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. 

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!

Species by the Thousands: Little Magical Treasures of Williamsburg

For as long as I can remember I have always had such a soft spot for earthy, psychedelia inspired jewelry items, although I am not sure where this love for these magical pieces came from. You see, I grew up in NYC and never had a proper backyard or that many encounters with raw nature yet I still find myself so entranced and intrigued by pieces that draw inspiration directly from the natural world. Maybe I am subconsciously making up for the lack of Mother Nature I had growing up.

That said, I found a charming little shop in Williamsburg, not too far from my job, that I stumbled upon while window shopping for a friend's birthday present. I had seen passersby holding "Species by the Thousands" paper shopping bags around town and am almost certain I follow them on Instagram  but had never before bothered to visit their brick and mortar store. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

Although I was quite in a rush to catch the bus so I didn't have the time to properly browse and eventually purchase something, there were quite a few items that caught my eye:

Moon Phase Earrings $60.00

Inca Palo Santo Resin Incense $20.00

Soap Rocks $15.00

Sun Necklace $120.00 

Species by the Thousands

171 S. 4th St.

Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11211

www.speciesbythethousands.com

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: