Miami... a Little Weekend Getaway Full of Color...

I have never thought of myself as someone who could be considered a 'groupie' but recently, this has been proven wrong.  Since it had been over a month, since I got a chance to see Prometheus, I decided to catch up with him when he would be on the East coast for a couple of days in January.  For those who are not familiar with him, Prometheus Maximus is not a musician, nor is he an artist or a politician... he is my six month old nephew whose existence has turned me into something similar to a 'black hawk down aunt.'

My mother and I took the opportunity of having my brother and his family relatively close by (they live in LA, we in NJ) and flew out to Miami Friday night to see them for two days.  This little getaway provided us with wonderful walks down Lincoln Road, some  lovely meals and even a little morning walk on the beach...

One thing Miami can always provide is color...  and this weekend was full of lots of color...

Zesty Moments: A Miami Tradition That Always Satisfies....

Zesty Moments: A Miami Tradition That Always Satisfies....: "When my husband and I first visited Miami more than 10 years ago, my brother took us to a tiny little Argentinian steakhouse to have one of..."

Baldessari @ the Met - For those who missed it...

John Baldessari's "Palm Tree/Seascape" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art© John Baldessari, photograph © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

John Baldessari exhibit "Pure Beauty" was at the LACMA when I was visiting in August which I didn't get a chance to see but made a note to self to catch in New York.  It was the realization that I was going to miss it once again that prompted me to drop everything and run to the  Metropolitan Museum of Art, last week, four days before it  closed.  

It was such a groundbreaking experience for me as a student of Art, that I wish I had the chance to tell all my friends and take my kids to see it.  Unfortunately, it closed yesterday but I still want to share the experience with everyone.  I put up the link for the Met Audio Guide (you can download it by clicking on the title of this post  or http://www.metmuseum.org/audio/exhibitions/AudioGuide_Baldessari.zip) the numbers for some of the works are underneath them so those who are interested can take the tour right here and now...

There is also a link to an interactive artwork -'JOHN BALDESSARI - in still life 2001-2010' which lets you recreate the 17th century Dutch painting below anyway you like.  It is extremely cool...

 

http://in-still-life.com/index.php

WHAT IS IT THAT DISTINGUISHES ART FROM REAL LIFE???

John Baldessari's retrospective 'Pure Beauty' at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, asks this question and forces the viewer to contemplate the answer repeatedly...

John Baldessari (American, b. 1931)
Tips for Artists Who Want to Sell, 1966–1968
Acrylic on canvas; 68 x 56 1/2 in. (172.7 x 143.5 cm)
The Broad Art Foundation, Santa Monica
© John Baldessari

His quirky sense of humor is ever-present in all of his works.

John Baldessari, 'The backs of all the trucks passed while driving from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, California, Sunday 29, January 1963" photography, 1963.
 © John Baldessari

According the Met Audio-Guide here Baldessari is utilizing the mundane without elevating it to 'High Art' status in an attempt to construct meaning from the ground up.  (Met Audio-Guide 401) 

John Baldessari (American, b. 1931)
Commissioned Painting: A Painting by Elmira Bourke, 1969
Acrylic and oil on canvas; 59 1/4 x 45 1/2 in. (150.5 x 115.6 cm)
Courtesy the artist and Marian Goodman Gallery, New York and Paris
© John Baldessari

John Baldessari (American, b. 1931)
Commissioned Painting: A Painting by Anita Storck, 1969
Acrylic and oil on canvas; 59 1/4 x 45 1/2 in. (150.5 x 115.6 cm)
Courtesy the artist and Marian Goodman Gallery, New York and Paris
© John Baldessari

 "Is style really important or is it the idea behind the art?"

These are two of the three artworks on display commissioned by Baldessari from contemporary artists of  paintings of photographs he had taken of his friends pointing at an object of their choice, the title was added later by a sign painter... (Met Audio-Guide 406)

John Baldessari (American, b. 1931)
California Map Project, 1969
© John Baldessari

'Making Art that existed out in the world'

Baldessari took a map of California and drove around the state to find the literal places where the letters fell on the map.   

