The Poetics of Space

The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard, although published in 1958, remains completely and utterly relevant to an artist's practice today. Read by architects and theorists alike, the book examines our relationship to spaces, particularly the home. Divided into sections such as "the attic", "the cellar", etc., the text is one that should be read by anyone who deals with space, place, or environments on a regular basis (arguably all of us). I read it years ago, and recently picked up my dusty copy - the first page alone got me all excited again.

Naked by the Window

I debated whether or not to write about this book which I recently read, for fear that it seemed too gossip-magazinesque. However, I think it is actually really valid in terms of an art text, although in a strange way. Naked by the Window: The Fatal Marriage of Carl Andre and Ana Mendieta by Robert Katz chronicles the events surrounding the death of Ana Mendieta (her fall/shove from the window of the apartment she shared with Carl Andre - possibly shoved by Andre himself). Mendieta's 1985 death caused a huge schism in the art-world, as collectors, gallerists, and artists seemed to take one side or the other. A court case was waged, and Mendieta's family and fans still mourn her death to this day. This wild tabloid-worthy story does not garner mention here due to the hype and celebrity, but it does deserve a reading, especially by anyone who has ever been, known, or loved an artist, and known the incredibly agonizing and manic life that often accompanies them. Also, the book had a chilling impact on my daily routine - knowing that there is still an imprint of her fall in SoHo.

Yoko Ono's Grapefruit

So I was given a very old, very beautiful copy of Yoko Ono's Grapefruit as a gift recently. I had previously been sneaking quick reads whenever I would see it over at my friends' houses, and I cannot be more excited that I now have my very own. It is unbelievably beautiful and poignant - and totally Fluxus. You know, she's more than just the wife of the former Beatle, but an extremely accomplished and amazing artist.

A few excerpts:

HAND PIECE
Sit in the garden.
Raise one hand.
Extend it until it reaches a cloud.
Have your friend ring a symbol.
Keep extending it until it goes out
of the stratosphere.
Have your friend put a flag out.
1963 Summer

BODY PIECE
Stand in the evening light until you
become transparent or until you fall
asleep.
1961 Summer

PAINTING TO HAMMER A NAIL
Hammer a nail in the center of a piece
of glass. Send each fragment to an
arbitrary address.
1962 Spring

MutualArt.com

Straying from my normal focus on art literature and films, I'd like to take a minute to write about a new website that I've just gotten into using.  It's called MutualArt.com and it is a resource for all things art.  It is full of the latest information on art venues, artists, museums, and news all around the world.  The greatest part about the website is the "preferences" component.  As world news on the arts is quite overwhelming, I was able to set my personal account so that the site will highlight and make easily accessible news that pertains to my particular interests.  The same goes for artists I like, venues I attend, and types of exhibitions and openings that I might be interested in attending.  It's a really great site and am trying to spread the word.

There is a membership fee but in all honesty, it's worth it (and cuts down my frustration in surfing google each morning to find art news that interests me).  Once again, the site is http://mutualart.com.

Have a great day! 

Goya's Ghosts - Art Film

Rather than read the other day, I decided to watch an art-related film.  The movie was called “Goya’s Ghosts” and starred Natalie Portman, Javier Bardem, and Stellan Skarsgård.  It was a disturbing, but great film.  They do an excellent job at depicting the atmosphere in Spain during this time and the ways that Goya’s work was affected by politics, religion, and social circumstances (which were all incredibly volatile and corrupt).  I have only very briefly studied Goya in my college art history classes and don’t remember much about his art other than how terrible and disturbing some of the images were.  After watching the movie, I now understand what inspired and influenced his work.

It’s a GREAT film and is available to “watch instantly” on Netflix.

Thieves of Baghdad

My newest book that I recommend everyone read is called “Thieves of Baghdad” by Matthew Bogdanos and William Patrick.  I had an opportunity to see Colonel Bogdanos speak the other day about his efforts to return looted artwork to the Iraq Museum.  Not only was he a captivating speaker, but the story he had to tell was unreal.  I had not ever heard of his book, but immediately went out to purchase it after the lecture was over.  The book is available on Amazon for cheap.  Not only does it have details of their quest to restore this museum (and the priceless antiques that were stolen from it) but it has a couple incredible photos to go along with it.

I’ve always known that art and antiques hold a lot of value, but not in the sense that Colonel Bogdanos explained.  Did you know that the illegal trafficking of antiques is just as prominent at the trafficking of illegal drugs and weapons?  In fact, antiques usually accompany the exchange of drugs and weapons.  Interesting stuff.  

Happy reading! 

some reading thoughts on art ...

Still reading “Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him…” I’m enjoying it but it’s getting a little bit tooo feminine for me. It’s quick read and I should have been done with it a while ago but just got busy with other things over the weekend. The books brings up a couple interesting topics to ponder. For example, in the story an new artist who attracted moderate attention from the art world dies shortly after his first exhibition. The day after his death is announced, there are waiting lists to buy out the entire show of his work. I can’t help but feel a little bit uneasy about this notion of “limited supply = bigger demand.” Were people buying the work because they liked it? Or were people buying the work because they wanted a work by the artist that died at his first art show? I’m thinking the second is probably the story, and as an ‘art for art’s sake’ champion, this notion makes me unhappy. Another interesting issue that’s brought up is watching this gallery owner deal with all the people he put on hold for a painting – who would the work go to? The muse that inspired it (the woman to whom the artist promised the work)? The young artist who was his biggest fan (who promised the artist he’d buy the work from him)? The wealthy collector? The socialite? To the hoity-toity celebrity? I’m interested to see how he works this out.

On Amazon the other day I bought “The Art of the Steal” – it’s about how to recognize and prevent art fraud… a friend of mine said it was pretty good