The Arts in NYC Fall 2012

Now that the Thanksgiving festivities are over and I’m up and out of my food crash, it’s time to talk about this enthralling play that we saw on Wednesday evening. I was extremely excited that we were going to see this play at the Signature Theater, and I was not at all disappointed.

The plot of the play itself was, for the most part, captivating. The enjoyment that I got from seeing the play performed live as opposed to merely reading the screenplay, as we had done before hand, was on an entirely different level. The authenticity of the storyline was heightened, I feel, because we didn’t have to fill in as many blanks in our heads as we would have with the screenplay. The racial stereotypes were easier to pick up with the actors really selling their personalities. The accents and speech patterns of Boy Willie and Lymon, two Southern blacks, were noticeably different from Doaker, Bernice, and the rest. Their words were spoken at such a rapid pace that they overlapped each other. Often it was hard to undestand exactly what Boy Willie was saying. That clever decison by the director really helped to reinforce his personality- always trying to move forward, obsessed with what he can do for himself, etc. Characters like Doaker and Bernice were a little more content with life as it was, and so they did not have the same manner of speaking.

I was kind of disappointed in the minimal roles that some of the characters played, in particular, Maretha and Grace. It got to the point where sometimes I wondered whether or not they were truly necessary characters in the scope of the whole play. They didn’t really have any moments where they were the most important characters. Maretha can maybe be seen like she is an extension of Bernice, and so in that regard I can see her worth. She is what Bernice wishes she could have been in her youth. The same cannot be said for Grace in my mind. She seemed unnecessary, like she was a qualifier for Lymon’s desire for women.

One thing that really surprised me about this play was how powerful the songs were. When I was reading the screenplay on my own, I kind of expected them to be sung in a more lighthearted manner. When the actors got into it, however, there was a lot of legitimacy and power in their vocals. The characters seemed to get lost in the songs, which was evident in the lengths of the breaks that the play ended up taking for its songs. Particularly striking was Wining Boy’s performance close to the conclusion of the play. In the scenes before, he had come off as drunk, unstable, and a little hysterical. However, when he got his mind set on playing that song about Cleotha, he was a different man. After thinking about it, his lament on her passing seems bigger than just that. Rather, it appears to be both a lament on her loss as wella s the life that he wanted to have, but lost. His struggles and mistakes are so often made fun od during the course of the play. In this moment, we see him as more than just a comic relief character. He’s a worn down man who went from riches to rags. He’s beat up, tired, and lost the things that he truly held dear. The bluesy piano and incredibly bone-chilling vocals that he delivered emphasized his struggle, and it was a high point in the play for me. That’s not to say that the performance of the slavery-time song wasn’t excellent as well, but it was a less serious tune, and didn’t say as much about the individual characters.

I enjoyed this play a whole hell of a lot. It had a few plotholes and weaknesses, but on the whole it was a very strong storyline. The acting was the best part of this production & performance, in my opinion. Staging, lighting (especially the “ghostly” effects) were believable and well-designed as well. You all should’ve been there! It was a great way to start the break.

– Ben

Were you ever tempted to do something just because it was free? Even if it didn’t interest you that much, you still had the urge to splurge and venture into a new world at no cost? Being that I am Jewish and stereotypically, us Jews love freebies, this past Tuesday night I spent the night out on the town with my mom at a great price.

Upon seeing an ad for the Public Art exhibit at Columbus Circle, my mom immediately asked me to join her on an adventure. So me, being the technologically inclined one out of the two of us (that says a lot because I am no fan of high tech) decided to read up on this shindig online. After logging on to the exhibition, I was surprised to say the least. Only 10-15 people are granted permission to view this exhibit- Tatzu Nishi created a living room around the statuesque Columbus monument in Columbus Circle. After finding out that tickets would only be available at least three weeks from the date I signed online, I whipped out my Baruch calendar and my mom pulled out her little red book and we planned a date.

October 23 rolled around the corner and we met at the Circle for our night of fun. After waiting online for 20 minutes (even though we had a timed ticker) we began out adventure. We climbed up seven flights of steps (installed just for this exhibit so they were a tad wobbly and shaky to say the least) and were stunned! As we trekked up the stairs, we saw views of Central Park and the West Side that took our breath away. Now I am no tourist when it comes to photographing the city-I’ve seen it all and only gravitate towards obscure and unique picturesque opportunities however this time I stepped out of my comfort zone and acted like a New York City tourist. The views from all angles of the city were stunning and being that we went to explore before sunset, the mood was perfect.

So we entered the “living room,” and LOVED what we saw. A wallpaper made up of all of New York City’s loves-McDonalds, Coke, Elvis. A TV showing an interview with Obama. Real Simple and Vogue magazines on the living room table. This exhibit was a perfect hybrid of both New and Old New York City. The scene surrounding Mr. Columbus’s statue was perfect. It was homey and comfortable yet impeccable and museum worthy. I highly recommend this free, short trip to anyone before it ends on Nov 18.

This past Monday, I had to visit the Merchant’s House Museum on East 4^th Street for my English class. The Merchant’s House Museum, built in 1832, is one of the oldest buildings still standing today in New York City. The house was occupied by a wealthy family named the Tredwells, who earned their riches by being successful merchants in New York. The entire property ranging from the garden to all five floors of the mansion is preserved and remains in tact through the generosity of various donors who pay for the upkeep. It is rumored to be haunted with the idea that the ghost of one of the Tredwells lingers over the soul of the house. After hearing this information, I was interested to see if I could notice any weird vibes in the estate.

While inside the house, I began to walk around and observe all the artifacts and tools people used in the 1800s. I like seeing all these old devices because I like to think how people in the twenty-first century would have a difficult time acclimating to a lifestyle with no technology. But anyway, the house featured an antique-looking fireplace with a wooden paddle, copper pans and plates, and ornate dressers that were made with  intricate designs and craftsmanship.Another part of the house I enjoyed seeing was the garden. The patio outside was outlined with shrubs and benches all along the perimeter, and it looked like a really relaxing place to go and unwind from a busy day. However, throughout the tour, there was one part that really caught my eye and took me aback. When I walked into one of the rooms on the fourth floor, I walked into a bedroom and saw a man who was embalmed lying in one of the beds. The man in the room was one of the eldest Tredwells, and he looked eerily alive. His facial hair was not touched, his hands were peacefully folded, and he maintained a smile on his face while lying under a golden blanket in a four-poster bed.

Though a bit creepy, I think the protection and safekeeping of the eldest Tredwell’s body is significant to the idea of class and art. In regards to class, I think the Tredwells’ wealth and power was illustrated not only by the physical appearance of their home, but by how the family took the time and effort to make sure this powerful man’s body was preserved and therefore “immortal” to the visitors of the museum. I think this idea contributes to the notion that the upper class back in the time period tried to make sure their legacies lived on forever, and the Tredwells really captured this idea in a physical sense.

Moreover, I got into a deep thought after my visit to the museum. The Tredwells’ house is where the family operated and lived every day in their lives. It is a place that has endured prosperity, as well as some hardship. What I began to think about is why the city of New York invests so much time and effort in conserving the Tredwell house as opposed to other families’ homes in the area during the time? Does their wealth automatically mean they led interesting lives, and does it also imply that people who did not have as much money sustained lives that were not as rich in value?

Overall, I enjoyed the trip to the Merchant’s House Museum because I was exposed to life in a whole other century, and I found it to be pretty cool. I would recommend it to anybody who is interested in learning about history or more specifically, the socioeconomic structure of the nineteenth century.

This past Friday my friend convinced me to go with her to the MoMA to see the Goldfinger exhibit. At first I thought, “ugh MoMA on a Friday,” but I actually got excited cause I really like the 007 films; I think my friend’s excitement rubbed off on me too, she’s a huge film buff and was having a nerdgasm just thinking about it. But once we got to the third floor and saw the actual exhibit we were really, seriously disappointed. The actual exhibit was about one-sixth the size of our IDC classroom. It was just a tiny corner on the third floor, and all it contained were a few pictures and the like.

