists, nor the Surrealists. His world-view inhabits that of existential compatriots such as Alberto Giacometti. His world stands on its own, and in some form or fashion can be seen to have inspired artists such as Lucian Freud. History (and the auction world) has proved to be been kind to this old gent, where his paintings can fetch over $80 million (in at least the pre-credit crunch era...)

Celebration: Yellow Duck + Cupcakes = Quarter of a Century in Style!

2009-06-01T12:55:00.008-04:00

A little Veuve Clicquot (Yellow Duck or den Gula Ankka, en Suedoise) along with delectable Red Velvet and German Chocolate cupcakes from Two Little Red Hens is how I rang in my quarter-century mile-stone in the charming Upper West Side Riverside Park!

Film: L'heure d'été (2009)

2009-05-31T10:39:00.001-04:00

(Jeannick Gravelines/IFC Films)

"The divergent paths of three forty-something siblings collide when their mother, heiress to her uncle’s exceptional 19th century art collection, dies suddenly. Left to come to terms with themselves and their differences, Adrienne (Juliette Binoche), a successful New York designer, Frédéric, (Charles Berling) an economist and university professor in Paris, and Jérémie, (Jérémie Renier) a dynamic businessman in China, confront the end of childhood, their shared memories, background and unique vision of the future." (Film.com)

This movie felt sadly superficial; everything was basked in that late-summer August sunshine, where French feasts and wine flowed at a gorgeous chateau outside of Paris. There was such an emphasis on the precious objects left behind by the matriarch Hélène Berthier, (Edith Scob, who was superb in her fleeting role) all to be donated to the Musée d’Orsay, that I felt it was more of a crafty commercial for the museum! Berthier's death is only hinted at, and grief that naturally ensues from death is given a fleeting scene where Adrienne breaks down, but life continues affably through the objects. I suppose that was the modest purpose of this film: to give objects, whether they be rare and extraordinary pieces of art or ordinary tchochke, a much greater meaning with death. Slightly anti-climactic though!

Design: Playfully Finnish, May 15-18th Meatpacking District

2009-05-30T12:08:00.019-04:00

Powerkiss, Jazz Chair by Terhi Tuominen
Photographer Chikako Harada

"Finnish Design brings the dreams and challenges of our times together in a fresh new way. Based on a strong bond with nature and driven by creativity and joy it is seriously playful." -Curator, Esa Vesmanen

Set in the posh, chic and oh-so boho Ganesvoort Plaza, the PLAYFUL Finnish Design exhibit spilled out onto the cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District in New York as part of the May 14-19th NY Design Week and was, (in that solemn Finnish fashion) serious(ly) playful indeed! The recycled shipping containers scattered inconspicuously around the Ganesvoort Plaza continuing out onto W. 13th street, were filled with sleek design-conscious, colorful (and useful!!) goodies ranging from fashion to furniture.

Woven into the works and the makeshift showrooms was the ideology for environmental mindfulness. Shigeru Ban's simple "I don't like waste" philosophy was epitomized at the Artek container (#8 on W.13th) with his 10-Unit System-- furniture made from UM ProFi wood-plastic composite-- revealing once again how fiercely ecologically conscious, simple yet ultra-advanced Ban's architecture and designs are.

The Powerkiss station (#3 at the Plaza) brought viewers a bright new vision of a futuristic world, one devoid of those cumbersome mobile phone and laptop chargers that could bemuse even the highest of techies in New York. Powerkiss' premise to "turns basic furniture into smart energy platforms" is simply put, brilliant! All you had to do to "juice up your gadgets" was to place them on the provided furniture surface, the avant-garde looking Jazz Chair with a wireless charging system by Terhi Tuominen...et voila...you're connected and charging!

From high-tech charging machines, the exhibit showcased a variety of new (and old) textile projects. The globally-recognized and distinctive patterned designs of Marimekko's fabric products were on display..seemingly all-over...with slabs of their 'new' Kalevala-inspired creations (designed by Sanna Annukka) for all to take. It was refreshing, however, to see new artists emerging onto Marimekko-dominated scene. Textile artist Outi Martikainen, whose work fits in the neglected "space between art and design," stands out for her interesting and elastic use of combined fabrics and processes. She reclaims traditional 'low-crafts' of weaving, knitting and crocheting with elegance, detail, and originality.

Music: Au Revoir Simone @ Williamsburg

2009-05-30T11:00:00.003-04:00

Having missed A Camp's New York performance last week (and Lykke Li's sold out performance this coming week) I have sadly had to resort to the home-grown indie music scene, that I must say is not too bad at all!

Au Revoir Simone is an electronic indie-pop all-girl, all-brown-haired, all-American band from Williamsburg and their performance last night in their hometown was just what was called for to alleviate the dejection from a sold-out Lykke Li show. Although my taste in music (really, my magnetism to the 'pop' genre) has been criticized and butchered by sneering music snobs I do feel that Au Revoir Simone raises my iTunes play list bar up a notch in the eyes of many elitists.

Au Revoir Simone's concoction of lazy and insightful lyrics with energetic beats capture the essence of Williamburg-- the little hipster town that is youthful and pulsating yet sage with hard-learnt life-lessons from the "big city". The band's sound can be most characterized as a satisfying mix reminiscent of Suffian Stevens' effervescent and bubbly notes and St. Vincent 's velvety yet unpredictable voice.

Culture: Boat Basin Cafe

2009-05-22T17:20:00.003-04:00

The Boat Basin Cafe, located at 79th street on the Hudson River is a perfectly pleasant, low-key spot frequented mostly by UWS New Yorkers (the Columbia student and prof types) looking for the Hudson River breeze, Happy Hour specials, and some sunshine to brighten those stressed, post-work pale faces... I went there yesterday, and its amazing what a nice cold Corona can do!

