CINCINNATI ART MONTH

I’ve just returned from Cincinnati, Ohio, home of my hero Charley Harper. I was on book tour there in support of the gigantic monograph that was just published by AMMO Books on Charley’s 65+ career called Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life. I had the pleasure of spending the last 5 years working on the book with Charley and it has been among the most fun projects I’ve ever worked on. We very sadly lost Charley on June 10th this year and this lovely book helps to remind people of Charley’s graceful genius.


Last Saturday marked the opening of Minimal Realism: Charley and Edie Harper, 1940–1960 at the Cincinnati Art Museum, contrasting the synergistic art made from 1940 to 1960 of the wildly prolific couple. The show is beautifully designed and features many unseen paintings, drawings and fantastic copper enameling. Across town at the brilliant Contemporary Arts Center a second show of Edie Harper's work is mounted alongside drawings and paintings by enchanting New York artist, ELLEN BERKENBLIT, and the eccentric Cincinnatian, Maybelle Stamper. What a treat to see 2 separate Harper shows, both brilliant, in 2 separate important museums.

Cincinnati is rather sophisticated with a lot of history in the art world. From the beautiful ceramics of Rockwood from early last century to the director of the CAC being jailed for showing Robert Mapplethorpe photos in the 1990’s.

One of the most anticipated new galleries in town is opening in the fall called Country Club Gallery. The effort of former CAC curator, Matt Distel, and Christian Strike of Iconoclast will indeed be worth keeping up with. Check out the Iconoclast site for a preview.

Also of note in Cincinnati is the former train station extravaganza that houses the Museum of Natural History & Science and an amazing full size miniature model of Cincinnati. The giant clamshell shaped building is clad in some of the most vivid mosaic tiles ever seen. Amazing! Happy Ohio! Todd

Ps: After a full art day, rejuvenate with the decadent Graeter's ice cream. I think if you eat it while standing the calories don’t count. You can even ship Graeter's anywhere in the states and it arrives very frozen so you can enjoy that instant fantastic sugar coma no matter where you are.

Pps: I certainly appreciate that our world is made up of lots of different points of view and this was never in stronger evidence during my trip to the Creation Museum located 7 miles from the airport in Cincinnati. Far be it for me to pass judgments on people’s beliefs, but this place was mind blowing. It’s dead serious with all of the sensorial manipulations necessary to drive their unscientific point of view home. As the cashier told me at Gold Star Chili [try the Veggie Chili 3-Way] up the road from the museum, “it presents what WE believe, and what scientists believe.” Oh my.

SUMMER ART TREATS

Hope your summer is going well. There are some terrific summer art treats this August that I found wildly inspiring. If you're out in Los Angeles, be sure to check out CARRIE MARILL at SIXSPACE gallery. The show is called NEWFOUNDLAND and the guache on paper paintings explore extinct and endangered plants and animals. The astonishing quality of the work is not as visable in the photos of the work, so try to see them in person. Carrie Marill is a very gifted artist and one to keep an eye on. Here are a few images. Check out the sixspace site for more Marills and info.






Also in Los Angeles [and not far from sixspace] is Western Project. The super smart group show features one of my favourite artists, WAYNE WHITE. The title of the show, BEAUTY IS EMBARRISING is from one of White’s crisp new paintings. Working in the amazing singular Wayne White way, the new pieces are more simplified and just as intriguing. There is also a terrific new additioned piece painted on laser cut aluminum. A mind-bending take on text that leaps at you. For more Wayne Whites online and in person go to CLEMENTINE GALLERY in New York and WESTERN PROJECT in Los Angeles. Here is the show’s eponymous artwork.


Also at Western Project is the remarkable Arne Svenson’s installation of MRS. BALLARD'S PARROTS paraphernalia including the original poloroids and the animal abuse tinged films.


If you find yourself in New York don’t miss the Whitney's intallation of RUDOLF STINGEL. The genius MCA in Chicago pulled this terrific show together and it is incredibly inspiring. From the stark coloured carpet installation to the fascinating foam insulation carvings to the super gigantic, masterfully painted, photorealistic self-portraits, Stingel’s consistent hand is remarkable. The MCA's catalogue is terrific, but I hope you get to see it in person because you will not forget this show. Roberta Smith from The New York Times, says ”For nearly 20 years [Rudolf Stingel] has made work that seduces the eye while also upending most notions of what, exactly, constitutes a painting, how it should be made and by whom. . . jaw-dropping, thought-provoking beauty." “It's one of the best-looking shows I've ever seen at the Whitney."


THIS IS A MUST SEE. Check out CINDY SHERMAN'S new work in the August issue of French Vogue. ASTONISHING!



Wishing you the best rest of the summer, cheers, todd

Ps: Check back with us in early September when we relaunch our newly designed website.

THIS JUSTIN

Hello to you, if you're up for some smart fun, check out Justin Jorgensen's crazy site. I first heard of Justin's clever work when he reimagined what the STAR WARS sets might have been if different designers had done it. I loved his version on what I might have done to Aunt Bera's kitchen. Be sure to check out every nook and cranny of this site as there are jewels at every turn. I especially loved the amended Monet calenders his aunt gives him every xmas. Here are a few.





Also of note is THE EBAY CONCEPTIAL ART GALLERY.




AND THE SPELLBINDING WITCHES CATALOGUE



Check back often to see Justin's blog, most recently including some terrific high concept photos of a cake pillow.


Enjoy, todd