MoMa: Inventing Abstraction

In 1912 a new form of expression was revealed to the world in the form of abstract art. A handful of artists debuted their new and exciting artwork across several european cities. On December 23rd the exhibition Inventing Abstraction began at the MoMa, in New York City. Running until April 15th this is an in depth look at the beginning years of abstract art and the wildly important transitional years that follow. There are over 350 pieces of art on display, including illustrated books, sculpture, choreography, painting, stained glass, needlepoint, and film. The definition of abstract may seem elusive to some, but this is a collection that will shed a great light on the collective beginnings of the movement.

     

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Cultural Delights

We always love to share the music, art and creative things that people are doing that we think are worth checking out, so here are a few that we a currently loving!

Steve Martin, Shakespeare in the Park

 

This Summer, Shakespeare's  "As You Like It" will be presented during Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater from June 5th to June 30th. Why are we telling you this under a picture of Steve Martin playing a banjo you ask? Because this summer's show relocates As You Like It's heroine Rosalind and her Forest of Arden to America in the 1840's, where bluegrass and folk music perfectly define the time. Steve Martin, who is an accomplished banjo player and has recorded two albums with Steep Canyon Rangers, has composed all of the original music for the show, which will be played by a live bluegrass band during the performances! 

HAIM

This California based sisterly trio's love of music began at a very young age. Growing up with a singing and guitar playing mother, and a drumming father who started a family band when the girls were in middle school, playing local fairs and charity events. A love for classic rock and old school Americana has developed into an eclectic mix of nineties R&B, Old-school Rock, and nu-folk that is the girls' debut EP Forever. Which is available for a free download on their website.

Cindy Sherman

Recognized as one of the most important and influential artists in contemporary art, Cindy Sherman is a shape shifter in more ways than one. Not only has she donned hundreds of different personas over her 30 year career, she very often serves as her own photographer, model, makeup artist, hairdresser, stylist and wardrobe consultant. Right now at the MOMA a retrospective of her work is on display until June 11th. Showing over 170 photographs, the exhibition highlights Sherman's key series from the mid 70's to the present. Make sure to check it out if you are in NYC! 

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de Kooning: A Retrospective

Back in September the Museum of Modern Art began an exhibition dedicated to the entire career of Willem de Kooning. His colorful visions of beauty are among our favorites, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to study his life and his work dating back to his work before he moved to America in 1926.

In anticipation for the exhibit, Architectural Digest revisited their 1982 issue which features the East Hampton home and studio of Mr. de Kooning. It is a beautiful behind the scenes look into works in progress, rooms filled with light and overall inspiration from one of the most important artists of our time.
See the full slideshow here

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New Photography

If you are in New York at any point between now and January 12, make sure you stop by the MOMA and check out the New Photography exhibit! Featuring six photographers from all over the world (Canada, England, China, Holland and the United States) the exhibit focuses on the diversity and international scope of modern photography across the world. Here is a preview of a few of the photographers and some of their work. If you go, make sure to tell us all about it!

Deana Lawson, Her photos explore intimacy, sexuality and community in her portraits of people taken in their homes. 

George Georgio. A british photographer who lives in Istanbul and photographs extensively in Eastern Europe.

Viviane Sassen is a photographer who was born in Amsterdam, but was raised in Kenya. You can see the influence of this in her photography in her photographs that are taken in intentionally unidentified African countries, focusing on anonymous, faceless subjects. 

Doug Rickard is an American born photographer that explores ground level geography of urban areas using Google Street View

Moyra Davey is a Canadian born photographer that creates pictures using analog materials that are increasingly hard to come by in today's digital world. She then folds the pictures into envelope shapes and mails them to friends, and later collects the photos and displays them in grid form complete with stamps and markings.

Zhang Dali is a Chinese born artist that manipulates photos that were used as propaganda during the rule of Mao Tse Tung's Communist regime. 

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