Museum Musings: Korakrit Arunanondchai at MoMA PS1

Photo via MoMA PS1 website

I first learned of Bangkok-raised Korakrit Arunanondchai's work while browsing #ffffff walls and upon seeing images of his art I was instantaneously hooked. The fire, the denim, the lights, the sounds - how does he do it? I felt that if emotions were an actual thing, as opposed to a sentiment, this is what they would be made of. This is what they would look and sound like (if that makes any sense).

Photo by Brittany Natale for The Gypsy Musings

Anyway, Korakrit has his first solo museum exhibition going on right now at MoMa's PS1 in Queens, NY called "2012-2555". This large scale installation (which is slated to be the first of three) focuses on his artistic achievements from 2008-2011 and also centers around his grandparents as they convert their family garden into their elderly home. 

Photo by Brittany Natale for The Gypsy Musings / Comfy Time at PS 1 @ Korakrit Arunanondchai

"The works explored the cyclical nature of life and memory. For Arunanondchai, the work also evokes the death of his current practice and transformation into a new one" (MoMA PS1) 

The show will be up through May 25, 2014. 

Celebrate the Spring Equinox with Parachute Market (Los Angeles)

I really do wish that "being two places at once" was somehow possible, especially when I hear about some fantastic things happening on the West Coast (I am already envious of their consistent warm weather). But sadly, teleporting nor carbon copying ourselves still ceases to exist. 

This coming weekend in Los Angeles, the two-day, carefully curated Parachute Market will take place. Parachute Market, which is a seasonal design fair founded by set designer/interior decorator Coryander Friend in 2013, brings together both emerging and established artists and designers, allowing visitors to experience their new works. This season's market is inspired by the Spring Equinox - and the market will be a way to celebrate this season of light. In addition to the artists' and designers' works there will also be site-specific installations, live performances, and a communal table of local food artisans. I am having some serious FOMO right now. For a full list of participators click here. 

Below are some shots from their Summer 2013 market, "Psychedelic Summer": 

All Images via Parachute Market website

Finding Pablo (Picasso at the Met)

Picasso Photo taken by Brittany Natale for The Gypsy Musings at the Metropolitan Museum of Art NYC

Art Crush: Pawel Althamer at the New Museum

Pawel Althamer's Exhibition 2014 "The Neighbors": Image via the New Museum, Photo by Nick Hunt

Last Thursday I was determined - determined to take the B39 into Manhattan after work and go to the New Museum (something I have been putting off for ages, sadly). On Thursdays the New Museum is open late (until 9PM) and if you have great patience for crowds you can also gain entry on a donation-basis from 7-9PM (I arrived at 6:30 and could not wait the extra 30 minutes, I was too excited to get into the exhibit that I said "screw it!" and paid the regular admission price). 

Photo by Brittany Natale for The Gypsy Musings

Anyways, Polish artist Pawel Althamer has an exhibition going on at the New Museum through April 13, 2014 called "The Neighbors", which includes "Draftsmen's Congress" - a blank white space located in the Fourth Floor Gallery where visitors are encouraged to paint and draw on. 

Artist Beth Hoeckel's Dreamy Landscapes and Cosmic Scenes

Indian Summer by Beth Hoeckel

I have been obsessed with collages/collaging for as long as I can remember. Every notebook I had in grade school would become covered in magazine cut outs during the first week of classes and the interior of my high school locker was a whole project within itself (so. much. decoupage.).  So it only makes sense that Beth Hoeckel's collaged pieces are some of my favorite works of art. Ever! 

Moonrise by Beth Hoeckel

I have been a fan of Beth for quite some time now. I first came across her work while coordinating a group show, then serendipitously came across her pieces again while perusing Rookie Mag and as of recently her art always seems to find me while I am on Society 6. Using found images from the pages of (mostly) thrifted vintage books, Baltimore-based Beth Hoeckel creates dreamy landscapes and cosmic scenes that incorporate both the ordinary and unordinary. And now for your viewing pleasure: 

Summer Stars by Beth Hoeckel

Crystal Ball by Beth Hoeckel

Now You See Me, Now You Don't: Emma Hack at Rebecca Hossack Gallery NYC

Photoa via Emma Hack

Australian artist Emma Hack, who previously collaborated with Gotye for his "Somebody That I Used to Know" video, has a solo show going on right now at Rebecca Hossack Gallery in SoHo, NYC from February 19th through March 12th. Using body paint to camouflage her subjects' bodies into patterned backgrounds, it can take Hack between 8-15 hours of painting depending on the intricacy of the design. Hack's work is part disguise but totally wonderful. 

