I've mentioned before that the beginning of my summer is marked by the annual FIGMENT Festival on Governors Island.  In June, I take the ferry over and marvel at the views, the fields, the art and the serenity of it all.  At that time I swear I will find excuses to make frequent trips back to the island.  And by the end of summer, I decide that at least I made it out once.

Well, now I have the perfect excuse to return.  On August 2nd, there will be an opening for the Living Pavilliion Exhibition on the island.  Erected for the FIGMENT festival, this sustainable structure offers shade and a gathering place for visitors.  The opening will showcase the design and construction process. 

One of my photos will be used as part of the exhibit.  It's quite thrilling.

If you haven't been Governors Island, take the opportunity.  You can find out more about the event here.

On Friday, June 25th, death will come knocking on the door of Williamsburg’s Fresthetic, with the opening of Cake, Chris RWK, Veng, Luna Park, and Becki Fuller’s show “Death Warmed Over”.  Through their paintings and photography, each artist has embarked on an exploration into the many nuances to be found in the meaning of ‘death’ and have incorporated their unique interpretations into their art.  For some, death is found in the decay & destruction what was once fresh and new or in the struggles with the demons that plague and sometimes consume us.  For others it can be found in cultural practices, such as the festivities of Halloween, the spiritual relationship between the Native American warrior and their prey, or taking a closer look at life in Mexico, a country who’s intimacy with death permeates their culture.

The show runs from June 25th - July 30th, with an opening reception on Friday, June 25th from 7-10pm.  There will be an art scavenger hunt, live painting in the back yard, and while we may be morbid, we aren’t cheap, so the drinks are on us!  So, come shake your bones to the musical styling’s of our favorite DJ Royce Bannon and have a time so good that it will haunt your memory for years to come!

“Death Warmed Over”
Paintings by Chris RWK, Veng, and Cake
Photography by Luna Park & Becki Fuller

Opening Reception
Friday, June 25th, 2010
7-10pm

Fresthetic
560 Grand Street
Brooklyn NY, 11211
(between Lorimer St & Union Ave)
Trains: L,G, M & J

It's June, the official beginning of summer.  With it comes warmer weather and the easy-breezy attitude that people adopt during the season.  Over the past three years, for me at least, the beginning of summer is marked by the annual Figment Festival on Governors Island.

This free art event converts the small island into a wonderland of art and sculpture.  Removed from the chaos of the city, the island possess a sense of other-worldliness.  The island itself is inviting with park areas, lanes for bikes and fantastic views of the city.  Because the event is free (and vending is kept to a minimum), you can wander without a care - taking in the sights and sounds. 

You can see my photos from the 2010 Figment festival here.

I don't know much about the art world.  Sure, I studied art history in college. Some of my closest friends are artists, and I have visited my share of galleries and museums.  But when it comes right down to it, I don't have an inkling about how the current art market works.  I'm also ignorant about the street art movement.  Living in New York, I see my share of street art, I even recognize some of the styles, but couldn't tell you who did them or where the counterparts  were painted.  What I do know, is that is creative, somewhat dangerous, eye-catching and frequently humorous. From what I have seen, the art market is dry, so a little wit is welcome with my art.

So thank goodness Exit Through the Gift Shop is able to sort our and explain it all.  This documentary is somewhat hard to explain.  At first it seems that Banksy, the secretive British street artist (his work, I recognize) is the topic.  He is not.  Then it appears to be a document of the street art movement.  It is, but only sort of.  The movie revolves around a man named Theirry Guetta, a man with a movie camera who followed renegade street artists as they tagged and put up their work.  His footage is amazing as he shows the heights and ledges climbed, the speed in which the artists work, and their art in the context of the city landscapes.  Guetta comes off as eccentric, but genuine in his interest in the movement.

Inspired by the street artists he documents, Guetta decides to make his own mark in the art world, taking the moniker "Mister Brainwash."  And here is where the movie shows its true intent.  Mister Brainwash creates an art assembly line, taking the images and concepts he sees in the art world and mass producing them.  He embarks on an introductory solo show unlike anything seen, particularly from a new artist.  And for all intents and purposes, he is "successful." 

His creations lack anything related to heart or soul.  They are merely takes on what Mister Brainwash sees popular in the art market.  His approach would either thrill or horrify Andy Warhol, perhaps a bit of both.

Exit Through the Gift Shop succeeds in introducing the street art scene and exposing the gallery art market.  It manages to make the former look compelling, while the latter appears utterly ridiculous.  As a central character, Guetta/Mister Brainwash is incredibly engaging - the mix of eccentricity, naivety, his animated gestures, and utter cluelessness make him fun to watch.  The story itself seems unbelievable, but just enough to be real.  Is it?  Does it matter?  Sit back and enjoy the art.

Lookee what I received via email from Artistic Will Studios!  Now,  I was raised Jewish and in adulthood drifted toward Buddhism, adopting a more pan-theology perspective on spirituality.  Over the years this has to taught me a reverence for spirituality and religion.  I love what faith inspires.  This image is a gorgeous example.

Today as the sun shines and the bulbs are in full bloom, I am taking the day to roam the beautiful streets of the city with my husband.  Holidays offer a nice time to take pause and enjoy the day.