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Huh? What? Where'd she go? As much as I'd love to say that I've been hibernating in Creuse, France and without internet access, the reality is that I became an interviewing fool these past few weeks. And it all paid off -- I got me a new creatively-stimulating gig as Web Editor for New Jersey Life Magazine. I'll be back to posting more frequently in another week or so ... don't miss me too much!
I was first introduced to the pair on March 21, 2000 at the opening reception of the Whitney Biennial. Their video collaboration, The History of Glamour, combined the codes of fiction with reality, fashion with art, and animation with MTV.
Jeremy Blake's stunningly beautiful video for Beck's "Round the Bend" appears above.
This is a big, bold leap for the usually conservative Met, and hopefully a sign of renewed interest and commitment to showcasing contemporary art in the context of the entire history of art.
What's especially surprising to me is that Philippe de Montebello, current director of the Met, is actually letting this happen. Let's recall his 1999 NY Times Op-Ed piece complimenting Mayor Rudolph Giuliani for his "aesthetic sensibilities" and how he refers to the "Sensation" exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art -- where the shark made its first state-side appearance -- as nothing more than a "collection of bad art." (Note: I would link to the Op-Ed piece, but it has mysteriously disappeared from the Met's Web site). Perhaps the director has since realized that his job is to present the public with different and challenging works of art so that we may make our own decisions about it? (Because I'm sure it has nothing to do with publicity or increasing museum attendance).
Are you afraid to take your children to the art museum? Don't be! Children are curious, and nothing nurtures that sense of wonder and creativity like a trip to the art museum. With careful planning and preparation, a day trip to the museum is not as difficult as you might think, and the rewards are tremendous: recent Guggenheim-sponsored research indicates that looking at art helps youngsters build important critical-thinking and literacy skills, plus it's undeniable that art helps children better understand the world we live in. Here are some simple steps to help get your family on its way.
Planning Your Visit
- Before the big visit, talk with your kids about what they will see. Even better, show them pictures on the museum's web site. This will help set expectations (they won't be seeing dinosaur bones at a contemporary art space, for instance) and build excitement (ah, but there is an Ancient Egyptian temple for us to walk through).
- Explain to your children that the works housed in museums are treasures and every effort must be made to keep them safe. Go over the rules: speak in calm voices, look with your eyes and not your hands, and always stay with an adult.
- Do your own homework! Research the museum to find out what will be on display during your visit. You know your child's interests best, so hit those potential hot spots first. Also, confirm the store and cafe hours, and learn the museum's layout and general policies. Knowing in advance there are no bathrooms in the American Art wing might mean you visit that area before lunch.
- Plan to visit during the week when it's less crowded. Go when the kids are fresh and well-rested.
- Check in with the information desk on the day of your visit to see what family-friendly programs are running. Many museums include family activities or facilities right in the general admission cost.
- Be prepared to take breaks! Don't expect your kids to spend the entire day in the museum ... plan for snacks, bathroom, and general sanity breaks. (After an hour and a half indoors, I bet the kids would love to see the museum's outdoor sculpture garden!).
Looking at Art with Children
- Pack a sketchbook and a pencil so your children can record their reactions to the art work. Another fun idea ... ask them to draw what they see.
- Keep the conversation lively! Ask these questions: What do you see? What do you see in the art that makes you say that? It's also fun playing "I SPY" or asking your children to name the colors, shapes, or even materials used in the art work.
Post-visit Activities
- How did the art work inspire you? Encourage your children to create their own art after the museum visit.
- Keep learning! Go to your local library to find out more about a new favorite artist or a piece of artwork that your children enjoyed.
- Start collecting! Rocks, dolls, Pez dispensers -- anything goes -- just think about how to display your own collection and whom you'd want to share it with.
And if you are wandering aimlessly along Route 206 in Skillman on Thursday, July 12 -- preferably between 6 and 8 p.m. -- you'd best make your way to the Montgomery Center for the Arts. Todd Baldwin, Berendina Buist, and Clem Fiori will be unveiling new work and celebrating New Jersey Voices I -- an exhibit that runs through July 29.
Todd will also be making a special appearance at the gallery on Sunday, July 15, between 1 and 3 p.m. to further discuss his latest body of work.
And since you're already in the neighborhood, peep Kayt's Black Tape exhibit at the Jersey City Museum. It's up through August 12.
Northampton, Mass.-based artist and graphic designer Marisa Filippone recently opened Dandie in the Underworld, a small boutique and art space featuring recycled goods. She is a true gem: I adore her musings at bikes and birds, long to own one of her paintings, and think she has excellent taste in music.
1Q: What is your favorite word?
MF: I’ve always loved the word, nonchalant. I guess for what it means and how it sounds.
2Q: What is your least favorite word?
MF: Wicked! It’s just one of those new england slang words that I really dislike.