Never has New Jersey with a sunset looked so spectacular!

Recession special: Free Jazz in the Park

2009-05-21T16:00:00.013-04:00

A hop, skip and a jump into a balmy Thursday afternoon for a little coffee break...and right outside at the corner of Central Park, a quartet jazz band performs under a big oak tree. Perfect bliss! For a $1 contribution (or whatever you have in our pocket) you can listen to the sweet sounds of amateur jazz (most probably students from Juilliard up the street on B'way)...and enjoy the rest of the work day!

Link Buttons!

2009-05-21T15:32:00.011-04:00

I'm so thrilled to have discovered my link button! Here are a few links to my fav websites that I frequent...

To culture my flavor

News of the Times

My Cheat Sheet

MoMa

Best Theater Reviews (mostly Off-Off Broadway)

Restaurant Guide (aka Cheap Eats)

Also, I've added links to many of the past blogs...proper citations and such ;)

Bklyn: Vintage @ Beacon's Closet

2009-05-20T22:09:00.019-04:00

Beacon's Closet
88 North 11th Street (between Berry and Wythe Streets), Brooklyn

Take the L-train to the hipster neighborhood of Williamsburg in Brooklyn for cheap drinks, great brunch (Rabbit Hole) and the fab world of vintage clothing. Beacon's Closet is my favorite amongst the many that can be found on Driggs Avenue...and everywhere in Brooklyn, actually! Along with really great prices, there is a seemingly illimitable amount of patterns and designs, shapes and forms, colors and eras... with hats, scarfs, ear-muffs and shirt puffs. Whatever costume party your headed to, whatever occasion is coming up, Beacon has it! I bought a naughty Dianne Von Furstenberg summer dress along with a handy little black leather purse...tres chic!

(Photo by Jeremy M. Lange)

Film: Tulpan (2009)

2009-05-18T16:04:00.011-04:00

Tulpan (2009) epitomizes the disconnect between film critics and audiences, where on my trusted film guide critics heralded this "unclassifiable" movie donning it with a 90 'metascore' out of 100...while users (aka, you and me) gave this movie a measly 4.5 of 10. With such a discrepancy in ratings, my interest was piqued!

Set in Kazakhstan, Tulpan tells the tale of the hapless Asa, a young Russian naval officer who returns to his sister's nomadic home and family in the desolate 'Hunger Steppe'. Here, where life revolves around simple necessities for survival, Asa must learn the life of a Shepard, where the pressure to find a wife and establish his own brood builds. At its heart, Tulpan is a Kazakhstan love story, where affection and tenderness blossom between Asa and his country. With this slight (sardonic) whiff of socialist-realism Tulpan reveals the unembellished pleasures of what a modest life can give us. The movie will leave you with three lasting impressions: the unexpected beauty of the vast, uncut scenes of the Kazahkstan landscape and climate, the gaggle of animals and rambunctious children (both equally untamed; the lamb-birth is quite excrutiating!) and Boney M.'s 'River of Babylone'--the only sound-track...played on repeat.

While I can understand the critics loving this movie for its novel approach, majestic landscapes and (banal) humor, it was a bit of a stretch for me.

Film: Okuribito (2009)

2009-05-13T16:07:00.011-04:00

By now, you probably think that all I do is watch movies. And its sadly true--but NYC delayed April showers by a month, leaving May rather damp...and perfect for tea drinking and movie watching! Winner of the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009, Okuribito, or Departures as its euphemistically known in English, is a charming and tender movie about (surprise) the cycles of life and the challenges of death. It is a simple story, set in the small town of Sakata just outside of the frenetic and manic Tokyo. It follows the life of Daigo Kobayashi, a sacked cellist from the Tokyo orchestra who returns with his wife, Mika, to his place of birth in search of employment, and perhaps more poignantly, in search of direction in his life. Unexpectedly (and resistant, at first) Diago finds work at a small family run encoffinment firm as an undertaker. Without any other prospects ahead, Daigo accepts the job, but is unable to tell his wife due to the embarrassment and shame of such a 'disgusting profession'. Through the course of the movie, Diago-- the alway dedicated and diligent worker--begins to take pride in the process, precision, ceremony and the art of his work. It is through his sometimes comic, sometimes sorrowful journey that Diago find true understanding to life and death.

Super kawaii!! (So cute!)

Film: Il Divo (2008)

2009-05-12T10:59:00.006-04:00

If director Paolo Sorrentino was trying to tell his audience that Italian politics and politicians are corrupt, he's not really telling us anything new. Il Divo (which means 'star' or 'celebrity' in Italian) is a biopic that chronicles the legacy of three-time Prime Minister Guilio Andreotti and its all loud (at times, good) music, black comedy, parody with an edge, and for the most part, Sorrentino has a little too much fun with depicting the Mafiosos that rule the land. It would be advised to have a good understanding of Italian 20th century political culture and history too, as Il Divo throws out Italian politicians' names as fast as they can keep up with the base-pounding music.

The actor, Toni Servillo captures Andreotti as precisely and comically as Frank Langella captures Richard Nixon in Frost/Nixon--but is far superior. Andreotti, the megalomaniac, scintillating, enduring, yet ambiguous with his awkwardly hunched back, punctilious hands and flopping ears is brought to life through Servillo's portrayal--and is, in my opinion the movie's only saving grace.

