210
March 14th, 2010
Cy Twombly and Jason Wu.
A clip of a Cy Twombly painting.
Pop's Covergirl Abby Lee Kershaw in Jason Wu Fall 2010
209
March 10th, 2010
Like a prayer
Last night at MOMA.
Marina Abramovic sitting in a dress that made me think of blood.
Sitting silent, not a word to be uttered.
For THREE whole months, she will remain like that.
I am fascinated by the idea of being a monk in the city.
I think it’s quite hard to be.
NYC probably being the worst place to be one.
Anyway, this body of work makes me uncomfortable
which means I’ll be thinking about it for a while.
At one point while she sat there, across a very gentle man
I felt like:
I was watching a prayer,
I suppose a communion of sorts
They were both so present with each other
as if the 100 or so of us gawking were not even there…
You can go sit with her too at The Museum of Modern Art.
This exhibition is sponsored in part by LVMH.
A view from above.
Rachel Chandler sits with the artist. Rachel said she felt very nervous.
I really like Rachel's blue head scarf next to Marina's red dress.
I waited in line but not long enough
I bumped into one of my favourite people in the whole wide world, the photographer Taryn Simon who said I looked like one long braid in my Rodarte get up and clear Prada shoes.
Other performance artists on the 6th floor.
Marina sitting with the very gentle man.
Another view from above.
BY: shala
TAGS: Marina Abramovic, Moma |
Comments (7)
208
March 5th, 2010
“AND THE WIND CRIES MARY” (JIMI HENDRIX)
A girl at Gagosian Gallery, Beverly Hills March 4th 2010. Art by Damien Hirst.
Words below by: Safiya Sawney
I first heard of Bob Dylan via Jimi Hendrix’s cover of “Along the Watchtower”. Now Hendrix is the kind of musician who simply makes you write whether you want to or not. Thus, after seeing a BBC documentary on the life of Hendrix and having just moved to New York City and sampled the music offerings of the West Village’s Cafe Wha, Terra Blues, Blue Note and Bitter End I felt compelled to capture in writing the gist of the documentary throwing in researched facts of Hendrix’s life where appropriate as if I were on assignment for Rolling Stone or Mojo or Billboard. I typed furiously and edited meticulously this piece on Hendrix which I officially labeled “Alchemy” inspired from a comment by The Who’s Pete Townsend who labeled Hendrix an alchemist at one point in the documentary for the amazing things he did with his restrung, backwards Fender Stratocaster.
Hendrix first and foremost was a guitar player yet at some point he started to sing and both his vocals and guitar playing earned him a spot on “The Experience”. He sold out shows, wooed Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, impressed the Beatles and opened for Mick and the Stones.
Call me crazy but I’d like to think had it not been for the existence of the man they call Bob Dylan, with his folksy rock and story-telling poetry, a raconteur in his own way, then Hendrix wouldn’t have given us such things as:
Will the wind ever remember
The names it has blown in the past
And with his crutch, it’s old age, and it’s wisdom
It whispers no, this will be the last
And the wind cries Mary
and
I said
Stone free do what i please
Stone free to ride the breeze
Stone free i can’t stay
Got to got to got to get away
Yeah ow!
Tear me loose baby
‘Alchemy’ still sits in a folder on my computer unread, unpublished – mine to keep.
Words by: SAFIYA SAWNEY
BY: shala
TAGS: Bob Dylan, Damien Hirst, Jimi Hendrix |
Comments (2)
207
February 27th, 2010
She goes as far as she wants, as fast as she wants… the girl on the motorcycle.
Sessilee Lopez sits on Richard Prince's "Iron Horse"
BY: shala
TAGS: Iron Horse, Richard Prince, Sessilee Lopez |
Comments (3)
206
February 24th, 2010
Vogue Black
Chanel Iman Michael Kors SS2010
Franca Sozzani is the Editor of Vogue Italia.
Vogue Italia has only this week launched a website.
Who knew?
I always thought it existed before.
Ms. Sozzani seems dedicated to featuring black models in her magazine.
Naomi Campbell in her POP interview last fall, commended Ms.Sozzani on her [bravery.]
