ANTHONY HADEN-GUEST photographed at the recent KENT DORN opening. FREIGHT+VOLUME, this past Nov 4, 2010.
PHOTO: COPYRIGHT NANCY SMITH
EMILY SMITH & PAGE SIX report this morning that: ‘ANTHONY HADEN-GUEST fell flat on his face in the middle of a packed party the other night at Wall at W South Beach hosted by VITO SCHNABEL, ALEX DELLAL, STAVROS NIARCHOS and ABY ROSEN. “I tripped over my shoelace,” the accident-prone author and bon vivant told us. He previously broke a finger after tripping over the same shoes – “and I’m still wearing the bloody pair.” But Haden-Guest admits, “I did have a fair amount of wine. Maybe I was over-celebrating my new book, IN THE MEAN TIME.” He partied until 3 am with SEAN PENN, ALBER ELBAZ and SUSAN SARADON.’ !!
told ya. one hot potato.
and, if you think he trips over his shoelaces – you should see him, ‘tripping’ around some pretty young thing . . .
ANTHONY HADEN-GUEST – ‘IN THE MEAN TIME’ – ‘THE OTHER ENDS OF THE WORLD’ – ‘CARTONS & DARK LIGHT VERSE’
published by FREIGHT+VOLUME – 530 WEST 24th ST – NEW YORK. PAPERBACK EDITION of 2500. ($20)
~and trips over his shoelaces !! |
Posted in The Bomb | By Nancy Smith | December 6th, 2010, 8:03am
ha. speaking of which – comix, of course & art books, for sure – and, festivals !! – the news from MIAMI is that FREIGHT+VOLUME is debuting ANTHONY HADEN-GUEST’S new volume In The Mean Time – “a sparkling compilation of recent drawings and verse tackling the art world” to great acclaim. The slim illustrated tome has already been heralded by JERRY SALTZ, JAY McINERNEY, and JOHN RICHARDSON among others – as “a satirical tour-de-force”. Edited by YASHA WALLIN and designed by EMILY ANDERSON, the FREIGHT+VOLUME book was launched last nite – with a big party at the STANDARD HOTEL.
ANTHONY will be reading and signing copies in the FREIGHT+VOLUME BOOTH at the PULSE ART FAIR, DEC 2-5th, 2010 – Booth E-305 and at several other venues. yeah – go get yourself a signed copy.
see: PULSE MIAMI – THE ICE PALACE – 1400 NORTH MIAMI AVE, at NW 14th ST – MIAMI !!
FREIGHT+VOLUME FOUNDER NICK LAWRENCE and MANAGING DIRECTOR KEVIN KAY are really excited by the southern splashdown of Anthony’s new book – which they produced – as well as the warm reception their gallery booth has been garnering. featured artists include: TATIANA BERG, KENT DORN, whose current show in NYC – is wowing everybody, ANDREW GUENTHER – a personal fav, DAMIAN STAMER, PETER HUCHISON of ‘ROBOT CITY’ fame, and ALI SMITH. as well as works by TRUDY BENSON, ERIK DEN BREEJEN, PETER HOFFMAN, RUSSELL TYLER, CHAD PERSON and DAVID BASKIN.
as well FREIGHT+VOLUME is proud to announce that the OKAY MOUNTAIN ART COLLECTIVE . . . a really happening 10 person artist collective outta AUSTIN, TEXAS – who they profiled with a gallery show this past summer 2010 – has one of the featured artist installations at PULSE MIAMI – an EXTREME TRAILER !! aka the “customization of automobiles and barbecue pit trailers” !! which is a kind of low-key or down-low way of saying – wow, as these few pix easily attest to. or as we call it here in the Northeast – tailgating !!
IMAGES COURTESY: OKAY MOUNTAIN & FREIGHT+VOLUME
and p.s. a little bird told us that: Le Baron is still the raging insider party of choice – 6 or 7 PM or was that am ?? – ha – every nite – in the basement of the DELANO – aka – the LENNY KRAVITZ FLORIDA ROOM !!
OMG !! – I asked for confirmation – and – it is 6 or 7 – in the AM !! WATCH OUT – PARTY HEARTY MIAMI DOESN’T BREAK OFF !!
AND HEAD OUT TO – SEA !! or as our source says: “ARTWORLD REVELRY – TO THE MAX !!”
. . . but the big deal is – we got the very first advance copy of ANTHONY’S new book, In the Mean Time fresh off the presses – and air freighted to NYC – just for us – today !!
ANTHONY HADEN-GUEST – IN THE MEAN TIME – THE OTHER ENDS OF THE WORLD – CARTOONS & DARK LIGHT VERSE
Published by FREIGHT+VOLUME / VOLUME EDITIONS 2010
Publisher: NICK LAWRENCE / ART DIRECTION + DESIGN: EMILY ANDERSON / EDITOR: YASHA WALLIN
Printed by Apex Printing, Atlanta, GEORGIA – in an edition of 2500 paperback. ($20).
additionally a limited hardcover edition of 26 signed and lettered copies with an original drawing will be available ($500).
‘WELL, I’M BACK . . . DESPITE POPULAR DEMAND !!!’
‘COPYRIGHT, ED? THAT IS SO TWENTIETH CENTURY OF YOU’.
‘When aliens from beyond the stars
Thought to check out the human race
They knew they would need a welcoming space
A dive you can find just about any old place
Where they can probe our parts at a leisurely pace
So they’re here as Irish bars
Those shamrocks and harps are decoys designed
By an evil galactic mastermind
As I’m sitting here over a Jameson or three
Everything’s crystal clear to me.’
“SO I DIED
ALL MY DEAR OLD FRIENDS WERE SURROUNDING ME !
I WAS IN HEAVEN !
THEY TOLD ME WHAT THEY REALLY ALWAYS THOUGHT OF ME !
I WAS IN HELL.’
‘I AM NOT NORMALLY A CRUEL VINDICTIVE PERSON. BUT I’LL MAKE AN EXCEPTION
IN YOUR CASE !’
