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. 

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!