Schama-Trauma: The Power of Art BBC series (2006)

2009-05-11T16:12:00.017-04:00

"This is not a series about things that hang on walls, it is not about decor or prettiness. It is a series about the force, the need, the passion of art...the power of art. " --BBC

Simon Schama's Power of Art--both the book as well as the BBC series-- is a phenomenal look at eight of the most powerful artists and masterpieces since Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio's, David with the Head of Goliath, (1606, Oil on canvas) through to Mark Rothko's, Black on Maroon (1959, Oil on canvas). These are artists and works that Schama-- in his subjective opinion-- has chosen from a vast sea of artistic mastery that have all arguably (and to varying degrees) influenced the course of art history and art's trajectory. Schama (aka Schama-trauma, and my hero!) narrates the BBC documentary, and with such great insight, precision, and astuteness articulates the criteria for which he has chosen his eight masters. His use of language is like none other: the alliterations flow, the power of words overcome--its uncanny, he makes history, images, paint, and oil slip and slide off the canvas and come to life (and that's not only due to the fact that the BBC reenacts and embellishes visually the history and lives of the artists themselves..) A very insightful read...and for those who are lazy, an entertaining and powerful watch.

Theater: Exit the King

2009-05-09T12:13:00.010-04:00

Eugene Ionesco's absurdest play, Exit the King is a hilarious concoction of one man's sobering grapple with death. A fictitious King, King Berenger the First, has lived for over four centuries, and in this play he has a little over an hour before facing his mortality. Geoffrey Rush brilliantly and skillfully weaves together the realities of life and death-- he captures the pomp and character of King on high plush with delusions, but exudes a sense of 'everyman' as he realizes that death cannot be escaped. It is one man's final performance before his ultimate dance. In his Broadway debut, Rush takes charge of this play: he wobbles, stumbles, spits, flails arms and legs, cries, laughs, and dies with such immense grace and authenticity. Rush's performance far outshines Susan Sarandon who plays the King's first wife , Queen Marguerite. Sarandon lacks emotion, and seems to harp far too much on her political agenda and activism. Yes, we get it: King Berenger with his ruined, ravaged and neglected kingdom serves as a parallel to that of Bush's rule. Sarandon does, however, redeem herself in the final act, where she regally, elegantly and honorably leads the King towards death. A must see!!

New York Times slide show and review

Art: Whitney Museum: Jenny Holzer: PROTECT PROTECT

2009-05-08T10:15:00.005-04:00

Jenny Holzer's new exhibit at the Whitney Museum titled PROTECT PROTECT is a powerfully political group of works, that combine electronic LED signs with redaction paintings and 'lustmord'-- a bare wooden table covered with various human bones tagged by metal bands that are inscribed with phrases detailing the rape and murder of women during the 1992-95 war in the former Yugoslavia. War and Words are thus the two pillars on which Holzer's current work stands tall. Iraq takes center stage, starring the CIA and the Bush administration's bloody hands. Verbiage and words are the vehicles on which Holzer's art transport us: phrases are appropriated from pop-culture, government agencies, and news reels disseminated on 8 colorful, Time Square-like LED signs that silently and emotionlessly pound phrases of personal reflections with universal implication.

Holzer's probing themes are not new to art history. Her scathing critic of authority, state brutality, and infamous butchery have been recycled and re-painted since the time of Caravaggio. Holzer's art does not console-- it is not a plea for redemption or purification, it merely states, projects blatantly, silently and persistently. Man's inhumanity to man, an age-old theme.

Two works stand out in PROTECT PROTECT: "Purple" and "HAND." Both from 2008 are displayed opposite to each other and are to be appreciated together. "HAND" represents 36 oil on linen black and white images of (surprise) hands--both left and right-- redacted in varying degrees and accompanied by texts appropriated from U.S government documents. These hands, we learn, are not of victims, but are from U.S soldiers accused of war crimes. Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse comes to mind. The hands are positioned according to the varying degrees of redaction-- all I.D's, and finger-prints have been 'blacked-out', erased-- some fully, some partially-- as if saying that some secrets--some crimes, perhaps-- are larger than others. "Purple" on the other side of the room is an arching, curving 33 panelled LED with flashing phrases, also appropriated from U.S government documents. "Purple" denotes and displays the accusations made against U.S soldiers, the work literally highlights the crimes committed by the facing "HANDS".

Although we float through the rooms, and immerse ourselves in the penetrating environments of the flashing LED's we are impotent observers on state atrocity, but as voters aware that we have given the authority for cold blooded murder. All you can do is look and shame becomes a tactile component brought to the exhibit by the audience to dance along with Holzer's work. Death in the form of documented autopsies, and torture testaments; statements that have been redacted and declassified, but leaves enough of a hint at the callous cruelty.

It is ruthlessly honest --an incredibly modern work of art and if we are to have a chance at redemption for our own conscience, it must begin with acknowledgment.

Sign of the Times: "On the Money: Cartoons from The New Yorker" @ Morgan Library & Museum

2009-05-02T13:44:00.014-04:00

Classic! Recession-specials.

"No, Thursday's out. How about never--is never good for you?"
--Robert Mankoff

"Winning is crucial to my retirement plans."

-Al Ross

"It's up to you now, Miller. The only thing that can save us is an accounting breakthrough."
-Robert Webber

"Oh, that three billion dollars."
- David Sipress

"I was spreading some risk around, an apparently it all wound up in your portfolio."
- Leo Cullum

And much, much more at the Morgan...check it out!

Culture: Kentucky Derby Party in Bklyn

2009-05-02T12:56:00.011-04:00

Race horsing will never redeem itself after the tragedy of Barbaro and Eight Bells (along with so many other steroid-pumped, over-bred fillies and boys.) It is a brutal, barbaric sport--a slender line between it and dog fighting.