‘ . . . AND SOMETIMES I THINK SO QUICKLY THAT MOST PEOPLE
DON’T REALIZE THAT I AM THINKING AT ALL
CONFESSIONS OF A SECRET THINKER’
‘IT’S OKAY TO BE A DIRTY OLD MAN BUT
NOT A NEEDY OLD MAN’
‘IT DOESN’T COUNT IF…
ONLY ONE OF YOU REMEMBERS IT / IT’S A CRY FOR HELP / … IF NEITHER OF YOU KNOWS WHO THE OTHER IS !
‘IT WAS ONLY AN ACT OF MERCY’
‘THE HUMAN RACE : WINNERS + LOSERS’
‘ME ? I’M JUST A GIGOLO
BUT I’M BETWEEN GIGS RIGHT NOW’
‘I SHOULD HAVE HAD A BETTER EXIT STRATEGY’
‘SO ! I WAS WRONG’
ha.
PHOTOS – UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED: COPYRIGHT NANCY SMITH
~ANTHONY HADEN-GUEST STEALS MIAMI !! IN THE MEAN TIME !! |
Posted in The Bomb | By Nancy Smith | December 4th, 2010, 12:37am
POSTER BY: ANDERS NILSEN
the 2nd annual BROOKLYN COMICS and GRAPHICS FESTIVAL is tomorrow. one day only !!
SAT – DEC 4, 2010 from 12 – 9 PM – FREE ADMITTANCE
OUR LADY OF CARMEL CHURCH – 275 NORTH 8th ST – WILLIAMSBURG
see: THE BROOKLYN COMICS & GRAPHICS FESTIVAL WEBSITE for details, incl FEATURED GUESTS & PROGRAM of EVENTS !!
see: GOOGLE MAP/DIRECTIONS
THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANIZED BY: DESERT ISLAND, PICTUREBOX and BILL KARTALOPOULOS.
EXPANDED TO A LARGER VENUE, THANKS TO THE GREAT SUCCESS OF LAST YEAR’S INAUGURAL EVENT – SOME OF THE FEATURED GUESTS INCL:
GABRIELLE BELL,
CHARLES BURNS, who will debut his new book – Johnny 23.
BRIAN CHIPPENDALE, yes !!
SAMMY HARKEN,
MARK ALAN STAMATY,
and ANDERS NILSEN, who did this year’s poster.
among the scheduled events:
at 6:00 – HOW NANCY IS: THE SEMIOTICS of THE GAG
ERNIE BUSHMILLER’S iconic comic strip Nancy has been described as “a mini-algebra equation masquerading as a comic strip” drawn by “a moron on an acid trip.” BILL GRIFFITH (Zippy the Pinhead, MARK NEWGARDEN (How To Read Nancy), and JOHNNY RYAN (Angry Youth Comix) will discuss the unshakable appeal of Nancy and the essence of gag humor in their comics.
at 7:00 – CHAOS and PATTERN
Artwork that is dense with compositional detail, line, pattern, and texture encourages a lingering, wandering eye. How does this kind of drawing work in comics ? BRIAN CHIPPENDALE, JORDAN CRANE, KEITH JONES, and MARK ALAN STAMATY will consider the relationship between densely made drawing and the propulsive concerns of visual narrative.
~BROOKLYN COMICS & GRAPHICS FESTIVAL/THIS SAT !! |
Posted in The Bomb | By Nancy Smith | December 4th, 2010, 12:15am
C.F. is also known as – MARK LORD of the band: DAILY LIFE
check out: MARK LORD (LA 2009)/YouTube
CHIPPENDALE is 1/2 of LIGHTNING BOLT – he is the drummer.
check out: LIGHTNING BOLT at all tomorrow’s parties (2006)/YouTube
check out: LIGHTNING BOLT PEEL SESSION/YouTube
BRIAN CHIPPENDALE is also all of: BLACK PUS/myspace
~C.F. & CHIPPENDALE/MARK LORD & LIGHTNING BOLT |
Posted in Indie Music Reviews, The Bomb | By Nancy Smith | December 3rd, 2010, 1:25am
right off the bat: the two books were awesome – and as diff as day is from night . . .
there was time for a little signing – before the presentation began.
that’s C.F.
booksignings by comic artists are really fun: they don’t just sign the books, they usually draw and scribble in them too.
they always bring, or are given alot of colorful pens, pencils and sharpies. markers.
(except for the guys who only use rapidographs, and such. you know, fine point sharpies. and only sign, or really print – their names – like R. Crumb !!)
BRIAN CHIPPENDALE at work on If ‘n Oof !!
you can just get a glimpse of the shiny decal work – and the swirl of painted impression, as if made with white glue . . . on the cover.
got to see it – to believe it. need to hold it in hand. its not digital.
ok. if we are talking covers – here’s the coppery line drawing – imprinted on the back of the C. F. tome !!
C.F. at work.
C.F.
C.F.
CHIPPENDALE.
green & orange – my fav. CHIPPENDALE.
for KATE.
C.F. gives his presentation first.
C.F. drawing.
the format at the STRAND for presentations . . . is projected images, kind of like slides – on a screen. accompanying the talk.
C.F. was very serious. in his approach.
actually if you spend any time around comic artists – as opposed to ‘gallery’ artists – you’ll find it’s the so-called comic artists – who are the more serious . . in manner and intent. about getting their ideas and context across. C.F. really wanted to span the distance.
he said: the best way to make art – was to turn your back on “your own life’.
he said: composition always comes first, then line, then color.
C.F. was really into trying to explain his influences and how he felt he worked more from the stance of an artist – as much as anything else. he questioned why comic artists are labeled. or boxed in. just because they also make (funny) books with narratives – and so he chose to show a lot of his freestanding – art, drawings and paintings.
Chippendale . . also questioned that comic book artist label. or rather being boxed into a label. . . when he and his friends wear many hats. and of course – he and his friends do show their freestanding work artwork, paintings, collages and silkscreen prints – in gallery settings. so maybe just like craft vs art – the irony is – in the computer generation – all these boundaries – are being crashed. I don’t know why people in this past century didn’t let anybody – wear more than one hat. that’s so dumb – its beyond dwelling over. welcome to the club. I’m not just a ‘blogger’ – though that’s how I get pegged. just cause I love to explore other people’s art and break it down for other people to understand. and I often wonder why my own photos – just cause they are posted so casually on the web – aren’t ever seen in frames on gallery walls. or aren’t included in any number of contemporary photography shows. whatever. like I said: I stitch, as in – repair quilts, and paint, and draw. and knit.
C.F. – fooling around. artwork.
I could see C.F.s work – large scale on canvases. no doubt.
I have seen Brian Chippendale’s work on canvases, and as screen prints in gallery settings.
this is actually the first time I’ve encountered C.F. and his work. so I don’t know his history and comings and goings as well.
but it sure looks like C.F. is a painter.
if you look around the art scene – just maybe, not the comic scene so much – there are many artists who explore very different media, successfully. and there always have been – throughout history, looks like C.F. – will be one of them.
and now he’s also into furniture !!
this the first chair he ever built, from reclaimed wood – off the barred up windows in the, I guess, ramshackle house he just bought !!
so that was a really nice way to end a very serious talk on creativity – and, not wanting to be labeled.
then it was time for Chippendale’s presentation.
bye the way – that’s PICTUREBOX founder, DAN NADEL on the left. PICTUREBOX published both of these books.
if C.F was earnest and compelling – Chippendale was a little bit funnier, maybe because he has been recognized as a visual artist in his own right, as well as a cartoon artist ? esp here in New York. esp at CINDERS GALLERY in Brooklyn. and probably elsewhere.
though that was also a dominant theme in his talk. as well. the struggle to wear many hats – not the the struggle to do it – that’s the easy part . . but to be allowed to do it . . to be recognized in multi- disciplines, and not labeled, not boxed in: and somehow ‘comic book artist’ seems to have a certain built-in doom to it – or maybe just for these guys. I don’t know. other comic book artists have been able move in and out, like GARY PANTER. for example. others are very content to be just that. it’s a big world . . . go for your dreams. inside the box – or not. and hope the rest of the losers out there can follow you, and if not – too bad, they’re losers anyway.
just to show you how funny Chippendale was – he started off with this picture of truly young self – with his colorful, I’m thinking hippy ? parents.
his early inspiration goes way back !!
both Chippendale and C.F. cited DAVID MAZZUCCHELLI – as a major influence, and visual arts – hero.
Chippendale: one of his earliest books.
another funny archival photo. when young really meant young. not artworld young.
Chippendale on the left with his college freshman roommate – MATT BRINKMAN !!
I think he said Matt had a head full of dreadlocks under the hat !!
Chippendale: early comic sketchbooks.
Chippendale: I think he said ca. 1991. just as C.F. talked about the importance of composition – Brian talked about how he evolved his snaking back and forth narrative pattern – from early on.
Chippendale: and then at some point there was also black outs. flat out deconstruction & real depth graphics.
Chippendale: then came – color.
Chippendale – if you’ve seen his recent artwork – esp the screen prints and collaged screen prints on canvas – than you know this !! wow.
what a trip. from all black to fairy wizard flash-out. tripped-out world. light.
Chippendale still works in all black too. in fact he runs a web version of PUKE FORCE – as a weekly cartoon installment on PICTUREBOCX.
see: PUKE FORCE / PICTUREBOX
Chippendale. and that was the end of the slide presentation. everyone was transfixed, not just me.
DAN NADEL really seemed to be floored by these guys – live – as well.
and so, let the signing resume !!
C.F. and Chippendale had a lot of fun signing books – and interacting with their fans. everybody enjoyed the show . . and the new books.
everybody was thrilled to have a drawing scribbled . . into their newly purchased copy.
nothing can beat that . . . maybe not the even the thrill of the million dollar high-end art auctions. close enough – just from different P.O.V.
C.F. scribbles hardy, too.
a fan, BEN, introduces himself . . .
and hands both C.F. and Chippendale a copy of his CD. I guess with his own art work on it.
Ben’s CD – is titled: tumbleweave.
nice.
here’s the link: tumbleweave/porn stars built the pyramids/myspace
in the crowd: MELISSA BROWN and MARIE LORENZ !!
and CINDERS’ KELIE BOWMAN. Cinders has given several shows to Brian Chippendale’s work.
so here’s the down low – to not being in Miami this weekend – you can probably still get over to the Strand . . .
in time – to score a signed, drawn-in and scribbled-upon copy !! for yourself. look for the red sticker !! they did quite a few for the store before the presentation – get one while you can.
CLASSIC – NEW YORK CITY – NIGHT. . . at – IT’S BEST.
BRIAN CHIPPENDALE & C.F. – BOOKSIGNING & PRESENTATION – OF THEIR NEW – PICTUREBOX BOOKS.
STRAND BOOK STORE – 828 BROADWAY at 12TH ST.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010.
PHOTOS: COPYRIGHT NANCY SMITH
~C.F. & CHIPPENDALE/STRAND PART II |
Posted in The Bomb | By Nancy Smith | December 3rd, 2010, 12:51am
C.F. (CHRISTOPHER FORGUES) and BRIAN CHIPPENDALE launched two new illustrated books at the STRAND BOOK STORE in Manhattan – last Thursday, Nov 18, 2010.
. . . I’m not sure calling them comic books, or graphic novels does – or does not do them justice !! – but considering the sorry state of the art world – it just might be better to label them – comic artists – though clearly both wear many hats – including comic book artist, artist, and musician. and both are basically wizards in all realms they touch !! who better to take over the parched scene – and storm over the vast wasteland – then these young masters of the graphic arts, not to mention – the imagination.
it was such a top drawer nite, not only because the product was sooooo good, and the artists sooooo interesting – but because intense as they are – and they are both Providence-based – the books, put out by PICTUREBOX – were completely opposite in format and take. and style. and story. how fun.
that’s Brian Chippendale signing a pile of books for the Strand in the background.
C.F.’s slim tome – in the foreground.
CHIPPENDALE’S book was wide and thick – like a little phone book or an over-size pocket dictionary – yeah. a pocket dictionary thru his head, alright !! it’s titled ‘If ‘n Oof’ – yes !! and, it goes for $23.95 at the Strand.
it has a soft but solid-bound cover – and feels really great to handle. it is exactly 2 in. high. yes, I just measured it.
of course I bought one – to take home. it’s beautifully made. no doubt about it. it’s an artist’s book.
the cover is shiny with parts that stand out – as decals !!
the back is a trip – see it for yourself !!
inside in the front page – it says the book was designed by Brian – and that’s the way it feels.
with production credits, and well deserved to: Jon Vermilyea & Raymond Sohn.
I don’t know how many pages it has – alot. but the pages not being numbered feels damn right too – it’s like an infinity book.
you know, infinity pool, infinity book. in the head. on the page & now you are in there, too.
it’s way fun to flip through too.
the Strand has it down right on the bar code sticker: art-comics/graphics !!
there’s an explosive, wild range of style and narrative – not one dull moment. both dense and linear. hyper inventive. just what you would expect from Chippendale – if you have been so lucky as to have followed his stuff . . . going back to his early days – as one of the founding ringleaders of the legendary Fort Thunder . . .
each page is a story . . .
each page is a gesture . . .
each page is an artwork. a travel into the mind as well as an adventure into the dimensions . . .
just when it gets classic . . .
it blows up – funny !!
a flip to another page brings up this thought:
who’s here! – Just a fan of the lingering light that fades into the greed of the splintered one above . . .
and 2 pages, later:
do you know how me and my friend got here ? – There’s a screw in the front door to the Almost Oasis !
dig dug !!
get yourself your own copy !! and re-enter this Chippendale universe – at your own whim & wonder !!
now C.F.’s book is more like code – really dig that cover, dude.
that’s: POWR MASTRS – 3 !!
in iridescent raised copper lettering imprinted on a beautiful opaque as opaque can be – dull green – as green as grass.
also, with a totally wild back . . .
also with the unmistakable look & feel of an artist’s book – C.F. designed his own book, too. of course.
with production credits going to: Jon Vermilyea, Tumoni & Raymond Sohn.
likewise listed as: art-comics/graphics.
it sells for $14.40 at the Strand.
I am hard pressed to compare the two books. it’s like night and day – both beautiful. hey, do what I did. get both.
the C.F. book is slim – 109 pages – in comparison – and yet also with a wonderful weight in the hands. but instead of a flip effect – it’s got more of an open to page and look into it – feel. it’s kind of, more ‘luna’ – is that descriptive word ?
it has a wonderful elegantly linear technical graphic stance . . . but it’s completely nuts . . . . as you dig deeper.
it gets very unpredictable, and even dark. the visual range also goes very deep, way deeper than I am showing ya . . .
kind of an introverted exuberance ?
but trust me – it also travels to alternative universes . . . and unknown reaches . . .
and gets pretty far out there.
chasing Moebius, along the way . . .
journeying . . . into pure graphics.
and coming back to center.
and then, going completely whacky . . .
I don’t scare easily . . .
but you do make me laugh !
O>K> next up: the SLIDE PRESENTATION !! yep – it was that good !!
ALL PHOTOS: COPYRIGHT NANCY SMITH
BRIAN CHIPPENDALE & C.F. – BOOKSIGNING & SLIDE PRESENTATION – THURS, NOVEMBER 18, 2010/7PM
If ‘n Oof – & – Powr Mastrs 3
STRAND BOOKSTORE – 828 BROADWAY at 12th ST. – NYC
PICTUREBOX
~C.F. & CHIPPENDALE STORM THE STRAND |
Posted in The Bomb | By Nancy Smith | December 1st, 2010, 10:00am
FILE UNDER: CRACKULA MEETS DUMBLEDORE !!
. . . UNDESIRABLE No. 1 – GHOST OF NANCY PAST – AKA CRACKULA – WANTED . . .
CONTACT THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION . . . . CONCERNING HER WHEREABOUTS.
FAILURE TO REPORT WILL RESULT IN IMPRISONMENT. REWARD 10,000 GALLEONS
THE GHOST OF DUMBLEDORE PAST !!
wow – “these are dark times – there is no denying . . ”
straight up from the intro – we are off and running . . .
and for love-starved, action-starved artists of all kinds – the magic literally begins with the first title graphics. the letters – grow large and eerie – rusted old iron gates – and we are inside the action and transported right up – onto the big screen – ourselves – before we knew it. talk about absolutely thrilling, perfectly calibrated animation. nice fonts, too. the whole production ticks this way – brilliant, and subtle. fire on the lowdown. it almost plays out in black and white – as the fingers of evil, entwine their clammy little paws – around your throat.
helping make this, the 7th in the series – esp earmarked for visual artists – are the huge horizontal screenshots of unbelievably breathtaking mythical British landscapes – and the gorgeous light that subtly changes from day to night, and flickers – albeit with an eerie cold heart – from season to season. a shout out has to go to EDUARDO SERRA – the film’s Director of Photography. in fact this is the first film in the beloved franchise – to take our 3 heros away from Hogwarts and its familiar surroundings. in fact Hogwarts is never seen, Dumbledore is referenced but with growing conflict and doubt, and so – the film casts its spell in a whole new realm of sets, and mind-sets !! this is esp powerful and haunting – as it lets the 3 young Brits – Danile Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint – who we’ve watched grow up – through the series – really ‘grow’ into, or ‘become’ as they say – the fictional characters who may have taken over their real lives, or is that visa versa . . . hard to say. what’s most def – is that their new dynamics still hold forth on the big screen, larger than life – and most magically telling the story. Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry has become more of a nerd !!
trying to become more of man-boy and less of a wizard. but still just as intuitive. and ready to go for it. all. Hermione Granger is just awesome. Emma Watson, even . . . Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth Salander – brilliant as she is – has nothing on you. where you walk in the film – there goes my heart – on tiptoes of fear. and Rupert Grint – oh my god – what a hunk, Ron Weasley grew up to be !! of course Alan Rickman scores as the dark Severus Snape, and Brendan Gleason, is the sad Mad-Eye Moody – straight out of Mad Max – or Brooklyn’s own Black Label tall bike club – whichever comes first to your mind – who gets knocked out pretty much from the get-go. does that guy remind of me – of the Enger bros – or what ? kind of a twisted out made evil but good – version of a midwestern Army brat – gone underground and highly skilled – who likes to party hard – gone batty and mad – but brilliant, street-wise and military hardened.
