Combining forces of life and nature to create some of
the best surrealistic sculptures in the world is something Not Vital has done for over 20 years. Not Vital, born in Switzerland, is
50 Snowballs
considered to be one of the leading sculptors of today.
The artist uses plaster, marble, gold, and silver to bring his pieces to life. There are no boundaries, space is never an issue, at times an entire room is created into a “piece,” the lighting, walls, and floorboards all become a part art.
Lotus
It is pieces like “8 Halves,” with the long scraggly horse legs, that give some of his work a Salvador Dali feel to it, but there is no doubt Not Vital’s work is unique and thought provoking.
The Boyfriend
His latest participation in an exhibition featured his piece, “The Boyfriend,” as part of London’s Frieze Art Fair this past October.
A story of two women living in South Africa during the 1950′s apartheid. The viewer witnesses the struggle between black and white, men and women, traditional and nontraditional. In theaters October 29th, 2008.
1967 marks the initiation of Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, a branch of the Smithsonian, whose entire collection focuses soley on design. Cooper-Hewitt is located in the cornerstone Andrew Carnegie Mansion on 5th Avenue and 91st Street in Manhattan. On the grand staircase you will find large, almost eerie portraits of Carnegie and his wife Louise Whitfield. The couples’ eyes seem to follow you as you ascend or descend the ruby red carpeted staircase. Browsing through the museums incredible displays and exhibits I couldn’t shake the feeling that any moment I would bump into Andrew Carnegie himself.
Ghost or no ghost, the Cooper-Hewitt is improperly lost in the shadows of New York City’s more popularly known art museums, but an absolute must see. Fall is prime time to drop in at the innovative mansion. October 19th marks the 3rd annual National Design Week which offers FREE admission and hosts a series of public programs. As a viewer, participation is encouraged through an online vote for the People’s Design Award. Trophies, certificates, and ribbons will be issued on the night of October 23rd at the National Design Awards Gala. Tickets are available online for the Gala After-Party with music by Cosmo Baker.
One of my friends recommended I check out this band called Minus the Bear, a rock band from Seatle with, apparently, 6 albums under their belt. Upon first listen you think “hmm ok maybe this is something I could be into.” Then the track called “Hey! Is That a Ninja up There?” starts to play. The sound quality of Minus the Bear resembles a CD one could record in their very own basement. Perhaps I’ll give them another listen, perhpas not. Maybe I’m just not that into rock? Nah. You can check them out for yourself as Minus The Bear is on tour this fall. October 25th, Webster Hall, 6pm.
Oliver inherits the family business. When he finds out its about to go bankrupt Oliver and his girlfriend, Rose, decide to take matters into their own hands. The film was released October 3rd.
The exhibit is an eclectic blend of photographs ranging from portraits of an Alabama sharecropping family in the 1970s to photos of Andy Warhol taken in a photo booth. The Times called this collection “better than the first, largely because of its variety of works (by artists male and female, young and old, American and European, famous and fledgling.)”
The exhibition is only in the Met until October 19th so hurry up while you still can. Go on, take a field trip.
Lykke Li, also known as Li Lykke Timotej Zachrisson, is from Stolkholm, Sweden. A former dancer for Swedish TV, Lykke Li released her first album in the States, Youth Novels, this past May, 2008.
I find Lykke Li’s music to be captivating. Her speaky-singing voice, simple lyrics and catchy beats produce a light and enjoyable Sedish pop album.
“love is the harmony. desire is the key. love is the melody. now sing it with me.” And who could say no to that?
Lykke Li is playing at both the Music Hall of Williamsburg, October 20th, and Bowery Ballroom, October 21st. Both shows are sold out. If you have tickets I demand you come back here and give some feedback.