In any case, the social je ne sais quoi of the event is wonderfully fun--best for of people watching. So, bring out your sun hats and wear sun dresses. Today is the Kentucky Derby and only in Brooklyn NY do they know how to party like a race horse owner. Michael Boyd a Kentucky native started an annual Derby party in his apartment in Cobble Hill Brooklyn, which has now relocated to the Bell House club nearing Park Slope. The race starts at 6PM. Be there for the mint juleps cocktails; my money is on Friesan Fire...or maybe Chocolate Candy!

Art: Sadie Benning: Play Pause @ Whitney

2009-05-01T12:46:00.008-04:00

Play Pause (2006), a two channel thirty-minute video projection of works on gouache paper spanning from 2001-2006, is Sadie Benning's first solo museum exhibit in New York. Directed in collaboration with Solveig Nelson, Play Pause is laced with base-pounding electronic house music (of her own creation) that spews out from a pitch-black room. With poignant childlike-colorful animations Benning captures a harsh city, sexual awakening, loss and glimpses of the everyday life and world that she finds herself in; the New York Times describes her new work as "animating the everyday sublime." Although, not marked by virtuosity in basic artistic technique (and thankfully so!) Benning's work is daring and experimental, and seeks to wrestle with complex issues--mostly autobiographical-- such as identity, as well as finding the evanescent glimpses of beauty in the ordinary.

Film: Louis Garrel of Les Chanson d'Amour (2007)

2009-04-30T12:16:00.013-04:00

While many of you will have seen this 26 year old heart-throb strip down to nothing in the erotic film, The Dreamers directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, Louis Garrel reveals something else in the French film Les Chanson d'Amour: his singing voice. This musical, written and directed by Christophe Honoré, is about love, life and loss through death. It was nominated for the 2007 Golden Palm at Cannes, and stars a brilliant cast including the always sensual Ludivine Sagnier (think, Swimming Pool, 2003 with Charlotte Rampling) and Chiara Mastroianni (Catherine Deneuve's daughter). Honoré skillfully weaves together a playful three-part musical about the youthful relationship between Ismaël (Garrel) and Julie (Sagnier). The relationship's fragility is tested through the oddities of a threesome (with Alice, played by Clotilde Hesme) and senseless death all wimsically portrayed through little bursts of poems set to music. While the film is earnest and authentic in its emotional quality, it does take real guts to create a musical that can be realistic enough and engaging enough for this generation. Solely for its musical quality, Les Chanson d'Amour bears a resemblance to Les Parapluies de Cherbourg (1964) staring Deneuve. Nothing, however, can trump the technicolor umbrellas and Geneviève's naive glamour in Les Parapluies. Although the songs are charming and surprisingly well sung (well done Louis!), Les Chanson d'Amour feels more like an experiment with slightly distracting sexual comedy.

And, on another note: unfortunately ladies, Louis is already taken by the 44 year old cougar: Valeri Bruni-Tedeschi, whose brother-in-law is 'le Bling-Bling Président' Nicholas Sarkozy.
Oh Louis!....

Film: Man on Wire (2008) "The artistic crime of the century"

2009-04-03T20:40:00.014-04:00

Philippe Petit, performing a poetic dance across the WTC towers, NYC 1974

Far above the New York City skyline on a hazy August 1974 morning, a diminutive, flamboyant and quixotic Frenchman daringly dances across the twin towers of the World Trade Center. Crazy and delusional as it may sound, Philippe Petit's 45 minute performance, his gracious ballet conducted in thin air, comes across as a destined, rational, well-orchestrated stunt in the documentary 'Man on Wire' (2008) by director James Marsh. In a series of interviews, real footage and recreated scenes, Marsh captures the thrilling achievement more as a break-in heist where logistical nightmares of transporting equipment up the 107 floors of the two towers, security guards, and false ID's stand in the way of one man's ambition. "It's impossible, that's sure. So let's start working," says Petit of the challenge. This heartfelt documentary captures, without grandiose intentions, the wonder, delight and awe of one man's unbelievable dream brought to reality through the trust, solidarity and dedication of a handful of friends. If nothing else, Petit challenges us to join him metaphorically on the wire: "To me, it's really so simple, that life should be lived on the edge. You have to exercise rebellion. To refuse to tape yourself to the rules, to refuse your own success, to refuse to repeat yourself, to see every day, every year, every idea as a true challenge. Then you will live your life on the tightrope." The irony of it all, is that Petit survives to tell his tale...and yet the buildings do not.

Art: The Met: Pierre Bonnard: The Late Interiors

2009-03-29T18:29:00.019-04:00

"When Bonnard paints a sky, perhaps he first paints it in blue, more or less the way it looks. Then he looks a little longer and sees some mauve in it, so he adds a touch or two of mauve, just to hedge. Then he decides that maybe it's a little pink too,so there's no reason not to add some pink. The result is a potpourri of indecision... Painting can't be done that way." -Picasso

The eighty or so works by Pierre Bonnard (1867-1947) featured at the Metropolitan Museum offer a respectable glimpse at an artist's last decade of work titled, "The Late Interiors" and succeeds relatively well at reappraising Bonnard's reputation. It might well have been the exhibit's slightly confusing layout at the Robert Lehman Wing that took away from Bonnard's overall masterworks, but the attempt at renewing the case for Bonnard's place as a significant modernist of the early twentieth century art scene, was a noble one.

"Purple in the grays, vermilion in the orange, on a cold, fine day." - Bonnard

Bonnard's immensely vivid palette and disturbed perspectival stance calls into mind the contemporary master, Henri Matisse. But unlike the flamboyant and grandiose Matisse, Bonnard was known as a quiet, pensive man-- a character and quality that transcends into his paintings. Though his quotidian themes: scenes of kitchen tables and early breakfast mornings are brought to life through his vibrant bursts of color, there is an unsettling nature about his compositions; a disquietude that Bonnard transmits through the often isolated, motionless objects and his preoccupied subjects. His figures often appear and disappear from the peripheries, only to reappear elsewhere across the room, or fade away and blend into the potpourri of paint. Bonnard's late interiors are true testaments to his immense talent at capturing color, distorting our vision and pushing us to question what we percieve and recognize around us.