. . . but my absolute fav is the long haired – straight to his shoulders, white-haired and gorgeous – RHYS IFANS – as the new character – XENOPHILIUS LOVEGOOD, the father of the moonstruck for real – Luna, who else ? what a name . . . what a brilliant stroke of casting. absolutely eccentric, creative, revealing, and deceiving – it is he – whom the whole story turns on . . . at this point. we first meet him at the wedding . . . where is just slightly dwelt on – as the father of Luna. but turns out his was wearing the symbol – yes, the code !! – a circle within a triangle with a line through the middle – the symbol of the DEATHLY HALLOWS – as a charm on a chain – around his very neck.
p.s. talk about production details – for artists – not just kids – there is a credit to GUCCI – “for letting the filmmakers base Fleur’s wedding dress – on the work of ALEXANDER McQUEEN” !! I thought there was something unearthly and absolutely fashion-forward happening there – as soon as I saw it . . .
p.s.s. Luna makes some small talk at the wedding – that would make many a gallery-goer blush !!
did I mention – he is also an editor !!
yes, Xenophilius Lovegood – is the editor of THE QUIBBLER an “underground publication that bravely champions Harry . . .” and in their search for the answer to the code – of the DEATHLY HALLOWS – that they remember as the pendant he wore around his neck – Harry, Ron and Hermione journey to his house. another great part of the visual impact of the film – are these ghostly eccentric patchwork houses conjured up on lonely moors – where we are treated to the detailed chaos of a creative mind – a storehouse of fable and witchery – gone the more crazy as we are to learn – by the dark side – suits if suits were bad wizards – who have kidnapped his precious Luna. oh no. oh yes !!
there is his early century printing press on the tumbling-in topsy-turvy ground floor – the walls lined with art work by Luna. (the equally magical in real life too,we suspect – EVANNA LYNCH. yep. real name . . in fact I believe it was she who wrote the winning essay – in a contest to gain a role in the film – and thus: Luna Lovegood – comes to life most strangely, is it not) . . . but, back to Xenophilius – did I mention – several people have already told me – his hand knit garments, some patched and most creative to say the least – and esp his knit fringed overcoat – reminded them of my handiwork – 0 what a babbler. and he is one too. not just an editor and writer. keeper of secrets. champion of good. he draws.
. . . he draws and explains the code – with a nib pen in ink – the symbols. the magic symbols of the Deathly Hallows and it is he – who opens the way for the most beautiful animation almost ever – the fable of the Deathly Hallows – itself – the ancient tale of three men who try to cheat death. done in animated hand puppets – ala Kara Walker – if she hadn’t already mined the genre – the invisibility cloak being the most sublime graphic to come to mind, almost forever . . . while all the while – seeping tea in pots without water – he is thinking that when push comes to shove – Harry Potter aside – justice does just trickle down to him, and beloved lost Luna. his daughter.
the very last thought: XENOPHILIUS LOVEGOOD – the very first blogger !!
if I ever did see one – weren’t those guys who ran the early one-man printing presses – bloggers ? come on. yes, they were.
and he drew. and he told stories. and made tea. and held keys to secret codes !! not to mention wore hand-knit eccentric one-of-a kind pieces !! and had a talented lovely daughter he loved and doted on – to no end.
(hope Kate doesn’t read this. don’t tell her I said so.)
how great that J.K. Rowling – let this guy wear so many hats !!
and that long white hair – is so divine – I think he’s gonna start a trend . . . oh how I yearn to change my name from Smith to Lovegood – though it’s close. Brit like. and all.
but, what do you think – should I change artlovers for . . . . THE QUIBBLER, or what !!
so o.k. – long story short:
action junkies and young men, even older men film reviewers, I’ve found – might find the telling a tad extended, and maybe too intense – “get me to the finale” !! the big face-off.
but, anybody with even half-an0artist in their souls – will be lost spellbound . . . up to the very last blood drop. if not even the very last font of the closing credits.
and oh yeah. I did see two quilts in the movie !! yes. real antique ones – a testament to the great and ingenious British handicraft tradition that came with the very first wave of colonists to
populate our country of USA. the first was an old patchwork bed quilt – looked to ca. colonial times – a tiny diamond pattern – kind of genre we call – postage stamp. the othr was a victoan era Crazy quilt.
and I liked the music too. just brooding enough. chilly and underplayed, yum . . . here’s a final and closing shout-out to the movie’s composer – ALEXANDRE DESPLAT.
the whole production team & esp the animators and graphic artists, set designers. you name it, they did it.
check it out: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 1/official website !!
all pix – generated from the official HARRY POTTER WEBSITE.
yep, look around – you too, can make an interactive WANTED poster !!
archival photo of NANCY SMITH – ENEMY No. 1: copyright NANCY SMITH
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS/PART I |
Posted in Movie Reviews, The Bomb | By Nancy Smith | November 30th, 2010, 12:58pm
or: THEY SHOOT P.R. WOMEN IN L.A., DON’T THEY ?
veteran film publicist RONNI CHASEN was shot dead – in a drive-by “professional” hit – in Los Angeles last Monday, Nov 21, 2010.
reference: THE MURDER THAT ROCKED HOLLYWOOD/slaying of New York-born PR diva . . ./NEW YORK POST
wow. my pre-holiday post elicited some serious email response. who knew ?
1. first-off: about 10 seconds after it posted – in came a one-word rave from CHARLIE FINCH, my mentor and I guess the guy who eggs me onto even greater literary heights. he wrote: “CRACKADOODLE-DOO” – and I was down with that !! the most I thought was wow – some guys have all the luck – they just have to come up with that one sweet phrase – that one-word wonder – that says it all – and cracks you up – at the same time. while I do all the heavy lifting . . .
I shoulda known right then and here – ‘trouble’ is my middle name.
2. the next day – oh oh – the first email from Gavin, as in GAVIN BROWN, in about 6 months – the subject line read: “i’m sorry” – I just assumed it said . . . sorry your mom died. and let it go at that, unread. then a couple of hours later – the thought began to slowly dawn on me – maybe it actually said: i’m sorry – you are not allowed in my gallery any more !!
wow. I don’t know who’s living in an a bigger bubble. me or Gavin.
