Fall brings new sculptures and new exhibits. Ken Johnson examines the opening of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. Randy Kennedy discusses the De Wain Valentine and his newest sculpture that was featured at the J. Paul Getty Museum.

Johnson captivates the reader by the first paragraph. However, after Johnson builds up the context for the Crystal Bridges Museum, he follows it up with more description. He doesn’t put in any of his opinions as he introduces the anticipated works by notable artists. Johnson does not make an effort to elaborate on Denver Art Museum, “the boxy, two-story, 28,500 square-foot building.” He does a better job previewing the museums than he does reviewing. Perhaps I have assumed too quickly and the museums do not permit reviewers from disclosing any information about the artworks in the exhibits.

"A 3,500-pound, 12-foot-tall column made of solid cast polyester resin, one of De Wain Valentine's most ambitious pieces, on display at the J. Paul Getty Museum." (Konrad Fiedler for The New York Times)

While Kennedy’s writing lacks the enthusiasm I look for in a critic or reviewer, he provides a stance in his writing. He inputs some of his opinions and I can understand where he approaches De Wain Valentine’s “Gray Column.”  He compares the monolith to a “looming interplanetary sentinel,” which gives Kennedy’s voice a personality. He proceeds to call Mr. Valentine a “daring pioneer” for using unlikely art materials. I enjoyed the storytelling he divulges into after discussing the sculpture itself. Kennedy zooms in on moments of Mr. Valentine’s “exacting and expensive work.”

In comparison to Johnson, Kennedy exceeds him because his writing style is more effective in transmitting feelings about the subject discussed. Kennedy diverges on different paths about a subject, covering who’s involved, what’s displayed, when it’s available, where it’s located, and why it’s so significant.

The Museum of Modern Art is a museum that always has many interesting works and exhibits. At the moment, the exhibit that sounds the most fascinating is the “Talk To Me” exhibit, which shows off the many ways that people communicate. It includes the many objects and technologies that we interact with, showing off the relationship between humans and these objects. The exhibit also shows the ways that objects and interfaces are designed, stressing the ways the design influences the way we understand and interact with the objects as well as the way our interactions influence the design. Included in the exhibit are things we may know and use frequently as well as things we have never seen before.

Location

MoMA,  11 West 53 Street

When

Now until November 7, 2011

When I was in high school one of my “artsy” friends brought me to the Whitney Museum of Art. The different art styles of most exhibitions at the Whitney evoke a strong atmosphere if you visit. There are sculptures, paintings, films and other abstract exhibitions from time to time. If you’re a fan of modern, contemporary art galleries, then the Whitney is an easy choice. If not, the Whitney also carries several galleries of paintings from different eras (ex. expressionism).  Currently, there are six exhibitions displayed, but I highly suggest visiting just for the Singular Visions exhibition, which is a series of 12 different art pieces that are meant to give different impressions using a wide array of art mediums and sizes.

Singular Visions has started on Dec 16, 2010 and is still ongoing

Where:

Whitney Museum of American Art
945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street
New York, NY 10021
General Information: (212) 570-3600

Hours:

Closed Monday, Tues
11am-6pm The other days
1pm-9pm Fridays

Ever since I arrived in New York two years ago I have been fascinated by the city’s distinct architecture, especially in Manhattan, which is why I can’t wait to visit the  “The American Style” Colonial Revival and the Modern Metropolis” exhibit currently on display at the Museum of the City of New York. The exhibit, according to The New York Times review by Edward Rothstein, is successful because it makes “the invisible visible.” Visitors are promised an enlightening journey through New York City’s architectural past and it’s close relationship to the Colonial Revival style of design and architecture. Various objects and photographs, especially from the early 20th century are featured in this amazing tribute to the evolution of New York City’s physical structure. Visit the exhibit to learn more about this distinctive architecture that is so familiar, we hardly ever notice it.

When:

Jun 14 through Oct 30

Where:

Museum of the City of New York

1220 Fifth Avenue at 103^rd Street

Open seven days. 10.00 am – 6.00 pm

Scientists have long discovered the positive effect that classical music has on our brain, notably demonstrated in the practice of making babies, toddlers, and fetus listen to it, thereby stimulating their brain power. Likewise, the best way to get rid of all the stress and troubles accumulated in the week is to enjoy a piece of classical music performed by expert musicians in New York City. Dwelling upon this notion, I recommend you to check out a performance by the amazing string sextet Concertante this Monday to celebrate the group’s 15th anniversary this season. The performance features pieces by two of my most favorite composers, Lutwig Van Beethoven’s String Trio in C Minor (Op. 9, No. 3) and Johann Brahms’ Quintet in B minor, along with Corigliano’s “Soliloquy” for Clarinet and String Quartet. The concert will be held at 7:30 pm, Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street, Manhattan for the affordable price of $10 per ticket per student. Relax and enjoy the show.

The Rubin Museum of Art is a great museum to check out this fall. The Rubin Museum houses several works of art from the Himalayan region. One great exhibition to go check out is the Mirror Of Buddha. In early Tibet, artists represented leaders of Buddhist schools as holy personages. This exhibition presents exquisite examples of portraits of these persons. If you would like to see the culture and art of a very unique country this is the perfect opportunity.

When:

October 21, 2011 – March 5, 2012

Where:

Rubin Museum of Art
150 West 17th Street
New York, NY 10011

Seaport, located by the lower Manhattan waterfront, has always been a popular neighborhood with many offerings ranging from street performances and concerts to shopping and food markets. It is a great place to experience the hustle and bustle of New York City. Check out the shopping mall or South Street Seaport Museum!

An upcoming event that you should take notice to, however, is the Orange Alert. Commemorating the tenth anniversary of 9/11, this play centers around the lives of six people who live in the aftermath of 9/11 and currently work at Ground Zero (where the play takes place). The play is about love, construction, and loss. This is a great opportunity to remember and come together with others as the sensitive topic that touches many of our lives is brought to hand. Buy and reserve tickets to one of the performances on September 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 at the Algonquin Seaport Theater located at Pier 17 89 South Street.

Check out the rich, upbeat and lively atmosphere and the events offered at Seaport this season!

The New York Hall of Science is probably a place that we’ve all been to before as little kids. All the exhibits seemed to be extremely cool since we couldn’t quite grasp how some of the things happened. However, the World Maker Fair will be there this year from September 17-18.

It features people who make interesting creations on their own. There are weird and funky robot creations, rockets, and even arts and crafts. It is the second year they’re doing this at the New York Hall of Science.