Of course, no one can say it better than the New Yorker....

Fashion: Museum of the City of New York: Valentina: American Couture and the Cult of Celebrity

2009-03-24T21:22:00.022-04:00

"Fit the century, forget the year.'' - Valentina

Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) is a wonderful little jewel located beyond the traditional boundaries of what is consider Fifth Avenue's "Museum Mile." Many don't traverse farther than the Guggenheim at 89th street, and for this reason it is a pleasant (relatively) tourist-free experience.

Valentina: American Couture and the Cult of Celebrity at MCNY is a rather small exhibit, but significantly one of the first to explore the life and legacy of Mrs. Valentina Nicholaevna Sanina Schlee (1899-1989, known simply as Valentina) whose couture designs blossomed from the roaring 20's through to the fabulous 50's, clothing celebrities such as Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn, Katharine Cornell, and Mrs. Randolph Hearst, as well as many society women from the Whitney and Vanderbilt families. Valentina's life story is one that epitomizes the 'American Dream.' Born in Kiev in 1899, she immigrated to New York in 1923, and through careful public-image crafting she reinvented herself to become a pioneer in the American couture fashion industry. In New York, Valentina and her husband, financier George Schlee, were prominent members of the 'Cafe Society' (think Evelyn Waugh's "Bright Young Things") where Valentina stood out for her always impeccably chic simple designs. In her large and bravado persona Valentina is often remembered for her aphorisms, such as: "Simplicity survives the changes of fashion," as well as "Mink is for football,'' and "Ermine is for bathrobes.'' Ha!

Art: MoMa: Martin Kippenberger: The Problem Perspective

2009-03-19T19:10:00.033-04:00

"The Happy End of Franz Kafka's 'Amerika'" (1994)

"We don't have problems with mozzarella and basilikum, because we pay back with mousse au chocolat!"- Kippenberger

Martin Kippenberger is widely known as the preeminent contemporary German artist who lived a life of immense excess: alcohol, drugs, art production and culture consumption and, as a consequence died tragically young. His work lives and breathes a sense of over-drive fueled by themes of failure, absurdity, humor, and social critic captured with such conceptual finesse. The Problem Perspective, Kippenberger's appropriately titled retrospective at the Moma, brilliantly explores the artist's complex views on pop-culture, the material-world and society through a lens of his vast cache of works and accomplishments. Of course, much like Andy Warhol, the extraordinary amount of art that Kippenberger produced was not so much impudence (such as a rusting Ford Capri on display-- can this really be art?) as pushing the limits of what he could get away with.

Absurdity and humor are paramount to Kippenberger. In a series of declarations, titled "No Problem" (co-written with Oehlen,) the artist explores the paradoxical world of "problems" created by our faulty society. He proclaims in this manifesto, among other things: "We don't have problems with shoe cleaners, we step in shit." Or, "We don't have problems with fools, because they speak our language." Hand in hand with this witty world view, Kippenberger was keenly aware of social hierarchies and ranks that pester society. In his largest installation featured at the Moma, "The Happy End of Franz Kafka's 'Amerika'" (1994) Kippenberger set up a series of random seats and desks--the kind of treasures and trash that one would find at a flea market or a trash dump. The functional objects are positioned on a vast green field, a football field of sorts, and we the audience are to sit on the bleachers watching the motionless spectacle of opponenets confronting each other while 'Funky Town' a 1980's Lipps Inc. single blares on the TV. (You've all heard it before: "Well, I talk about it/ Talk about it/Talk about it/Talk about it/Talk about,/Talk about/Talk about movin.") The piece reflects society as well as the system that define and structure social relations: this is a competitive match between the functional yet shabby flea market treasures, against the highly impractical design conscious seating. It is a rivalry and a struggle between the two layers of society: rich and poor, privileged and underprivileged, as denoted by what we sit on.

Failure is another theme that Kippenberger explores in his work. "The House with Slits" depicts a series of three modern, architectural structures. Each canvas depicts a different 'institution'-- The Betty Ford Clinic-- for the treatment of alcohol and substance abuse, Stammhein,-- a German high security prison and the Jewish Elementary School . The structures are failures in many respects, two obvious ones: they are failures as architectural oeuvres and failures of Utopian ideals on discipline and punish. Foucault anyone?

"Every picture I see belongs to me the instant I understand it," Kippenberger once said and his art, in its rudimentary form seeks to challenge notions of authorship and originality. In the series "Dear Painter, Paint for Me" (1981), the artist hired the sign painter, Mr. Werner, who is credited for actually painting the works of art. This series, depicts Kippenberger in a performance; here the artist as actor, as impersonator, as (once again) humorist shines through. The recurring motif of a deluded fried egg finds its way into many of his works. Always "sunny-side-up," the egg acts as Kippenberger's alter ego-- supposedly he used the egg only because, "Warhol already had the banana."

Dear Painter, Paint for Me" (1981)

Mini-series delight: North and South

2009-03-13T18:34:00.013-04:00

Based on Elizabeth Gaskell's novel the critically acclaimed BBC mini-series North and South (2004) is an absolute favorite of mine! It is an immensely romantic, slightly clichéd, wonderfully historical drama starring the darling Richard Armitage as Mr. John Thornton and Daniela Denby-Ashe as the lovely Ms. Margret Hale. The series bears a superficial resemblance to Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice, but in my opinion trumps it on all accounts.