Photo via Emma Hack

Hometown of the Emoji: Dominique Petrin's Screenprinted Spaces

"Hotline", Photo via Dominique Petrin

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to live inside a land of digitalized color, aka the hometown of the emoji,  you do not have to wonder any more. Montreal-based artist Dominique Petrin creates vivid installations by making colorful silkscreen prints and then strategically placing them to create totally immersive spaces. Her works may include some geometric patterns, digitalized areas reminiscent of Mario Brothers backgrounds, pixelated palm trees and a "poop" emoji thrown in for good measure. Her decorated spaces remind me of a rendering of the dream house I would have created while obsessed with "The Sims". Check out some of her work below: 

"House of Xtravaganza" Photo via Dominique Petrin

"Hotline",  Photo via Dominique Petrin

"Hotline", Photo by Dominique Petrin 

Katharina Grosse Installation Brings Some Tye-Dye Terrain to Brooklyn

(Photo from Public Art Fund: Courtesy of the artist and Johann Konig, Photo by James Ewing) 

I am a sucker for adventures - it does not matter how big or small they are, if it looks to be interesting (even in the slightest bit) I will strap up my boots and journey on into the horizon. Okay, so I live in New York City so it is not like I am climbing mountaintops or kayaking the rapids on the daily, but nonetheless there is nothing like a great/teensy adventure to keep the day interesting.

I recently learned about the Public Art Fund, which is a wonderful non-profit organization that works to bring contemporary art installations to the wonderful people of New York City (for free). Maybe you recognize them from their July-December 2013 City Hall Park installation "Lightness of Being" or their installation of Rob Pruitt's "The Andy Monument" in Union Square a few years back. When I read that their current installation, Katharina Grosse's "Just Two of Us", had been installed in my home-borough of Brooklyn I had to see it. Capital H.A.D. because once I decide I am doing something I have to do it (oh the stories I have of all the things I just had to do). So to MetroTech Center I went….okay, more like ran.

Although I saw the installation while it was surrounded by third-day slush/snow combo (you can see my pic here: Instagram ), it was still quite nice seeing some tye-dye in the midst of concrete and all things grey.

The installation will be around through September 14, 2014 so you have some time to catch it!

The Art of Ballet

Image: JR-art.net 

At the age of 14, I went from living with my art-student-rocker-mother to instead moving in with a grandmother who sweared by Tchaikovsky and ONLY ever used fine china (cue the wire hanger scene from Mommy Dearest except substitute the metal hangers with disposable plates, okay not that bad). The evening background noise usually included the volume from PBS 13's showing of "The Nutcracker"  mixed with my grandmother practicing scales on the upright piano in the living room. From a young age, I was exposed to the world of dance, most specifically ballet, and even had it as an after school hobby for a good 10 years of my life. I still remember excitedly bouncing around the dance shop after my dance teachers broke the wonderful news to me: "You are now strong enough to join pointe!" I even once wore my Capezio ballet slippers as actual shoes (why why why?!) while in the city taking a Theater class during Sophomore year. I can still almost feel the grainy NYC sidewalk beneath my soles. 

So you can only imagine my excitement upon reading that French graffiti artist and 2011 TED prize winner JR was invited by the New York City Ballet not too long ago to create a very large scale art installation as part of the New York City Ballet's 2014 Art Series. Although the JR/NYCB collaborative "Art Series" performance tickets are currently not available online any more, the large art installation installed on the promenade's floor will be open free to the public Feb 2-9. A huge vinyl photograph of the dancers will adorn the promenade floor - inviting all to literally step into the art. Street artist meets ballet - the surprisingly perfect combination. 

//Cutlog

*All photos belong to Brittany Natale unless otherwise noted.* 

May is not only only wonderful because it means that summer is just around the corner but because it also means art fairs galore. Although I intended on going to more (such as NADA, Bushwick/Ridegwood Frieze Night, Parallax...okay, you get the idea) I was very pleased I made it to Cutlog. Cutlog, a French art fair that debuted in the Lower East Side this past weekend, included an extensive list of exhibitors from all over the world. Systematically set up in an old school (The Clemente on Suffolk Street) fair goers were able to easily browse through art of all kinds. Bring on the art!

Photo property of House of the Nobleman

Ryan and Trevor Oakes, "London City," Ink on cotton paper, linen tape, 7"x9"x12", 2012 shown at Cutlog NYC 2013.

Borrowed Books

 

Now with the weather finally getting nicer and the days becoming longer it is much easier (and tempting) to go on little adventures around town. I found this little gem, The Brooklyn Art Library, after stumbling upon their website. I was instantly hooked! It is a library space in North Williamsburg that is home to The Sketchbook Project - over 26,000 (rapidly growing) sketchbooks from people all over the world of all ages and backgrounds. What I thought would be a short visit actually turned out to a be whole inspirational afternoon full of looking through these lovely little pieces of art. If you can't make it to the art library (take a trip - I ensure you it is worth it!) you can always browse their digital collection through their website. Here is one of my favorites (that is also super impressive) Marie Lefebvre's.  

 

And if getting the chance to snoop through people's personal sketchbooks isn't an incentive enough, did I mention that Mast Brothers Chocolate Factory is right down the block? 

The Brooklyn Art Library

103 North 3rd St. Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Mast Brothers Chocolate

111 North 3rd St. Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Filling In

   Due to my lack of internet (new apartment = no web, eeee!) I was not able to note down my current adventures. But here we go:

My backyard 11 year old birthday party (complete with a pinata and oodles of candy)

And look at how sweet: