Art Crawling Around the Bowery
Art Crawling Around the Bowery
An Art Crawl! With drinks! Hard to resist! Yesterday, ARTLOG and THRILLEST presented the fifth annual Lower East Side Bowery Art Crawl where at each gallery we were given brief introductory presentations on the works of the artists. With drinks . . .
I would so love to talk the talk that goes with ART but I can’t. I am, however, more than happy to listen to those who talk with the confidence so vital to this topic, snippets of which included “the ongoing dialogue between deconstruction of objects and the construction of form . . . “
The bonus presentation was at Salon 94 where the artist, Jon Kessler, did indeed provide dialogue to The Blue Period. Why blue paint? Because green doesn’t sell.
Inspiration for this installation came from sitting on the subway, watching as most other passengers absorbed themselves in the wireless world of mobile communication. Or Farmville. His use of surveillance cameras in this stunning piece of work brought us all into the shared space where we became the art. In the artist’s attempt to reclaim the space.
Whose space is being reclaimed, I wondered, as I wandered about the Bowery and the surrounding streets where art galleries are taking over from what was once a sausage factory here, once a refrigerator warehouse there. The Bowery, infamous for so long as that part of town belonging to the homeless, the punks and the wanderers who might fill the beds at night in one of the many SRO’s along the way. Home to the Man in the Box. It was also the place where old restaurants went to die. You want to buy second, third-hand catering equipment? The Bowery was the place to go and there are still some hold-out places spilling their stainless steel out on to the broad footpaths. Next door to lighting emporiums and the new hotels. With a Whole Foods taking up what feels like a whole block just around the corner.
And now so many new art galleries. Young artists, older artists. There is so much art down there and this is but one section of the city among so many others.
The turn out for this event was impressive. How much that had to do with the wine and Grolsch at each stop I couldn’t possibly say. It was disappointing to have to turn down the offer of the free cocktail at the After Party but I had my own date for the night. Mr Phlinstone was waiting for me to come home and cook his steak.
In the spirit of the crawl I am posting pictures without labels, letting the art speak for itself . . . to you!
And, if you had the choice, which of these would you want hanging on a wall near you?
Sounds like an afternoon well spent, Patti!
As indeed is any afternoon spent with paint!
Hi Patti,
You asked us this question: “And, if you had the choice, which of these would you want hanging on a wall near you?”
My answer is none. I’m an artist too and I live in a community full of artists and musicians and theatre people. I would prefer to paint my own. lol 😀
Hey TiTi,
Would love to see your paintings and love the sound of your community! Unfortunately, the only talent for painting I possess is the painting of the wall . . . but am thoroughly fascinated with the artistry of others.
Hope all good with you!
Art Crawl – Miami is far too unsophistocated for such events.
Carl, you need to tell me more about art Miami, please! It can’t be all Basel?
It’s things like this that really make me miss New York! That said, there are so many artistic endeavors going on here in Utrecht that I can’t complain. But still, this all just screams New York! 🙂 I like the first, fourth, and fifth, in theory, although I tend to stick to my own artwork or that of friends.
Alison, that’s what friends, and walls, are for – sharing the art. Lucky, and clever, you! Love all your photos . . .
They are all interesting, but to live with it; and gaze at it everyday; I’d pick #1, #5, and #7.
You should see what I left out of the choice – it was tough!
Really interesting art shots.
I like the funny gas-masque 1384
Versatility in Still Life.
Wow! Just impressive and fun to look at. Art with a kick!
Do hope you are printing and framing some of your wonderful photos and putting them up on your walls!
A very nice way to spend the day Patti! Since I majored in Art at Park College, I should probably “talk the talk” that goes with Art. Nah… I don’t think so.
I only majored in Art because Park didn’t offer a major in Graphic Design. I ended up with a pretty useless BA degree in Art with emphasis in Graphic Design.
I love all of the art above… mainly because someone was bold enough to create it. But, I would prefer number 8 hanging on a wall near me (it looks like a display of vintage photos).
Which of these would you want hanging on a wall near you?
Theresa, I would absolutely love to hear you “talk the talk!” You make such a good point about the boldness in creating art which I have always thought of as involving a certain bravery of personal exposure.
No 8 is a collection of photographs by Gilbert & George which I loved for the shadowy simplicity and nostalgia in their faces. I adored No 9 which was one of a set of five (Love before Intimacy by Lola Montes Schnabel) and am in awe of her use of copper plating solution.
You take such beautiful photographs and I am more than sure you could go back to Park and teach them a thing or two about what you know. And do!
This is a great story and pix’s. While reading it I felt very nostalgic. It made me miss the unique
smell and energy that New York has. My Dad used to drive through the Bowery on the way to
Manhattan. He would tell us to be sure and get an education or we could wind up there. He gave
the bums and homeless money for food. I think they used it for drinking. SOooo sad …!!!
I’m an artist and I disagree with Carl. There are lots of art gallery walks in Miami and every town in
Florida. I have partcipated and traveled to a good many of them. These are more sophisticated but all
have the same thought: sell art.
I buy art from all artists. We cannot make ALL art. We should support other artists by buying their art.
If not us then why should the public??? Artists give generous discounts when you buy their work because
they know you will appreciate their art. So buy American and buy Art …..!!!!!
I would hang anyone of these artworks in my home but I, especially, like #3 – the wild faced one.
Why ????
1) I collect art that has an emphasis on hair. I have wild curly hair.
2) It would be an artowrk that would create dialog when viewed. I like a nice conversation on a work of art.
3) I think it would make me smile or laugh each time I viewed it. It’s healthy to have a good laugh everyday.
Nice to meet you … thanks for stopping by my blog.
Toodles,
Isadora
Isadora, to think that as an artist you could still end up somewhere on the Bowery! I once had this cute gay guy from make-up in Bloomingdale’s tell me how horrified his poor mother was that he was living, and loving it, in Hell’s Kitchen!
We hear so much in the press etc about art prices achieved at auction but never enough about the purchase of art at ground level – not for the sake of investment potential but for the simple love of a piece and the support of the arts; it’s thrilling, and inspiring, to know that you are doing your bit. At both ends!
I love that you love No 3 which rather puts paid to the premise that “green doesn’t sell.” Plus I would love to see more of your artwork!
Lovely to meet you Isadora and do hope you and Carl perhaps might enjoy getting to know each other.
I would love to have gone on an Art Crawl like this. I’m sure there are Art Crawls in London, but I’m not in the loop, so I’ll have to search a bit harder. I’d go for numbers one and two.
Pie, I have to tell you that this Art Crawl came to me via Twitter – more on that maybe later but there is nothing to stop you from organising one of your own in London.
As for No 2, you would never have to worry again about hiding the “vase” or forgetting where you put it . . .
I don’t feel comfortable talking the talk either… I’m okay with that, though, because in my humble opinion (regardless of what an artist is saying – or not saying) the majority of a piece’s meaning comes from the viewer and how she/he relate to it. Which is a good thing, I think.
I like them all, and to tell you the truth my choice would probably change depending on what time of day you asked me. I’m totally decisive like that.
🙂
I heart NY. My daughter in Brooklyn. Headed there March 1st!!! Yay!!!!
and I know you don’t need me to tell you to have a wonderful time together! Which I am sure you will!
Oops, Lives!!!
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Wonderful works of art Patti!
Thank you Gracie! Do you have a favourite you might want on you wall?