Watch out Mr. Darcy, Mr. Thornton is makin' moves! Ha!

Film: Entre Les Murs (2008)

2009-03-05T14:14:00.019-05:00

Entre Les Murs, or The Class as its known State-side, is a film that follows the lives of Monsieur Marin, (François Bégaudeau) the stubborn and sincere French language teacher and his rowdy, impish, multi-ethnic class just outside the bourgeoisie walls of Paris. This 2006 Palm d'Or winner at Cannes Film Festival is based on Bégaudeau's book and chronicles in a pseudo-documentary style a year in the life of a teacher's struggles with the Parisian public school system. The movie effectively highlights the clashes of culture, and the ever-present racial tensions in a "post-colonial" France; although many of the students are essentially French by birth, their identity remains that of their ancestors--mostly from Africa and the Caribbean. The themes of assimilation and integration versus the quest for independent identity and diversity are all too familiar in Europe today, and this movie highlights with destructive consequences its cost.

At the start of the movie, Monsieur Marin exudes a steady, patient, and witty demeanor-- clearly revealing his ability to challenge and engage the class through stimulating debates. As the year progresses, however, his shortcomings as an educator become more apparent and are agonizing to watch as his gentle commanding voice and his witty, jovial character betray him as he navigates through the testing waters of the pubescent and defiant classroom. Frayed by the constant rebelliousness, Marin seeks refuge behind the disengaged and disdainful Principal and public school system-- a cowardly act in the eyes an audience, but most importantly, in the eyes of his own pupils.

Despite all good intentions by Marin and others, Entre Les Murs reveals without pretense the imperfections of a teacher, the flawed nature of a school system and a fractured society.

Film: A Triumphant Community Organizer: (no...not Obama...) Harvey Milk

2009-03-02T11:13:00.029-05:00

Thankfully, the Academy Awards got something right this year! Sean Penn is brilliant. He captures with subtle nuances the mannerisms, humor, sarcasm, and defiance of Harvey Milk. The year is 1970, its New York City and Harvey, a closeted insurance executive has yet to traverse cross-country to San Fransisco to realize his forthcoming role as the remarkable neighborhood and (human) rights activist-come-first openly gay politician on the American political stage. Milk (2008) directed by the immensely talented Gus van Sant, tells the story of Harvey's political and personal struggle towards an effective voice for the gay community. Starring a supurb cast including the always exceptional Sean Penn and Josh Brolin as well as James Franco, Diego Luna, Emile Hirsch. A must see!

Theater: Chehkov's Uncle Vanya

2009-03-02T11:10:00.020-05:00

Suffering, tension, destruction and idleness are the basis for many of Chekhov's simple yet masterful comedy-combined-tragedies, and Uncle Vanya is no exception. It is a story about an Uncle (Vanya) and a niece (Sonya) and their frustrated longings (unrequited love) and wasted lives, made apparent by the idle summer months and the arrival of Yelena's (Sonya's step-mother) charm and infectious indolence.

But, a play's potential drifts far beyond the pages of the author's script and lies in the hands of the director, actors and stage designers. Unfortunately the New York production of Uncle Vanya, performed at the intimate Classic Stage Company (CSC), fails on two fronts-- or perhaps even two and a half. The bounty of talents performing inculding, Denis O'Hare (as Uncle Vanya), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Yelena), Peter Sarsgaard (Dr. Astov) and Mammie Gummer (Meryl Streep's daughter who plays Sonya) did their best to keep this performance afloat. But the issue was not so much the actors as their misdirection by Austin Pedelton. While Mammie Gummer was a little jewel (thanks, more to her mother's direction than Mr. Pedelton!) as she subtly captures with immense humor and emotion the anguish and distress of Sonya's love-perdicatment, the competition was fierce between Denis O'Hare, Peter Sarsgaard and Maggie Gyllenhaal. The three indisputably talented actors never seemed to find their 'place' in the larger framework of the production--something that Pedelton could have easily put to rest with greater direction. From the very first scene where Dr. Astov enters languidly strumming a guitar, a discomforting tension hangs above the stage and production that is never fully resolved-- a pressure created by the exceedingly large and imposing stage design, not suitable at all for the small, intimate space of CSC. This could have been a brilliant production...but falls short.

Art: The Armory Show March 5-8th, 2009

2009-03-01T23:09:00.020-05:00

For a brief four days in mid-March, the New York art scene takes a ride uptown from its home in Chelsea to the make-shift bungalow on the Hudson River: Pier 92 & 94 in Mid-town West. The New York Armory show is the hub of the art scene this time of year. Here art dealers, gallery owners, patrons, art-students, and critics alike gather to be a part of the scene, and above all, gauge the year's art market. As the DOW slid 300 points while I was aimlessly wandering the gallery stalls-- I could almost feel the art-balloon of the past decade rapidly deflate, as the hushed tones of anxious gallerists and persistent patrons negotiated prices. The word on the street is that many galleries were willing to offer deals of up to 30% off..unheard of just a year ago.

Indeed, if there was any inkling of an economic depression, it was written on the crisp white walls at The Armory. Massimo De Carlo, hung a slab of marble engraved in gold, "Everyone is Broke"; the small work on paper blatantly reading in red ink: "Keep Calm and Carry On," as if saying: "don't open your Fidelity envelopes, or your 401-K statements, and for God's sake don't sell." Another work, vast in both scale and price, (reportedly going for 100k !!) was a black and white portrait of ponzi schemer Bernard L. Madoff by the Chinese artist Yan Pei-Ming. It went unsold, supposedly.

Despite the depressing economic back-drop, all works considered, from the Botero's, Picasso's and Lucian Freud to the psychic-apothecary by Christine Hill, the mood was one of resilience at The Armory this year. Jack Pierson's "Believe" sums it up.