3Q: What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?
MF: Tag sales, flea markets, vintage shopping, farmers markets, sunny days, flowers, animals, laughter.
4Q: What turns you off?
MF: Negativity, complaining, and laziness.
5Q: What sound or noise do you love?
MF: Birds singing, my cats purring and meowing, brian playing drums
6Q: What sound or noise do you hate?
MF: Anything sudden. I startle very easily.
7Q: What is your favorite curse word?
MF: Fuckhead is a good one.
8Q: What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
MF: A food critic.
9Q: What profession would you not like to attempt?
MF: An actress.
10Q: If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
MF: Welcome to the party, we’ve been waiting for you!
Lambertville, New Jersey's fine art scene is riddled with purists and traditionalists. If you're in the market for a watercolor painting of a farmhouse created en plein air or an oil on panel depicting flora and fauna, then this is your town ... and the time to visit is now. The Artsbridge 13th Annual Juried Show, a self-proclaimed assemblage of the area's most prominent artists, is opening at Riverrun Gallery on Saturday, June 30. The reception is from 6 to 9 p.m.
The show, albeit painting heavy, fairly represents and celebrates the energy of this river region. Unfortunately, that energy mostly encourages passive viewing. Yes, the displayed works are admittedly pretty and soothing -- often depicting that ideal escapism that most people, including myself, seek -- but the majority of the show falls short of challenging or inspiring the viewer. Then again, perhaps the viewer would be most pleased with an unchallenging piece of art that matches the couch?
Of the 105 included works, I'd like to tell you about 3 truly standout pieces. I'm sad to say that none of these works received awards or recognition from the selection committee, so artists, if you see this, know that somebody out there loved your stuff.
(1) Ann Calandro, "A" My Name is Annie
Using various combinations of plain and textured paper, ink, pencil, acrylic and watercolor paint, charcoal, fabric, ribbon, small objects and non-digital photographs, Ann has masterfully created a well-composed cityscape. This mixed/media collage is just bustling, and beautifully marries the real and imaginary.
(2) Woody Carter, Seated Nude
Charcoal is one of my favorite mediums -- it can be an absolute disaster to work with and easily distributes itself wherever it can -- but when controlled, as is the case with Woody's contribution to the exhibit, it can be effectively beautiful. This is also an example of negative space lending to good design; the tones have been reversed so the subject itself is blank while the space around it is completely shaded.
(3) Reny Willoughby, Reproduction of Zircen
This work is experimental pottery at it's finest and firmly helps to re-establish ceramics as a fine art medium. The burnt bulbous body of Reny's work gives way to 7 mouths, each with it's own varying degree of openness. Five of the passages are obstructed with white, egg-like nuggets, while the remaining 2 allow for internal examination. I might not be able to tell you what this all means, but take my word for it: this is a remarkable piece.
Enjoy the show, folks.
Discouraged by the "do not touch" signs and evil-eyed security guards commonplace in galleries and museums? Then visit The Monmouth Museum and Cultural Center in Lincroft June 22 - August 19 for the Please Touch Sculpture exhibit featuring the art of the Sculptors' Association of New Jersey. Sure, the museum is clearly reaching out to vision-impaired art enthusiasts (audio descriptive devices and braille labels will also be available), but let's face it: wouldn't we all just love to handle the sculpture?
The Monmouth Museum is on the Brookdale Community College campus, Newman Springs Road, Lincroft. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $6; children under 2 free. (732) 747-2266
Lambertville, NJ-based Todd Baldwin is an artist, preparator, exhibition designer, curator, and teacher. (He's also my husband). Ten of his newest photomontages can be seen in the New Jersey Voices I exhibit at the Montgomery Center for the Arts (June 29 - July 29).
1Q: What is your favorite word?
TB: Kimberly. I just like saying it. I like the imagery I have associated with it.
2Q: What is your least favorite word?
TB: Anxiety. It's difficult to deal with.
3Q: What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?
TB: (laughs) You do, Kimberly. (laughs again) You don't like that answer, do you?
4Q: What turns you off?
TB: Bad art. (pauses) Maybe not. Maybe rude people.
5Q: What sound or noise do you love?
TB: (laughs) Are you really writing down every word I say? I love the sound of Storey laughing.
6Q: What sound or noise do you hate?
TB: You or Storey crying ... that painful, I'm hurt cry. That and screeching cars.
7Q: What is your favorite curse word?
TB: Fuck, shit, bitch, cock, balls -- said all together like that and in that specific order.
8Q: What profession, other than your own, would you like to attempt?
TB: There are so many. Truck driver. Rigger. Painter.
9Q: What profession would you not like to attempt?
TB: Window washer. I am afraid of heights.
10Q: If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
TB: Two olives or three for your martini, Mr. Baldwin?
