by Sandy | Feb 29, 2012 | Art, Blogroll, Exhibits, Museums, Photograhy
Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts is showcasing, “Modernist Photography: 1910–1950”.
“…this exhibition focuses on the concept that the camera was, in many respects, the ideal tool for modernist artists of the day and that this new camera “vision” resulted in some of the most truly groundbreaking work to have been produced in any medium.”
“Modernist Photography: 1910–1950”- Until April 1, 2012
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Avenue of the Arts, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts
(Images: Margaret Bourke White, “The American Way of Life, 1937 and Ansel Adams, “Rose and Driftwood”, 1932)
by Bob Martin | Feb 22, 2012 | Actors, Art, Film
ASA Butterfield
Must admit, Oscar nominated film,”Hugo” was a delightful surprise and it should not have been!
On first learning that Martin Scorsese had succumbed to the 3D craze I wrongfully expected a film totally dependent on visual gimmicks.
Scorsese has always been a masterful story teller and “Hugo” is no exception and it is the story that makes this film so wonderful. The visuals are exceptional, the casting choices thoughtful and yes, I really enjoyed this movie.
Avoid reviews with deep analysis and just see the movie with an open mind. I left the theater knowing more then I knew before about the history of film and curious to learn more.
by Bob Martin | Feb 20, 2012 | Art, Artist, Film, music
I didn’t watch much of the coverage on the death of Whitney Houston, nor did I see the services at The New Hope Baptist Church in Newark this Saturday. I grew tired of the random speculations by experts etc, on the possible causes of her death.
Young people who become stars like Whitney, Lindsay Lohan, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Natalie Cole and even Bobby Brown are painted into a corner by their fame and rumors, that they find difficult to escape from. We, the fans, don’t ever want them to grow up, grow old or to just be. We don’t realize that we wear them out with our expectations. The personal life of Whitney Houston was never any of my business and now that she has passed away I have no right to insist on an explanation of why she died. Artists are in part what they produce (their art). Ms. Houston is a unforgettable talent and her art is the gift that she left us. We should not expect more.
by Bob Martin | Feb 15, 2012 | Art, Arts, Entertainment and Music, Dance
Kirvn James Boyd -Photo by Andrew Eccles - Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 2012
Painting, Music, Fashion, Dance and Theater appears to launch itself from New York. This is not necessarily true and yet the feeling that if you want to experience something first, that you have to live in that Big City. If you live some place other then New York, you are always waiting for the traveling show, or the movie to hit your area and eventually they do come.
The traveling shows are most often missing something, that few cities can duplicate and that is the inconvenience that big cities pose. Walking to the theater or exhibit with what seems like thousands of people all wanting to get something that is not at all physical. The sitting uncomfortably in a rather chilly old theater with your coat wrapped around your legs to keep warm as you watch something that is truly extraordinary.
When you see The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York, you see an exceptional event where the power and grace displayed can not be ignored and you feel that you could dance and soar with implacable grace. This feeling stays with you as you leave the theater to have dinner or on your subway ride home, still warmed by the evenings events. For days and possibly even weeks later you will still be moving gracefully from your desk to the copier and back again, well aware of the eyes that follow you.
For those who love their local comfort, Alvin Ailey travels well. Just remember to not jump immediately into your car after the performance with out first practicing your strut, grace and balance before going home.
- How Alvin Ailey keeps dancing (management.fortune.cnn.com)
by Bob Martin | Feb 9, 2012 | Art, Exhibits, sculptor
New and recent sculptures and paintings, handmade tile tables, unique gifts and functional items, refreshments. Free and open to the public. Great gifts for Valentine’s day
2141 E. Cedar St. #1, Tempe, AZ 85281
2 Cats, ©Joan Waters 2012
See preview and interview with Joan
by Bob Martin | Jan 30, 2012 | Art, Exhibits, Galleries
The Consortium of Black Organizations and Others for the Arts, present Three Legacies February 3rd, “First Friday” at the Carver Museum Phoenix, 6 to 8PM, Featuring, works by J. Eugene Grisgby Jr., Clendolyn Corbin and Roosevelt “Rip” Woods
Dr. J. Eugene Grigsby Jr.
Dr. J. Eugene Grigsby Jr.:
Celebrated artist, writer and educator Jefferson Eugene Grigsby was born on October 17, 1918 in Greensboro, North Carolina. Grigsby first discovered his love for art after his family moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina when he was nine years old. Grigsby went on to obtain his B.A. degree from Morehouse College, his M.A. degree in art from Ohio State University and his Ph.D. from New York University.
Clendolyn Corbin:
Clendolyn Corbin
Clendolyn Corbin, one of the original members of COBA and ABC/Az has exhibited with the group in various locations. She has a Masters Degree in Art Education from Arizona State University and State Supervisory Credentials in Art. Years have been spent introducing the world of art production and art appreciation to children in the classroom. She served as a Phoenix Art Museum docent for twelve years. “I create oil paintings and linoeum block prints. Subject matter have been groups of people
performing together in religious, political and social settings. ”
“Rip” Woods:
"Rip" Woods
The late Rip Woods, Co-founder of ABC/AZ, wrote: My work represents a wide array of personal choices, all of which are attitudes by their own definitions. I do not know what they mean but I know where they come from. They speak in part of being Black in America, and particularly in art, where opportunities for inclusion in the mainstream are limited and somewhat polarized. I have tried to address these issues with both humor and guilt. While my images are generally satirical some may find them offensive, by the way I’m having fun.
by Sandy | Jan 29, 2012 | Art, Blogroll, Exhibits, Museums
The Art Institute of Chicago has revamped and refurbished its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Works by Pierre August Renoir, Jean Carriès, Paul Gauguin, Emile Bernard, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet are together in a permanent new space for easier viewing.
BTW: “Impressionism was a 19th century art movement that began as a loose association of Paris based artists exhibiting their art publicly in the 1860’s. The name of the movement is derived from the title of a Claude Monet work, Impression, Sunrise…”
“Impression Sunrise, Soleil Levant”, Claude Monet, 1872
The Art Institute of Chicago,
111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Il
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by Sandy | Jan 26, 2012 | Art, Blogroll, Exhibits, Museums
The Museum of Modern Art, NYC just recently opened an exhibit of work by renowned artist, muralist Diego Rivera, 1886-1957. He was not just Frida Kahlo’s husband, but is also considered by many to be one of the best Mexican artist of the 20th century.
In December 1931, the painter came to New York and set up shop to specifically produce murals for MoMA. ”… Rivera produced five “portable murals”—large blocks of frescoed plaster, slaked lime, and wood that feature bold images drawn from Mexican subject matter and address themes of revolution and class inequity.”
“Along with mural panels, the show will include full-scale drawings, smaller working drawings, archival materials related to the commission and production of these works, and designs for Rivera’s famous Rockefeller Center mural, which he also produced while he was working at the Museum.”
Diego Rivera: Murals for the Museum of Modern Art * Until May 14, 2012
Museum of Modern Art/ MoMA, NYC
by Bob Martin | Jan 23, 2012 | Art, Exhibits
Celebrating African American Arts and Culture, First Friday February 3rd 2012 at Phoenix Space Park.
On first Friday, February 3rd, 2012, Civic Space Park Collaboration, Black Alliance for Just Immigration and Fair Trade Café proudly present Lift Every Voice: Black Art Showcase – First Friday at Civic Space Park. The evening will feature live musical performances, spoken word, drama, art, dance, and more to celebrate culture through art and giving voice to history, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. This free event will be held at Civic Space Park, 424 North Central Avenue, in the heart of downtown Phoenix.
This kick off to Black History Month will be hosted by actress Nikki Hicks, Zoni Award Nominee and National Urban Fellow. Live performances by Felix Anane and Angelique White – African drums, DJ Sese – hip hop, poet Miouo Nance, and jazz musician Sparkle Nesby. Artwork on display by Felicia Penza, Jesa Townsend, Floyd Galloway, Jalila Jones, Adam Strange, Richard Retter, Bob Martin, and Chip Thomas.
Local organizations and nonprofits will join us in commemorating America’s own black history.We have a blooming black arts culture in Phoenix, and this event reaffirms the richness of our work. With the participation of powerful artists, musicians, actors, performers, and speakers, this First Friday event explores the diversity and depth of black heritage.
by Sandy | Jan 19, 2012 | Blogroll, Cable, dvd, TV
“Luther” is the main character in a fascinating TV series of the same name portrayed by the lovely Idris Elba. This excellent BBC crime drama follows detective John Luther as he figures out who did what to whom and maybe why. Evidently, I am not alone in my feelings about this show because the intense and talented Mr. Elba won a Golden Globe, (lead actor in a drama series) this past weekend. To celebrate, BBC America (BBCA) has stopped the presses and reprogrammed its schedule so that the TV show’s multitude of fans will be treated to a “Luther” marathon on Sunday January, 22, 2012. Yay! The “Luther” feast begins at 11AM EST. See ya there 😆 
There have only been 2 seasons – 6 episodes in #1 and 4 episodes in #2. (Both are available on DVD.)