Gavin for not knowing the word on the street was that his ROB PRUITT – ‘Rumspringa’ Fall spectacle was the spectacle that wasn’t. or, as the simple and prevalent, not to say lively – one liner that bubbled up from the street – so neatly summed up this over-hyped & low in oxygen non-event: Rumspringa was – a fizzle.
and, that’s also why – the mainstream critics in this town – scribble so many purely descriptive phrases in their ‘reviews’ – or, art ‘criticism’ as the genre used to be called. back in the century when the big boys could throw as good a punch as they got, and nobody got shot. or de-friended. de-listed. or un-invited. well there were probably a lot of drunken fisticuffs, if truth be told . . . a couple of suicides by over-dose, whatever.
the problem with the Pruitt show was, one – it was over-hyped. there’s nothing New Yorkers hate more than being told a restaurant is 4 stars – and then trek over only to find a fair to average meal on their plates. not that there weren’t brilliant moments – but the effect was not united – even among the highs. I liked the work in Maccarone’s space – still like the Panda paintings. alot. and the ‘Kitler’ wallpaper. ha. Simon’s camp thought the Pandas played-out, and the Kitlers dumb, not to mention: ‘been there seen that’. his crew liked the segmented self-portraits in the GBE space proper. everybody hated that cinnamon bun wall, thought the gilt chairs were stupid. nobody even bothered with the black and white tires offering up $50 worth of candy. and don’t get me started on all his ‘quilt’ research. as if . . .
though one heavy breathing art critic did call the show: “dickswinging” ? (he likes Marilyn Minter, too – so go figure.)
but, then what to do about the recent Pruitt P.R. – that popped over the Thanksgiving weekend ? in the New York Times. written up by Carol Vogel, no less. maybe some guys do need – getting hit with a swift kick – to the side of the head – every now and then, and Rob Pruitt just might be one of them. he does seem to enjoy saying – every chance he gets – how much he had to rebound – re critical mass ostracism – for that legendary ‘cocaine line right down the middle of gallery floor’ jig – and, then that still not to mentioned – politically incorrect black African art gaffe – of a few years back. !! though wow – too bad I wasn’t taking pix – then – cause both those sound like rockin’ scenes – to me. in fact – they top – my ‘wish I had been there’ list. of all time. for sure. double dutch for sure.
I mean, if I am (imaginary for now – but maybe) banished – should I play sour baby back – and just put it down, at best, ignore it – or at worst, ‘fake’ trash it ? no. it’s too good of a game. esp after coming hard upon the heels of a grand fizzle wipe-out. bottomline – ya gotta give credit where credit is due – and the projected – ROB PRUITT – ANDY WARHOL MONUMENT – scheduled to go up in Union Square – this Spring 2011 – is Rob Pruitt back in ‘Viagra Falls’ – fine form. top form – esp if he gets the fabricator to make the supposedly 10 ft. tall bronze sculpture – really and truly – Andy Warhol life-like. brilliant. right-to-the-edge hard core fun.
3. but then, of course, yesterday, Sunday – Simon had to go and burst my bubble – completely – when he came back from his usual morning bagel and coffee read-the-papers – jaunt – to tell me that the RONNI CHASEN L.A. murder – was lookin more and more to be a professional hit – not a random act of violence or your typical road rage thing. in fact these were his very words: “I don’t think Gavin is out to get you, but I bet KATHY GRAYSON is . . ”
. . . or, I’m thinking – her backers. better hope they’re not Russians.
I should only be so lucky. well, maybe that’s not such a joke.
on the eve of such epic battle – of course, the only logical course of action left – was to go see the new HARRY POTTER movie. HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HOLLOWS !! – wow. one of the best. if you wanted one concrete vindication that the art world in New York City, is for the most part in a vacuum, is in fact a wasteland except for the solitary bright light every here and there — you need go no further than purchase a movie ticket.
but we’ll give and Andy & Rob – the last word !!
the projected ROB PRUITT bronze sculpture for Union Sq. – Spring 2011 – ANDY WARHOL !!
IMAGE COURTESY/NEW YORK TIMES
reference: CAROL VOGEL/NOV 25, 2010/’THE PUBLIC WARHOL in a PUBLIC SQUARE’/NEW YORK TIMES !!
and come to think of it; not only is ‘Warhol’ a great a name for a Harry Potter villain – but – hey it actually breaks down into – War and Hole – get it ?!! my theme song for 2010.
yeah, I got some serious revenge issues – better believe it.
or: catch this – if you can.
one of my pix – is greater than all 160 of your pix – on twitter . . . double dutch. high five me.
bout Joe Grillo. not only – been there done that – but made that baby. period.
lookin’ around – don’t see anybody else – taking up the slack, either. dude. talk about vacuum. top 10 tunes about ‘soul sisters’ – done & over – it’s all about ‘too school for cool’ – now. in the popular culture.
on the musical air waves.
what are they – mind readers ?
~FAN MAIL |
Posted in The Bomb | By Nancy Smith | November 29th, 2010, 2:47pm
FILE UNDER: current state of the art . . . scene.
or: if you have a nickname – may as well live up to it . . . and mine is: CRACKULA.
(with much thanks to Charlie Finch for the bon mot.)
ANSELM KIEFER/’NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM’/INSTALLATION DETAIL/GAGOSIAN GALLERY/24TH ST./CHELSEA
PHOTO COURTESY: GAGOSIAN GALLERY/VIDEO INSTALLATION SCREEN GRAB
well, what happened ?
Gavin Brown and The Hole were supposed to be the hot spots of the Fall scene – as declared by a New York Times art reviewer, a while back – or was that just for the summer session ? – at any rate, both fizzled out. Gavin seems to have lost his mojo completely – let’s hope, its just temporary. while The Hole, despite its colorful name – just ain’t down and dirty enough.
The Hole: how fun to finally have an easy target to ridicule – is about the best you can say about the place. there’s cool – but. then there’s – too cool for school. and sorry to say that’s where The Hole is stuck, and it looks to be forever . . . call in the deep hole mine rescue team somebody, please. and soon. the air is running out over there.
the best review that their current holey schmoley mess of a glue show has scored has been a bit blurb in the Village Voice: “go stoned” . . . who knew it could be possible to miss the cartoonish, socially challenged – Jeffrey Deitch ? Been there done that – and friggin 10 years ago – the quickest thought that comes to mind – to sum up their current lost and found dreck fest – and it looks like it might be mighty hard to scrape all that second-hand crap from the walls, when it’s over too. what a nightmare. in day-glo. no less.
‘Been there done that’ – it is a term – that no matter the unpopularity of the man – could never be pinned on Jeffrey. you gotta give credit where credit is due – and Jeffrey, great showman that he was – did bring the newest circus acts to town, big time. and they did really, for the most part rumble the scene, inspire the artists, and critics, bring in the tourists – and flat out rock and roll. now we see it wasn’t just his leaps of faith and inspired dumb gut feelings – we have to consider – in his ability to pull off bringing in – the brand newest – often completely off-the-mainstream art radar – thank god – often street, skater and even design world talents – who were hitting the popular culture dead-on – splat – and that we would have completely missed out on otherwise – (esp as most of the bone-dry, academic and short-sighted just-write-descriptions critics in this funny art town – turn their collective noses up at ‘trends’) – but now we need to realize – that Jeffrey was much more than an on-point showman – he was a great curator !! He didn’t just call in the talent – when it was factory fresh – no 10 year shelf life expiry dates for him – he got his acts to perform top notch for the Big Apple. totally top notch editing. just think back to his DEARRAINDROP – THE SIGN OF THE SYPHINX show – and you’ll get what I’m saying. and I guess the final thought, somewhat sobering and sad is: so what are we missing out on ? and, whose gonna put it on the Big Apple stage for us – with all the lights on.
it sure ain’t the Lower East Side – as vast a wasteland – as one could imagine. o.k. it has some cool bars and nightspots. but the amount of inspiration and talent over there – is about as inverse to the resources poured into the real estate, as you can get. or put this way – it’s as close to a dumbed-down miniature golf Disneyland – made in China !! – of the Lower East Side’s famous artist ran-the-streets glory days – as you can get. for tourists only and dumb ones, at that. the best thing that could happen over there – some new age severe weather tsunami roars in – and washes it all out to sea. and, yes. I do friggin’ have the credentials with which to confer this. having been a bonafide L.E.S denizen. back in the day. when it rocked.
guys – the best thing you could do is – scrap your game and let someone else take over – you’re making a mockery of us all . . . that Freeman’s Alley – I lived across from it – from 1986 til 1996 when we got bought out for $50,000 in the name of progress and gentrification. we sublet the 5 Rivington St. – East Storefront – apt/studio – from the notorious ‘shadowman’ aka RICHARD HAMBELTON. Freeman’s Alley was a no man’s zone – a scuzzy flea bitten corner – where junkies got $5 blowjobs in the dark corners and left the goo behind. along with their dirty needles. I’m not saying that was pretty, but it was real. if you are gonna go in there and slum it up, Jeanne – at least come up with something exciting and innovative, maybe even visionary and I don’t mean the art – as that’s patently not possible for you – but I mean interior and exterior design-wise, you know the kind of T magazine architectural style – big money should be able to buy. don’t you jaunt over to Europe ?
speaking of which. Europe, fashion, innovative style, and played-out icons, not to mention no-name ‘girls’ . . . maybe Kathy Grayson should have OLIVIER ZAHM black-and-white photograph her spread-eagled – on a Standard Hotel bed, with a smeared lipstick snarl, sheer pink undies – and messy hair. so cool. and vacuous – in a word: just what she is. and aspires to be. period. end of story.
so, speaking of vacuums – who would have thought – just a mere 6 months ago – that it would be LARRY GAGOSIAN sweeping it up. in the gallery sweepstakes. first with the awesome DAN COLEN show last month, and now with the doubleheader: JOHN CURRIN uptown, and the huge dense ANSELM KEIFER show downtown . . . though it’s hard to tell if these gangbuster shows are actually critically acclaimed. is it only me – or does anybody else out there question why our supposedly best critics fill so much of their required musings – with basic descriptions of the art work – when, not only has the medium of photography already been invented, but most galleries offer extensive websites filled with installation shots and still pix. Gogo even has a video of the Keifer show running on his website. though it loops without a soundtrack, which feels pretty damn creepy – though I guess that is a whole other can of conceptual worms – the practice and theory of adding a musical score to an installation video, grad students. welcome aboard.
at any rate, KEN JOHNSON concludes his NEW YORK TIMES – ‘take’ ? – on the John Currin show, thus: “The way Mr. Currin hides genuine feelings behind coy facades is irritating, but his paintings remain fascinatingly bizarre”. o.k. if you say so, well they are pretty compelling, and erotic always sells. no doubt about it, at least the first time around – tourists, students and blue chip players, rush over !! if it’s not really the cutting edge – well, at least it’s the biggest freak show in town – and, maybe the way things are going – that’s a good thing. at least it’s not a gooey thing . . .
see: KEN JOHNSON/NEW YORK TIMES/JOHN CURRIN REVIEW
while, his colleague ROBERTA SMITH writes up the ANSELM KIEFER show as a must-see over-the-top and deep-as-the-bible production, or was that deep as a German Wagnerian opera – though again, after many academic sentences and descriptive passages of the work – we still aren’t exactly sure of her inner most feelings ? but, she does open with: “Mr. Kiefer’s latest efforts take the ash-strewn, desiccated wasteland where his art has long dwelt to new enveloping extremes.” so I guess that’s a good thing. and come to think of it – I think her use of the word “wasteland” – was the inspiration for this whole essay !!
see: ROBERTA SMITH/NEW YORK TIMES/ANSELM KIEFER REVIEW
so, I guess I got my part of the game – the so-called cutting edge underground down – as in –
the KENT DORN shows at FREIGHT+VOLUME – called it right on the dot, as usual. I don’t know how I do it, Charlie – I guess I just look at the images people send me – and when I see something I like – well, usually where there’s a flame, a spark – there’s a fire.