I say bravery since it seems like the industry fears using more than a certain number of black models at any given time.
In July 2008 she did four different Vogue Covers with four black models: Naomi Campbell, Jourdun Dunn, Sessilee Lopez and Liya Kebede.
On the Vogue.it website is a whole section called Vogue Black that features black models, writers, actors, singers ect.
Some of the talent featured so far are: Jamaican model Sedene Blake, Tolula Adeyemi,Grace Jones and the Brooklyn based writer Colson Whitehead who by the way just got nominated for the PEN/Faulkner Prize.
Anyway take a peek at Vogue Black here on the Vogue Italia website.
You will also like Vogue Curvy.
BY: shala
TAGS: Chanel Iman, Colson Whitehead, Tolula Adeymi, Vogue Italia |
Comments (3)
205
February 23rd, 2010
Glass ceiling? What glass ceiling? Don’t you know it’s broken and the pieces are all across the Prada floor. Gentlemen, mind your step.
Crystal chandelier dress: Prada
To read about some of the women who have gone through the roof check out the current issue of POP.
Condolezza Rice
Louise Bourgoeois
Joan Burnstein
and
Dr.Sarah Churchwell
to name a few.
BY: shala
TAGS: Prada |
Comments (2)
204
February 17th, 2010
A REALLY COOL PLACE.
TRANSLATION: Culture Club: Persian Style
London’s newly opened hot spot destination for “members only” where east meets west
“The idea is of an old train in motion, inspired by 60’s Britain with subtle influences from the Silk Road” explains Farhad Farman-Farmaian, Managing Director of the Beauchamp Club in London. The new private members club on Beauchamp Place in Knightsbridge lies behind an unmarked door with no number nor name on the outside. Enter into a whole new world of interiors and influences from all over: a sophisticated European Orientalist vision accompanied by a unique soundtrack with Bob Dylan, Curtis Mayfield, Nino Rota and Billie Holiday. Warhol and Frank prints hang on the walls amidst old family photos paying tribute to Farman-Farmaian’s noble Persian heritage. Founding Members include Agnelli’s, Getty’s and Santo Domingo’s. When not dining on Mediterranean and Persian cuisine and experimenting with prosecco and pomegranate Bellinis, members can enjoy the lectures, readings, classic film screenings, and musical performances curated under the watchful eye of its esteemed Cultural Advisory Council including world renowned architect Zaha Hadid and Swiss art gallerist Bruno Bischofberger.
Mr. Farmaian, how does a non member enjoy these delights?
It’s all so lovely, I was fortunate to taste a bowl of pasta before the club opened (one of the best), and sampled some of the music too…
There should be a way to have interesting and interested non members visit…
BY: shala
TAGS: beauchamp club |
Comments (2)
203
February 13th, 2010
Dear TSA, Please don’t poke the koons…
We wouldn't want to upset Mr.Klitchko, seen here seriously discussing art.
Beginning Aug.1st, the Transportation Security Administration will begin inspecting art crates on commercial flights.
Do I see a new job here? Airport art security…
BY: shala
TAGS: Emmanuel Perrotin, Phillipe Segalot, Vladimir Klitchko |
Comments (2)
202
February 7th, 2010
Miles, Bird & Train (Showing Off Broadway)
Showing for only two weeks.
Michael Wright plays the role he was born to play.
No one can do Miles Davis like Mike can.
Starring: Michael Wright, Marcus Naylor, Stacey Dotson, Ellen Martin. Directed by: Chuck Patterson
Hope it turns to a movie.
Buy tickets here.
He's been M.I.A, but hopefully this is just a tease.
BY: shala
TAGS: Michael Wright, Miles Davis. |
Comments (4)
201
February 5th, 2010
Dear Jay-Z, Jada and Will Smith Thank you for fela!
Just go see the play. That’s all I have to say about that. You can’t speak about it you have to FEEL it.