"mistaking the map for the territory... in treating the letters on the map like real places, Baldessari deliberately makes this mistake"(Met Audio-Guide 408)

John Baldessari (American, b. 1931)
I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art, 1971
Black-and-white video with sound, 13:06 min
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Purchase, The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Gift, 2010 (2010.262)
© John Baldessari

The Artist turns the typical school boy's boring punishment for bad behavior of repetition into a pledge of not producing 'boring art' (Met Audio-Guide 413)

John Baldessari (American, b. 1931)
Virtues and Vices (for Giotto), 1981
© John Baldessari


Hope, Prudence, Temperance, Sloth, Gluttony, Avarice 

Baldessari originally hung these photographic images matched with the seven virtues and vices in a chapel-like alcove and dedicated them to Giotto recalling his frescoes from the Arena Chapel. (Met Audio-Guide 420)

John Baldessari (American, b. 1931)
Lizard to Pianist (with Gold Sphere), 1984
Gelatin silver prints and color photographs on board
© John Baldessari

Title is telling us how to look at the work...Building the work up in almost an architectural manner  (Met Audio-Guide 421)

John Baldessari (American, b. 1931)
Kiss / Panic, 1984
Gelatin silver prints with oil tint on board, in eleven parts; 80 x 72 in. (203.2 x 182.9 cm) overall
Glenstone
© John Baldessari

At the time Baldessari made this work, he was becoming interested in Freud and  began to think of his collection of film stills as a collective unconcious...(Met Audio-Guide 422)

John Baldessari (American, b. 1931)
Heel, 1986
Gelatin silver prints with oil tint, oil stick, and acrylic; 106 1/2 x 86 15/16 in. (270.5 x 220.9 cm) overall
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Modern and Contemporary Art Council Fund
© John Baldessari

Is the title referring the the body part or the character of the man in the picture or the command being given to the dog? 

"One of the hallmarks of my work have always been omitting information and deleting it, that might be very necessary to understand the image... but, thinking that what you leave out the spectator with their imagination could replace" John Baldessari (Met Audio-Guide 423)

John Baldessari (American, b. 1931)
The Overlap Series: Jogger (with Cosmic Event), 2000–2001
Lambda prints on Sintra with acrylic and crayon; 84 x 43 3/4 in. (213.4 x 111.1 cm) overall
Jennifer B. Stockman
© John Baldessari

On the one side it is a snapshot of a street scene outside of his studio, on the other it is a scene out of a movie that is constructed out of someone's imagination and in the middle where they overlap -Baldessari painted to change the surface because he is against categories...(Met Audio-Guide 424)

John Baldessari (American, b. 1931)
The Duress Series: Person Climbing Exterior Wall of Tall Building / Person on Ledge of Tall Building / Person on Girders of Unfinished Tall Building, 2003
Digital prints with acrylic on Sintra; 60 x 180 in. (152.4 x 457.2 cm) overall
Ringier Collection, Switzerland
© John Baldessari

The figure which is basically a plastic raised or recessed silhouette, is optically and literally popping out of the picture because it is simplified and painted flat in the three primary colors...(Met Audio-Guide 425)

John Baldessari(American, b. 1931),
 Prima Facie (Third State): From Aghast to Upset, 2005.© John Baldessari

Prima Facie - How things appear on the surface upon first glance...(Met Audio-Guide 427)

John Baldessari (American, b. 1931)
Prima Facie (Fifth State): Warm Brownie / American Cheese / Carrot Stick / Black Bean Soup / Perky Peach / Leek, 2006
Pigment prints on canvas with latex paint; 92 in. x 9 ft. 6 in. (233.7 x 289.6 cm) overall
Glenstone
© John Baldessari

How we attribute meaning to color... (Met Audio-Guide 428)

The strange yet alluring juxtapositions, oscillation of words and images, the sharp sense of humor, the artist's intentions and my own interpretations of the works was very inspiring and exhilarating ... Baldessari's statement of 'looking at art as a form of life, a process of seeing possibilities and making new meanings' resonated within me, motivating me to new heights.