Thank goodness the exhibit on the rest of the room was good, otherwise it would have been a pretty bad trip to the museum. There were a few items that really caught my eye, and made me wish I ow

ned them.

They weren’t the typical works of art you would think of since, they were regular things you’d find in your house or at the supermarket.

The first things to really catch my eye were these really cool box set items.

One of them was a red rectangular prism with wheels on the bottom. At first I thought it was just a bigger version of a toolbox or some artists weird take on common house items, but soon realized that these items were actually used pretty commonly. I was pretty off mark with my guess, after taking a look at the picture next to the box, apparently it was used to hold groceries. Although I wouldn’t mind having it in my place to hold spices and what not.

These are the ones that seem really amazing to have, especially since they save so much space, but you know you’d never be able to buy. The giant purple square is a lounge, bed, bed stand and an office all in one. It’s like the perfect thing to have in a small studio apartment, especially for a student. The item in this exhibit that I really love is the mini kitchen. It’s smaller than a cabinet and has almost everything. It has drawers the perfect size for different cooking utensils, and plates. It even has a stove, and a cutting board. I didn’t get a good look so I couldn’t tell if the largest opening was a small oven or a large cabinet for pots and pans.

Either way it had me housewifing over it. I think the best part that all three share is the simplicity of the design and color scheme. They are all solid colors and very basic ones too, that don’t really stand out as unnatural – they aren’t depressing or neon.

The other items that I thought were pretty interesting and I wish I had for my room was an amazing set of plates, that made me think of Japanese koi fish, and some interesting desk lamps called eclipse lamps.

 wow this basically ended up becoming more of a wish list rather than a review … It was a really interesting exhibit. We also saw some interesting appliances and decorations from different time periods made from different materials, some looked like they were made of garbage. It was really interesting. The MoMA had almost a complete make over from the last time i went. I suggest going there again if your interested in seeing some strange furniture or a really weird video.

They had a video playing of a man in all black standing on top of the camera, so it looked like his feet were pressed against the lens and you were looking up from under him. All he talked about was feet and pressure on his feet. They made it even more real by making the video play on the ceiling so you had to look straight up or lie on a couch to watch it. We stopped by to watch it for a few seconds on our way out, and all we could say was, “WTF was that?”

And finally we left for Uniqlo.

“History of Rap 2 and 3”

During three guest visits on Jimmy Fallon’s late night show, Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon put together a three-part “History of Rap.” I thought about it today since, as Stephen and Andrew explained, the youth has not been exposed to many of the pioneers of hip-hop and rap. Very contemporary artists are included and, sorry Andrew, there is a short Nicki Minaj piece, however, it was interesting that Timberlake and Fallon put this together and included the artists that they did. Plus Jimmy’s band is The Roots. So check it out! These are parts 2 and 3 compiled into one video.

– Salma

Hey guys!

Laraib suggested I share the link to my latest obsession-my blog with you. Hope you enjoy!

http://eportfolios.macaulay.cuny.edu/zaraellexihoffman/

I was originally planning to go to the Whitney this past Saturday but my friend cancelled on me so instead of going alone I decided to use this as a chance to talk about one of my favorite artists, you may have already guessed but his name is Joe Mangrum. He is an artist who uses multiple mediums for his art, but is most well known for his sand paintings, which is what my post will primarily focus on.

His sand paintings are highly detailed and very colorful. I like them the most out of his other works because the medium seems pretty interesting and original, they also resemble the style of drawing I use. I’m honestly admire his ability to make such detailed pieces with color (I’ve always had issues with using multiple colors in one piece). The sad thing about these paintings is that because they are made of sand they are easily destroyed. They are works that only last in the moment and the only way to make them last forever is through photography. This is especially the case with his work because he creates them outdoors, where wind, water and animals exist as possible destroyers of his art.

here’s an example of his sand paintings, one of my favorites called “Fire”

this piece was actually an installation, which he is sometimes asked or offered a chance to make. When he does, the piece unlike the usual, is created indoors in an area that people are not allowed to walk on so it can last longer.

I really like his sand paintings because they are all very beautiful and have a connection or resemblance to things found in nature. They don’t show anything in a biased light, they simply exist to bring the viewer enjoyment and aesthetic pleasure. This is a great deal as to why I like his art so much, for example this piece called fire is obviously a painting of fire. But it is shown through a neutral lens. Fire is usually depicted as a destructive force but in this piece it is seen as just fire, something natural that can both be beautiful and horrible.

Anyways, moving on to the piece he created this weekend on union square and east 17th street. I decided to use his own pictures cause I couldn’t get a good shot. Seeing it during the creation process is really different from just seeing the final product. It seems like so much more physical effort is needed than I originally thought would be. Even though it seemed like a tedious job and he knew it would disappear soon he was thoroughly enjoying it. Everyone became a little worried that when it started raining the work might get ruined even before it could even be finished. Luckily it didn’t rain too hard and the piece survived and was able to be born.

Even after seeing it, the process still seems kind of impossible to me; he creates the paintings by taking a fistful of sand and just clenching it tightly and loosening it just a bit to let a small trickle of sand fall to the ground, while kneeling the whole time on his knees and hands.

The final product:

I really hope I get the chance to watch him make one again, or at least see a created work in person again. I put this under cool stuff to do, cause if you ever get the chance you should definitely try to check his work out at http://www.joemangrum.com/artnews/

My Sadie Nash Leadership Program sisters kindly forwarded this to me, so I am sharing it with all of you! Sounds like an amazing exhibition to check out! You’ve got a month to do so – take advantage of some more cool stuff to do!

YOUnity Exhibit! : October 19^th, 2012 (opening day)

PURPLE Exhibit, Causey Contemporary Gallery: This autumn, eleven female contemporary artists will explore Purple as a color, word and psychological context in a freestyle exhibition where medium, formal strategies and process intersect to create original content.

Purple will be on view at Causey Contemporary Gallery, 92 Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, from October 19 – November 18, 2012, with an opening reception from 6pm – 9pm on Friday, October 19^th. This exhibition is produced by YOUNITY, an international collective of urban female visual artists, designers and craftswomen. The collective collaborates on creative projects, resource networks, mentoring of youth, community building, and the production of art exhibitions that promote women in the arts.

Curated by Diana McClure and YOUNITY co-founder Alice Mizrachi, this exhibition features a group of internationally recognizable street, mural, urban and contemporary artists from across the United States and abroad including: Alice Mizrachi, Diana McClure, Gilf!, Lady Pink, Lichiban, Miss Van, Olek, Priscila De Carvalho, Queen Andrea, Ritzy Periwinkle, and Sofia Maldonado.

– Salma M.

Hi Everybody,

Time Out New York’s complied a list of 101 Cool Things to Do in NYC this fall.

And now that you have your cultural passport, you have the luxury of being able to explore New York’s art scene for free (or cheap)!  Take advantage of the opportunities available to you.  Here are some suggestions:

The New Museum’s “Pictures from the Moon:  Artist Holograms” is open until 9/30.

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is going to have a Chili Pepper Fiesta (9/29, 11AM-6PM) with food (spicy pickles, anyone?) and music and dance (including Korean drumming and African dance).

The Met’s andy Warhol Exhibition opens 9/19, and Tomas Saraceno’s “Cloud City” on the roof will be there for you to explore until 11/14  (get your Mack on and go!).

For the film buffs (Andrew, I’m talking to you!), the Museum of the Moving Image’s “Cinema 16” is happening on 9/14!

Cyndi Lauper will be at the 92nd Street Y on 9/19.

And of course, you have to visit MoMA this week…

Whew!  Have a fabulous week!

besos grandes  (LOL)!!!