BUY TICKETS HERE.
shoes: miu miu
BY: shala
TAGS: Fela, Jada Pinkett, Jay Z, Miu miu, Will Smith |
Comments (4)
200
February 4th, 2010
EXACTLY TWENTY-THREE DAYS BEFORE I WAS SUPPOSED TO LEAVE VIET NAM I STOPPED WORRYING ABOUT DYING. (richard prince)
Quote from Cowboys by Richard Prince. Model: Kelly @ Ford Models
BY: shala
TAGS: Pop Magazine, Richard Prince |
Comments (1)
199
February 3rd, 2010
Baloji
Such elegance.
Check out his song and video here.
And while we’re here:
Did you know that Carsten Holler, him of the Double Club can gyrate his hips exactly like a Congolese?
BY: shala
TAGS: Baloji, Carsten Holler, Congo, Prada Foundation |
Comments (4)
198
February 2nd, 2010
Dear bethostylista
Here is a response from another reader,
Oh Shala – I knew Gaga in her pre-superstar days. She performed burlesque shows in the East Village with her partner then, Lady Starlight. I’d never met anyone quite like her before and I’ve had my share of NY’s colorful characters. At our first meeting she was extremely pleasant and though shy in speech quite loud in fashion. She attached a bra to the outside of a faux-ballet dress, her feet were adorned with shoes, mock vintage, and whose heels had seen better days. I inquired about her fashion and her music and was moved by the intensity of her passion, drive and dedication that was so forcefully apparent as she spoke. Her performance consisted of about 4 or 5 songs with an intermission between a pair of songs where she and her 2 backup dancers would undergo an elaborate costume change – though a glance around the sparsely filled room (10-15 people) would have one wondering why she would go through the trouble. Even before the fame, the hit records, the fans, the fashion blogs, the photo-spreads, the magazine covers there was always GaGa and her art. It is not always what one achieves but how one achieves. . . . and so here’s to GaGa and her uncanny ability to find pleasure in the things that are not so ordinary.
At Museum of Contempory Art Los Angeles
Performing with Francesco Vezzoli: "The shortest ballet you'll never see again"
I’d like to add here that I’ve been to a few Galas, and I’m sorry if I’ll offend anyone but usually people are interested in their own show. Mostly looking at their watches wondering when they’ll get the hell out of there.
But Lady Gaga got on stage and the whole room, about 1000 people, shut up and didn’t speak for the duration of the performance. Not many people can command that sought of attention. It felt almost like a dream.
And Betho, you don’t have to agree with me we can have a conversation…
BY: shala
TAGS: Francesco Vezzoli, Moca |
Comments (1)
197
February 2nd, 2010
Steve McQueen (the artist) is SEX-Y.
A still from a Warhol film that was on view at the Graz Art Museum, Austria last fall.
I’ve put up this image because I read that Mr. McQueen is inspired by Warhol.
Now back to the point about him being sexy.
Any man who can focus on a drop of water dangling, glistening, conjuring images of of bodily fluids as it hangs on the tip of a barren branch must be sensitive.
And of course sexiness comes out of sensitivity.
The frame of which I speak comes from his video installation “Giardini” that I missed at the 53rd International Art Exhibition of the Venice Bienale. A little secret, I don’t see much art then. Too overwhelming.
Luckily for me, the show is now on view at the Marianne Goodman Gallery in New York until March 6th. The good side of seeing it now is that there aren’t any lines, as there was in Venice and so it’s usually just you and Mr.McQueen’s video ramblings.
Also on view is another piece by the artist titled, “Static, 2009″ which is a continuous rotating view of the Statue of Liberty shot from a helicopter. At times it made me recall 9/11, the opening scene of La Dolce Vita where the statue of Jesus hovers over Rome, suspended by a helcopter, with the chopping sounds of its rotor blades. This sound also makes me think of the doom of Apocolypse now and yet it is Lady Liberty we are looking at, who seems to be at times spinning, dizzy, and at times static.
It makes me think, and men who can make women think are sexy.
That’s my point.
Giardini 2008 and Static, 2009
Marianne Goodman Gallery
24 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
BY: shala
TAGS: Giardini, Static, Steve McQueen |
Comments (1)
196
February 1st, 2010
POP LOVES WOMEN! Brigitte Lacombe
I met Brigitte in Doha.
It was at a reception for the premiere of the first ever Tribeca Film Festival there.
She was circling round and round with her leica camera. She was immediately striking, eyeing everything in sight.