Sedef Piker (Turkish-American, b. 1966)
My BrainCloud, 2011



the end

BALDESSARI @ the Met - I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art...

John Baldessari - I Will Not Make Any More Bori..., posted with vodpod

What a Year it's Been!

It's a brand new day, a brand new year... and a great time to look back and review what we have left behind.  2010 was memorable... to say the least...  The good news is what started out as a typically tumultuous year actually ended up becoming a time of rewarding experiences, wonderful connections and new perspectives.
Some very wonderful people made my life so much more meaningful this year, I think I will name names.   I have had enlightening moments thanks to reconnecting with old friends as well as delightful surprises in forming new friendships. I feel I owe a big 'THANK YOU' to those special women who touched my life and helped me  to become a more contented person.


My habitual pursuits took on a different edge and I found fresh outlets for my creative urges.  What had started as little essays shared as 'dear friends letters' turned into a personal blog thanks to a suggestion from my insightful friend Birsu. Her continued support and remote presence in my life gave me renewed strength and confidence in who I am and what I am capable of.  Sometimes one encouraging email or taking the time to have lunch together one Sunday can have paramount influence on another's life.  

The incessant museum trips and yearning for more information turned into actual classes at a university.  As I delved deeper into the world of Art History, I found my hunger for art satiated to a certain degree... for the rest, I acknowledged my limitations and started to take snapshots of  scenes I noticed as I made my way through the streets of New York, New Jersey or any other place I might be passing through...  Different aspects of my life interconnected and blossomed into one big delightful well I could draw substance from on a daily basis.  I welcomed the chance to share some of these opportunities with an appreciative friend who would come with me on a class trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or an art show in New York.  My dear friend Mutlu who showed up at even the shortest notice, and I came up with a wonderful tradition of our own of toasting the day with champagne on these diverting outings. 


While putting together my own blog, I started to follow other blogs I found interesting and inspirational ranging in content from art, art history, food, design, to even simplifying your life.  Now, I check my dashboard everyday to see the latest entries and read up on my favorite subjects.  These blogs are a very engaging way to further one's knowledge and stay up-to-date with the newest ideas and developments on subjects of interest.  But two of my favorites that are sure to put a smile on my face are my niece Aydan's blog 'La Maison Azure' which can always brighten up any day with it's refreshing notes on travel, fashion or design ideas and 'Artbug' (selenatac.blogspot.com) with the latest updates from the design and art world that has even inspired me to start a decorating project at home. 

The ongoing search for how I wanted to live this life finally started to garner clarity this year. Part of it has been due to immersing myself in the present moment and  not worrying about what tomorrow might bring.  Accomplishing this has been one of the biggest challenges of life for me but I have had help from my precious friend and teacher Figen, who brought Eckhart Tolle's book, 'A New Earth - Awakening to Your Life's Purpose' into my life two years ago; she guided me and helped me to implement his ideas into my daily routine.  Finally, this past year, I was able to reap the benefits of having been introduced to the philosophy of being in a state of new consciousness.  Every time I caught myself getting carried away with uncertain, grand plans for the future or feeling crushed under the stress of trying to achieve better grades, financial burdens or even rapid changes taking place in my life, I reminded myself of why I had started on that path and the joy I felt of living that particular moment... and then it was back to pure bliss once more...  

Another wonderful, enlightening occurrence that is responsible for the contentment I feel in my present state has been due to Rita Golden Gelman's book 'Tales of a Female Nomad - Living at Large in the World.'  I am one of those people who gets carried away easily by ideas or stories.  In the past, I have often found myself, contemplating why or how my life would have been better if I could implement some of the adventures of travelers, artists, or just courageous individuals I love to read about, into my own life.  But, until I read 'Tales of a Female Nomad' most of these books left me only with a feeling of discontent and  inadequacy.  There was something that resonated within me in Rita's story, much more than taking off into the unknown and making new connections, she gave me the courage to take the necessary steps to go after my own dreams.  Her story was so open, real and honest that it made me see the power within myself to follow my own path, she also gave me the courage to connect with people without fear of rejection.  I started to become the woman I always wanted to be, connecting with my neighbors, long lost relatives and friends, tenants and even complete strangers, by taking the initiative in the form of a smile, an open door, a phone call or an email.  