and, looks like the big bonfire – is on 24th St !!
how fun, such a big town – and, really all you have to do – is run across the street, literally – 24th St. – ha – to see the two best shows in town: FREIGHT+VOLUME on the south side of the street representing the new, Kent Dorn; and GAGOSIAN on the north side of the street holding firm with that radical old guard, Anslem Kiefer. a tree might grow in Brooklyn – but, a flame glows bright in Chelsea.
and, speaking of CHARLIE FINCH:
did you really treat my big mouth contributor, roving party crasher and sometime music critic – SIMON CERIGO to a great meal of rack of lamb and all the fine wine he could drink – just to ask him – his ‘esteemed’ take on the state of the art – world ? it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to divine that Gagosian is making a clean sweep – and that on the other side of the ledger, I mean street – the Kent Dorn show is the best that’s out there. I hear tell – that was exactly what Simon told you. too. even though we had not exchanged notes. and we are deadly rivals – so a double line-up – like that, is pretty much – a shoo-in.
I also hear you poured on the charm & food for another, perhaps more compelling reason, you sneak – you wanted the lowdown on the Kathy Grayson, aka the Hole – glue show.
com’ on, Charlie I know the hype is hard to decipher . . . and the glam context, or the supposed glam context – is so desperately wanted in this tough town. but, forget it, man. not to be. maybe only for artinfo.
heard even Simon told you . . . “been there done that ” !! ha. exactly my words. too.
ha. double dutch – high five me !!
how do I know ? I have a spy on the payroll – at Bottino’s !! HAPPY THANKSGIVING, turkeys.
next time take me out to eat !! I’ll set you straight, too.
SIMON CERIGO, and NANCY SMITH – with little Kate and Theo Cerigo – aged 4 and 1 – in front of their storefront home/studio – 5 Rivington St. East Storefront – just 1/2 a block up from the Bowery. Lower East Side, NYC. SPRING 1990.
PHOTO BY: NANCY SCOT ROBINSON.
listen up all you losers, like I already told you a hundred times before – all street cred – esp all art street cred – really does bubble up – from the ‘critics’ on the street . . . the writers, artists, and party crashers sharing the vie – if not the fame. Lower East Side in 80s, Soho in the 60s. Lower Manhattan below Canal in the 50s. maybe it’ll be your hood – next !!
~CRACK TALKS. money walks. say what ? |
Posted in The Bomb | By Nancy Smith | November 21st, 2010, 8:58pm
yes, outta MONTREAL . . . have a listen !! – bet addiction will hit you, too.
sample: ‘Don’t Be The Cloud’, BEHOLD, THE JON COHEN EXPERIMENTAL !!
while we were in Montreal last May 2010 – we came across this great little music venue called CASA del POPOLO – on St. Laurent – or St. Lawrence as we used to call it – back in the day – before the French language rights issue – cast it’s chilly spell. that was like the hood – like exactement – the Lower East Side – of Montreal.
the first thing that greeted you inside the doorway – was this converted cigarette dispensing machine . . .
for your two buck coin – or tooney – as Canadians call their 2 dollar coins . . . they only have bills starting at the $5 denomination . . .
(singles, or $1 coins are called ‘looneys’ . . . get it: looney and twoonies. Looney tunes – I swear to god.)
(ya gotta know what Looney tunes are, right ? you know Bugs Bunny. Elmer Fudge ? T.V. before reality shows ?)
you can choose a limited edition handmade artist zine – or even some artist produced buttons !!
yes, check these guys, out: distroboto
anyways – CASA del POPOLO, in keeping with its Montreal location – seemed to be more of a European bar/coffeehouse than the kind of more down-to-earthy coffee shop with cupcakes and muffins that our CAKE SHOP is – but just like our NYC Lower East Side – Cake Shop – their music venue was also in the deep dark basement . . . with its own bar downstairs, too.
check out: CASA del POPOLO, Montreal
check out: CAKE SHOP, NYC
some small cartoon drawing in a local alternative newspaper – spread on a table – did momentarily catch my eye.
shark bite, Montreal style ?
don’t tell her I said so, but Kate loved it there. she would have gone back every night . . . if other matters at home weren’t more compelling.
here’s the poster for the 3 bands that were playing that night – and did we luck out or what – THE JON COHEN EXPERIMENTAL was 2nd on the bill !!
frontman, songwriter and lead singer/guitar/synths – JON COHEN sets up. we had no idea what we were in for.
this guy was just an amazing fireball of intensity – Montreal spawns a few of these every now and then – even back in the day – when my crew ruled the streets and cafes.
you can read more about him: here/indie music reviews/adequacy.net
the band begins to play . . and immediately the room is quiet. transfixed and on fire, all at the same time . . .
a very cool but smooth and beat worthy – SEBASTIAN COTE is on the drums, and a wonderfully intellectual and extremely musical KEN MARTIN plays the bass.
JON COHEN plays and lites fires at the same time. live – it was surreal. intense is not the word. and yet golden.
spun out and surprising.
after the gig – JON COHEN at right, with his bass player – KEN MARTIN.
PHOTOS: NANCY SMITH. 13 MAI, 2010. MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA.
found this little early clip:
THE JON COHEN EXPERIMENTAL/’Hold the Fire’/technorati
but . . . here’s their, pretty much only video clip, on YouTube:
yep, most def, HIT: THE JON COHEN EXPERIMENTAL – PLAYS – ‘BRAIN POLLUTION’ – LIVE AT DUNCAN GARAGE SHOWROOM/YouTube
hit this link, to watch: the recent – JON COHEN EXPERIMENTAL INTERVIEW/PKG on YouTube
o.k. but, I’m still stuck on: Don’t Be The Cloud !!
I could run that song thru my head on a loop 24/7 – for real.
if artlovers had a sound track – that would be it – for this month, anyways. love it. just can’t get enough of it.
you can find their home page, here: THE JON COHEN EXPERIMENTAL on myspace
~Don’t Be The Cloud/THE JON COHEN EXPERIMENTAL |
Posted in Indie Music Reviews, The Bomb | By Nancy Smith | November 20th, 2010, 6:30pm