We met again the next day on a trip to the falcon farm. Then we saw a movie together. Then I saw her in LA for the Moca Gala.
She completely fascinates me as she is a woman living her passion while it supports her, travelling the world taking photos.
Brigitte Lacombe is definitely a POP ICON.
For more on Brigitte take a look at her website here
Madame Lacombe, hard at work.
Brigitte often works on film sets. Here a shot of Ava Green hard at work.
As well as working as a travel photographer for Conde Nast Traveller, Miss Lacombe also does advertising.
One of her many travel photos
BY: shala
TAGS: Brigitte Lacombe |
Comments (1)
195
February 1st, 2010
Hello Olu
All you POP fans,
Those who loved all that POP paper and all that flare
check out POP’s Art Director Olu Michael Odukoya’s selection of photos downstairs as well.
Art love and everyday life.
xxs
BY: shala
TAGS: Hoxton Square Projects, Kilimanjaro Magazine, Olu Michael Odukoya |
Comments (1)
194
February 1st, 2010
END OF AN ERA.
Friday night at Gagosian Gallery on Madison Avenue, Damien Hirst’s show “End of an Era” drew a magnificent crowd.
Lines to the elevator went out the building, and it was really a sight to see load after load spilling out as the bell clincked and doors opened.
Oh my, it’s Mick Jagger, Bono, James Franco, Diana Picasso, Peter Brant, Richard Prince, Daphne Guinness, Nicola Vassel,
Takashi Murakami, I could go on for quite a while here. Outside it was a nice and frosty 12 degrees fahrenheit, but that didn’t
stop the legions of curious public from all over the city, and for that matter the world from seeing what one of the world’s best artists,
(my opinion) had to show.
“End of an Era” is on at Gaosian till March 6th.
Painful Memories/Forgotten Tears, 2008
Damien and Milly
Polar Star, 2006
Stacy Engman wearing Chanel and a lovely hairdo.
A beaming Andy Avini, don't let that bright smile decieve you, Andy literally holds up the Gallery.
Victoria Gelfand, sealing a deal.
Damien Hirst hard at work
There were many babies taking in the art as well.
Damien and megafan.
Later at the Boom Boom Room:
Young Petey Brant/ One to watch on the fashion and cultural scene, stay tuned.
Ron Delsener, Mr.Music Man and Wise Guy
Inga Rubenstein and Ronnie Madra
Happy People: Damien Hirst, Sandy Heller, Takashi Murakami
Ant from the band THE HOURS and Mega-Gallerina Victoria Gelfand
Hirst fans. Oh and yes that is James Franco
More Hirst fans
Francesco Bonami and Nicola Vassel
Prima-Gallerina Valentina Castelliani
The irreplaceable Toni Shafrazi
Charles and Olya Thompson and Maria Baibakova crisp out of Moscow
Other Mega-Gallerina Millicent Wilner and Artist Rachel Feinstein
BY: shala
TAGS: Bono, Damien Hirst, End of an Era, Mick Jagger, Richard Prince |
Comments (4)
193
January 28th, 2010
Oh no, Mr.Salinger, don’t go…
Goodbye Mr.Salinger, with much respect to a master of the art of literature: J.D Salinger may your star burn bright...
“An artist’s only concern is to shoot for some kind of perfection, and on his own terms, not anyone else’s. “
BY: shala
TAGS: J.D Salinger |
Comments (1)
192
January 16th, 2010
“I’ve been married for thirty-four years and I’m still in love with the same woman. If my wife ever finds out, she’ll kill me.” Richard Prince
Photo: Victor Demarchellier, Hat: Prada, DreAnn Demeulemeester, Shoes, White Kitten Brooch: Miu Miu, Teddy Bear: Gucci
BY: shala
TAGS: Ann Demeulmeester, Gucci, Miu miu, Prada, Richard Prince joke |
Comments (2)
191
January 10th, 2010
The back side of America.
Rügenfigur 2009 neon and black paint 24 x 145.5 x 4 inches (61 x 369.6 x 10.2 cm) Ed. of 3
Off book: works by Glenn Ligon now on display at Regen Projects, Los Angeles.