It wasn't always an easy and smooth ride, I had some pitfalls of my own making along the way.  I left for my summer vacation in Bodrum, determined to make new connections and disappointment started to intrude on my otherwise joyous existence because I hadn't been able to meet all of our nearby neighbors. Demands of our own large household didn't leave much time to seek more company but the hope of making new connections had metamorphosed into something else I didn't recognize at the time.  The day before they were to leave for Istanbul, my mother-in-law's helper, Bostan, asked me for one of my paintings; I stayed up half the night before they left to finish one of our view... the feeling I saw on her face when I gave it to her was priceless... she left with a promise to have a hand-made collar especially embroidered for me in Turkmenistan.   This little exchange, between two women who were basically strangers before they shared experiences, food and laughter for one month under the same roof can be considered a way of connecting, I think.

Of course those who are acquainted with me, even remotely, are aware of the biggest event of 2010 being the birth of my nephew, Prometheus Maximus Uygur.  He has brought so much joy into our lives that I am praying for my brother's move back to New York, regularly. Although, the first thought that hit me as soon as I laid eyes upon him, interestingly enough, was about Wendy (his mom) 'I want to give her the world' ... this thought is still with me... and I know, will remain so for a very long time.  She has given us the most perfect, precious gift.


Finally, towards the end of the year, a very welcome and timely coincidence occurred to wrap up the year on a perfect note... my lovely niece, Selen (Artbug), started to convey to me her newfound knowledge in One World Academy, a mission in guiding individuals to a state of awareness thorough programs to teach a way out of conflict into joy.  I am not as dedicated as she is but I love reading the information she passes on to me and even started a group or a forum of sorts.  After reading some of her emails, I realized we had to share these concepts with some of our friends and get their input on it.  Hoping we could all contribute to a better and more carefree future, I wrote to all the intelligent, caring women   I know and invited them to start a conversation.  Dilek, Ceylin, Damla, Maureen, Muge, Praveen, Aydan, Leigh, Seza, Shauna, Mutlu and Birsu have all responded "I'm In" and I am hoping we will go from here where ever the moment takes us... 

So far 2011, has dawned clear and bright, full of potential for many wonderful possibilities.  I am optimistic with good intentions and great friends, we can make the most of this year as well... 
As long as we have loved ones nearby and are in a state of awareness, 'Out with Conflict and Pain,  and in with a New State of Mind and Joy' can be our motto for the new year.

Netflix for Books...

Is there anything that is more comforting than sitting curled up in a corner, getting lost in the pages of a satisfying book. What about not even realizing the drudgery of waiting ...in line, for an appointment, for a flight... while being immersed in the excitement of a good story. For some of us, a bookstore is akin to a candy shop and we want to consume all that we see around us; all those engaging tomes full of information, history, romance, adventure beckoning us to take a little taste.

Well, from now on we can taste as much as we want, maybe all... without even leaving our home. The second day of the year, I had the opportunity to meet an entrepreneur whose business, I find absolutely fascinating... a website for renting books online.  He  insists he has all the latest best sellers, I believe his exact words were "Whatever you might find at a Barnes and Noble, you can find at our website.." You can rent 3-4 books at a time, all delivered to your address without having to worry about due dates or late fees.  Best part you can return them when you are finished and the next one will be delivered the same way.  At first, I protested that I love to buy and own books but, the memory of looking for a new home for my paperbacks including some of my favorites, is not that distant...    BookSwim is a wonderful idea, I hope will catch on and expand to include more members and titles.  For now, Happy Reading....

http://www.bookswim.com/index.html