Best Latte in the city: Everymanespresso

2009-03-01T18:40:00.006-05:00

136 East 13th Street
(Between 3rd and 4th Ave)
OPEN 8am-8pm EVERY DAY

To get a real caffine-induced wake-up call don't go to Starbucks...THIS is THE place for a delicious smooth soynofoamextrashotlatte, and to top it off (if you are the beauty conscious type) presentation matches taste! Rumor has it that this is where Tom-Kat go for not only their delicious lattes but also their entertainment, the play house: Classic Stage Company is in the same building. Enjoy!

Film: Gomorrah. When Mafiosos Rule.

2009-02-27T22:55:00.011-05:00

Gomorrah (2008) by Matteo Garrone is an immensely powerful, raw and compelling film that seeks to challenge the classic and conventional mobster/gangster movie that has so dominated Hollywood and our respective perceptions. May the viewer beware, this is not a reinvention of Al Pacino’s Tony Montana from Scarface, nor is it an attempt to recycle Marlon Brando’s Vito Corleone from the Godfather series (don’t be fooled by Martin Scorsese’s name attached the film’s credits!). Gomorrah removes us farther from Hollywood’s hills than many are comfortable with and hurls us into the callous and ruthless streets at the lower tip of the Italian geographical boot: Naples. The characters are generally unattractive in appearance; the Neapolitan dialect is horrendous to the ears and the Italian landscape vistas and 'amore' are foregone leaving us with concrete barricades reminiscent more of NYC “projects” than of the Italian villas that we are accustomed to imagining.

The film weaves together five distinct stories to show how the Neapolitan mafia, the Camorra saturates through all levels of the population. We follow Marco and Ciro, two gangly, hormonal, and idealistic teenagers who recite lines from Scarface and seek to disrupt the Camorra’s activities—but, just for laughs. We watch as Toto, an innocent 13-year old gains entry into the Camorra, not fully realizing the sacrifices he must eventually make. The stories of Salvatore Cantalupo, a couture tailor whose factory is controlled by the Camorra to Toni Servillo, a businessman who is in the industry of ‘cleaning’ or really dumping toxic waste in neighboring lands all point to how the Camorra poison the fabric we wear and the soil we grow crops in. It is Gianfelice, who ties everyone together: he is the meek and compliant ‘money runner’ who we follow as he delivers the mob families their weekly payments. In each of the distinct stories, there are elements of resistence to the Camorra’s influence—all “want out” at some point, but the Camorra is not in the business of letting associates go, at least not alive.

It is a film of brutality, corruption, fearlessness, all encapsulating violence and its permeation and preponderance in society: “from high fashion to the very dirt” as the NYtimes critic Mahnola Dargis comments. In the words of New Yorker's Anthony Lane, it was indeed (yet another) Academy Award travesty that Gomorrah was not nominated!

Art: Artist's Choice + Vik Muniz = Rebus @ MoMa

2009-02-21T08:50:00.018-05:00

Frozen Foods, Irving Penn
From Artist's Choice + Vik Muniz = Rebus,
Special Exhibition Gallery 3rd floor

Perfectly composed edibles, splashed with naturally vibrant colors, captured neatly, intriguingly within a carefully delineated framework. A modern-day Jan van Eyck Stillleben one might assume. Indeed, Irving Penn's Frozen Foods (above) is just one work of 82 artworks within the exhibit: Rebus, in which one artist is chosen to assume the role of curator. In this exhibit Vik Muniz, a Brazilian artist dons the curatorial hat. Muniz seeks to explore the unlikely subject matter used in a variety of mediums: photography, canvas, sculpture, installation and video all from MoMa’s permanent collection. Rebus is defined by Muniz as “a puzzle in which unrelated visual and linguistic elements create a larger deductive meaning.” So, what does it mean when Frozen Foods is placed next to a sculpture of a plastic burger? Visual and tactile references to edible, but really, non-edible pieces of art. Throughout the exhibit my mind was searching endlessly for deeper meaning and possible connections between the clusters of work wittily and cleverly composed. But, with no thematic purpose defined in the exhibit, Muniz relinquishes meaning to the audience: make it what you want it to be, what you want it to mean! As Muniz says, “Rebus is a cognitive, visual ride that I hope will affect how visitors experience art here and in the rest of the Museum.”

Ballet: 21st Century Movements @ Lincoln Center

2009-02-19T00:09:00.017-05:00

You can have Wheeldon's Mercurial Manoevers performed to Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. (ugh!) and Melissa Barak's Simply Symphony. But Jorma Elo's fantastic Slice to Sharp, set to Vivaldi, is a tour de force of exhilarating energy and free-flowing movement. There is no story line so much as immense vivacity performed with a simple sharp diagonal shadow stretching across the stage. Well done!

Culture: Marie Belle, Edible Art

2009-02-19T00:08:00.019-05:00

MarieBelle, SoHo484 Broome St, between Wooster St and West Broadway
Open Everyday from 11am to 7pm
Walking South of Houston in sleet and snow is misreable. But luckily you are only a hop, skip and a jump from the charming little Parisien chocolaterie, MarieBelle, where mouth-watering smells of spicy hot-chocolate fill the air and a bounty of little luscious chocolate morsels are splayed in tiny (or enormous) boxes. From Champagne-flavored to Kona-Bean and Coconut, the choice is yours for $2.50/piece (!!). It seems as though Maribel Lieberman-- founder and designer-- has taken the movie Chocolat to heart with this successful venture; even in a down-turning economy, we must still have fine chocolate in 27 different flavors each one hand painted!

