Author: Mary W

Another Dumbo Open Studio event organized by Art in Dumbo took place last weekend, so naturally I spent much of Saturday afternoon venturing around the various floors of 20 Jay Street to avoid the seasonal blowout wind. Dozens of artist and project spaces open their doors in the six-story mixed-use building, inviting the public into a whirlwind of contemporary creative output through exquisite presentations and behind-the-scenes views. The mezzanine is packed with visitors, including some four-legged friends, Kate Teale’s speckled renderings of window sills and interior spaces, small sculptures by public artist Cheryl Wing-Zi Wong And a glimpse into street…

Visitors can walk up Blood vesselThomas Heatherwick’s shimmering sculpture will go on display in Hudson Yards later this year after multiple suicides in 2021 led to the closure of public access. New “cut-resistant” steel mesh barriers will be installed on several of the sculpture’s stairs and platforms, and the top floor will be off-limits to visitors. Associated Press, first reported the news. Several suicides forced the 150-foot-tall building to close. A spokesperson for Related Companies, which owns Hudson Yards, did not confirm when the building would reopen, but told the outlet Associated Press “The developers look forward to welcoming visitors…

David R.L., a 29-year-old autistic artist, poet, and musician hailing from Marshalltown, Iowa. With 17 years of fine arts experience under his belt, David’s journey through creativity is nothing short of inspiring. David’s artistic odyssey began at a tender age of 7 when he first picked up a pencil to sketch ancient Egyptian artifacts and still life imagery. Little did he know then that this simple act would blossom into a lifelong passion. For David, art isn’t merely about putting brush to canvas or pen to paper; it’s a profound means of self-expression and therapy. The creative process serves as…

Andy Warhol, the iconic figure of the Pop Art movement, has left an indelible mark on the art world with his vibrant, bold, and often controversial works. One of his most famous pieces, “Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster)” from 1963, stands out not only for its artistic significance but also for its record-breaking auction price. On November 13, 2013, at Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Evening Sale in New York, “Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster)” went under the hammer. This monumental piece, which depicts a mangled car crash scene rendered in Warhol’s characteristic style, captivated bidders with its boldness and rawness. The…

Britta van Aalst, an artist hailing from Germany, is a maestro at unraveling the enigmatic threads between art and science. With a portfolio spanning exhibitions in the Netherlands, Belgium, and her native Germany, van Aalst’s work transcends boundaries, inviting viewers into a realm where the tangible and the abstract converge. At the heart of van Aalst’s exploration lies the captivating concept of “Black Matter/Black Energy.” This intriguing thematic nucleus fuels her artistic endeavors, serving as both muse and guiding light. For van Aalst, scientific inquiries serve as a wellspring of inspiration, offering boundless avenues for experimentation. Her creative process is…

Meet Gerald Francis O’Dowd, an artist whose life journey reads like an odyssey of resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of personal growth. Gerald isn’t just an artist—he’s a storyteller, a survivor, and a beacon of hope for those navigating their own battles with mental health. Gerald’s canvas isn’t just confined to art studios; it stretches across marathons, triathlons, and even the toughest races on Earth. In 1984, he conquered a grueling challenge that combined a 2-mile swim, a 30-mile race walk, a 100-mile cycle race, and a full marathon, all in a staggering time of 20 hours and 36…

The 60th Venice Biennale kicks off this week, celebrating more than 100 artists from around the world taking part in the prestigious exhibition known as the Venice Biennale “strangers everywhere”——There are foreigners everywhere. Biennale Artistic Director Adriano Pedrosa hosted a welcome celebration at La Caravella, with intergenerational participants including artists Samia Halaby, Lauren Hall Lauren Halsey, Lydia Ourahmane and Kim Yun Shin; and distinguished patrons Pamela Joyner and Fred Giuffrida. Pedrosa’s old friend and CalArts alumnus Mark Bradford made a surprise appearance at the end of the dinner and gave a speech involving him and Pedrosa’Shared history and the extraordinary…

Justin Piccirilli is a London-based artist weaving a tapestry of narratives that delve deep into the human experience. His artistic journey is not just about aesthetics; it’s an exploration of societal issues, particularly those concerning disability, inequality, and mental health. Piccirilli’s artistic arsenal is diverse, spanning across various media. From installation and VR to video and performance, he fearlessly traverses different avenues to convey his message. His work transcends mere visual appeal; it serves as a catalyst for dialogue, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths lurking beneath the surface of society. At the heart of Piccirilli’s practice lies a commitment…

“Cheyenne Chasing Antelopes” at Donald Ellis Gallery’s booth at Expo 2024 Chicago; all artworks from A complete Marienburg picture book (1876) Illustration by Bear’s Heart (Nockkoist, Tsis tsis’tas) and Ohet-Toint (Ohettoint/High Forehead) unless otherwise noted (all images used with permission) Earlier this year, there was an exhibition at David Nolan Gallery in New York Fort Marion and Surrounding Areas: Native American Ledger Drawings, 1865-1900, a collection of more than 100 works on paper by indigenous artists from the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Hidasa, Kiowa and Lakota tribes. Presented in conjunction with the Donald Ellis Gallery, the exhibition highlights the work of the…

Arie Otten, born on November 25th, 1954, in the picturesque city of Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, emerges as a self-taught artist in the realm of contemporary art. His artistic odyssey commenced in 2009, ignited by the luminous guidance of Frans Polman, a revered artist in the Apeldoorn art scene. It was under Polman’s tutelage that Otten first dipped his brush into the colorful palette of modern and abstract art. Over the years, Otten’s artistic journey has been marked by an insatiable thirst for experimentation and innovation. While Polman laid the foundation, it was the mentorship of Rob Weddepohl that propelled Otten’s…