Film: Medicine for Melancholy

2009-02-17T10:18:00.016-05:00

Medicine for Melancholy is a delightful treat after a long day of wandering the streets of NYC. This unassuming romance, written and directed by Berry Jenkins, is set in the always summery San Francisco, which is a refreshing sojourn from the (sometimes) gritty and tenacious Manhattan. Wyatt Cenac who plays Micah, breathes freshness and unpredictability into the movie and into the sheltered and elegant life of Joanne (Tracey Heggins) with his gentle, whimsical and witty nature. The two officially meet at breakfast after a their unofficial meeting: a one-night stand. Beneath the sheen of San Francisco, Jenkins delves into the more pressing themes: race, gentrification of San Francisco, identity and relationships.

Art: Nick Veasey @ MFA Collection

2009-02-14T13:22:00.020-05:00

What if you could see the internal workings of a microphone or a flower? How about a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes or even a United Airlines Boeing 777? Using primarily X-ray and other scientific imaging equipment, Nick Veasey, a British photographer and filmmaker, captures the ordinary, the mundane objects of our everyday lives revealing their surprisingly fascinating interiors.

Veasey’s laborious creations are pseudo-scientific in technique and practice yet unconventional and thought-provoking pieces of art. Veasey has X-rayed over 4,000 objects ranging from cornet trumpets and other musical instruments, to New York buses and orchids. The Diasec-mounted works of art are sleek and incredibly design conscious-- Veasey can make even a farm-tractor look riveting. Conceptually, his works are equally captivating: in a world where so much emphasis is placed on outward beauty and aesthetics, it is refreshing to see an artist look beyond the surface of things-- to show the inner beauty of our most banal objects (of course, Jimmy Choo is never banal!).

Art: Elegant Armor: The Art of Jewelry @ MAD

2009-02-05T14:06:00.005-05:00

Thursdays from 5-9 are pay-what-you-want at the *new* MAD- Museum of Arts & Design, which a-la-MoMA usually charges an outrageous $20/person (unless you've kept an old student ID, which if you are lucky, might get you a $12 entry). For any New Yorker or New York lover, this building is a must. 2 Columbus Circle, the Museum's address, was the site of a highly publicized and long-winded debate including the voices of Tom Wolfe, Chuck Close and Frank Stella who were advocating for "the Lollipop Building's" original modernist design by Edward Stone. Those supporting the new design and redevelopment initiative included our own fave Mayor Bloomberg and the always outspoken architecture critic, Ada Louise Huxtable, of the Wall Street Journal. Thankfully, renovation prevailed. Now, a cleaner, sleeker building rises up from the southern point of Columbus Circle giving the grand 'crystal palace' of Time Warner Center a partner in crime at the South Western tip of Central Park. Although the building needs to work on its humidity level (it felt like a greenhouse inside) and the museum needs to cultivate better front desk manners, it was a surprisingly pleasant experience!

My intentions were to see MAD's new exhibit on jewelry titled 'Elegant Armor: The Art of Jewelry,' but I was a little disappointed with the meager selection. Yes, it had a few wonderfully snazzy pieces (particularly David Webb, Silk Cord Ring, 1967 and Gijs Bakker Armband (Bracelet), 1967) in the exhibit that totaled 200 pieces, but far too many 'arts and crafts' jewelry. I suppose my tastes are more traditional and classical than what I had thought! For curatorial aims the selection satisfied its purpose: the exhibit covered a variety of periods from the 1940's to present day each divided into thematic clusters of "Sculptural Forms," "Narrative Jewelry," "Painted and Textured Surfaces," and the "Radical Edge." Fortunately, jewelry is small so appreciating 200 pieces will take no time at all leaving plenty of time to see the rest....which turned out to be the best part.

'Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary' through April 19th, is a fabulous exhibit that draws on our creative and reflective capacities for everyday ordinary objects. This exhibition is a compilation of works by about 50 well established and emerging artists all centered around the theme of creating thought provoking 'objects of art' and installation pieces from quotidien life.

Highlights included: 'Trinity' by Andy Diaz and Laurel Roth, which is a chandelier made of syringes and pills; an insightful commentary upon our over-medicated and drug-ridden society. What was once crystal up on high, is replaced by drugs and medication that make us high (play on 'crystal meth' perhaps?). 'A Mixture of Frailties' by Susie MacMurry is a gorgeous coutour-esque gown made from rubber (medical?) gloves. Here we are again required to re-imagine materials and ideas-- wearing plastic is not associated with Haute Couture, but MacMurry's critique on fashion implies that if it's made to look good, someone might even wear plastic gloves. Or...is it a feminist statement of women reclaiming their domestic sphere of kitchen work and dishwashing plastic gloves in the form of fashionable dress? All in all, an interesting exhibition.

Art: Marlene Dumas: Measuring Your Own Grave @ MOMA

2009-02-04T22:16:00.005-05:00

The new Marlene Dumas retrospective at MOMA (her first mid-career retrospective State-side!) is an exhibit that should not be missed. Measuring Your Own Grave beautifully articulates Dumas' fearlessness in depicting the exquisit shock of an infant after birth, the tension of a pre-pubescent child, the hanging, flabby chin-flesh of a grandmother and the even the dead. The exhibit is woven together along loose thematic lines from topics on race relations and family psychology to terror. With a nod towards Expressionism's broad brush-strokes and abstraction, all within a framework of stark realism, we peer into a world of the anonymous, raw, violent yet beautiful faces and figures each one a commentary on society, history, politics and pyschology. Each canvas is a representation of individuals-- or really, they are of bodies and souls as they move through, and encounter events and incidents of art, life and politics. We don't ask who the figures are, but are more concerned with what they represent in our society. Marlene Dumas was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1953 but since the age of 23, she has been living and working in Amsterdam.