Category Archives: Art

Louis XVI at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Louis XVI Secretaire, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Secretaire, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Secretaire, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Secretaire, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Secretaire, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Secretaire, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Secretaire, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Secretaire, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Secretaire, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Secretaire, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Secretaire, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Secretaire, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Jewel Coffer on Stand, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Jewel Coffer on Stand, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Small Writing Desk, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Louis XVI Small Writing Desk, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has a very sweet collection of Louis XVI (16th) furniture. Unfortunately, most visitors at the museum blow right past this collection en route to another gallery, barely taking in the remarkable craftsmanship of these items.  Besides being remarkable to look at, and loaded with history, these pieces are also extremely expensive. Recent auctions records at Sotheby’s place the value for just one of these secretaire’s at about 2.5 million… and up.  What makes them so valuable is how short lived this period is, as well as how decorative these items are, and of course  their association with the French Aristocracy.

Louis XVI, also known as the French Neoclassical Period,  spanned less than 30 years. It was inspired by the discovery of Herculaneum and Pompeii in the mid 1750’s. Madame du Pompadour had an interest in all that was new and fashionable, and was hugely influential in the development of the ‘New Classicism’. Out were the Cabrio Legs and in came the new thin tapered leg. ‘Galleries’ around the top of the furniture helped prevent the spillage of exotic teas from the Orient. Sevres Porcelain was used to update older pieces, often times by replacing marquetry panels with the new and colorful porcelain. This period is also lighter in feeling, as well as much more colorful than the French Rococo Period that came before.  As most of you know, this period came to an abrupt halt with the French Revolution in 1789. Outraged by the over taxation that was supporting the decadent royal courts, the citizens stormed the palaces and took back their country. After more than a thousand years of continuous French Monarchy, the guillotine came down, and heads rolled as the streets were filled with blood. It was an epic end to a period in history that produced some of the most remarkable furniture ever conceived. Multiple guilds were used for the metal work, the wood work, and the porcelain pieces. Therefore, every piece has multiple stamps to verify who produced it, as well as the year it was produced. These stamps help determine the provenance of the piece,  as well as the lineage or ownership of the piece. I have no idea how many of these works are in private hands, but they do occasionally come up at auction, thus the high price point.

A word to the wise, if you’re looking to buy furniture of this era, or an specific period, please know that when the words ‘In the Style of’ are used, it means reproduction. Art Deco Style,  in the Style of Louis XV, the Art Nouveau Style etc… reproduction, reproduction, reproduction. So, the next time you find yourself at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, take a moment to stand in front of these extraordinary pieces of furniture, and drink in as much of their details as you can. They represent a very rich piece of French history.

Sol LeWitt Drawings at the Metropolitan Museum

Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier

 

Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sol LeWitt: Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sol LeWitt: Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sol LeWitt: Wall Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sol LeWitt: Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier
Sol LeWitt: Drawing #370, Metropolitan Museum, Photo Romi Cortier

On my recent visit to the Metropolitan Museum in New York, I discovered these spectacular Sol LeWitt Drawings. I love their larger than life scale, plus they make a great backdrop for a selfie or a family portrait. Can you imagine a family Christmas Card or wedding announcement  in front of one of these 1970’s Op Art (Optical Art) drawings, you’d either be the coolest, or wackiest, people  in your suburban neighborhood. Since black and white motif’s seem to be making a strong comeback I’d say you’d be extraordinarily cutting edge.

A seminal practitioner of Conceptual Art, LeWitt emphasized the creative idea that generates a work of art, as opposed to the work’s material existence. For each work of art that becomes physical,’he wrote, there are many variations that do not. As a painter and wall muralist myself, I completely understand this sentiment. I begin with inspiration, research, drawings and sketches, and then the actual work of art. I’ve been very proud of some of the murals that I’ve created in my career, and have always been sad to see them go. But, wall murals aren’t meant to last forever, especially in the confines of a residential interior. Trends change, or residents change, which ultimately leads to a gallon of KILZ paint and primer being layered over the mural. If faced with the choice, I prefer to be the one welding the brush and primer… being both creator and destroyer of the art.

This installation, Wall Drawing #370,  is on view until January 3, 2016  in the Lila Acheson Wallace Wing, first floor, Gallery 399, Metropolitan Museum.

 

Moments in a Stream on Park Avenue, by Ewerdt Hilgemann

Ewerdt Hilgemann Sculpture, Park Avenue, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Ewerdt Hilgemann Sculpture, Park Avenue, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Ewerdt Hilgemann Sculpture, Park Avenue, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Ewerdt Hilgemann Sculpture, Park Avenue, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Ewerdt Hilgemann Sculpture, Park Avenue, New York City, Photo Romi Cortier
Ewerdt Hilgemann Sculpture, Park Avenue, New York City, Photo Romi Cortier
Ewerdt Hilgemann Sculpture, Park Avenue, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Ewerdt Hilgemann Sculpture, Park Avenue, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Ewerdt Hilgemann Sculpture, Park Avenue, New York, Photo Romi Cortier
Ewerdt Hilgemann Sculpture, Park Avenue, New York, Photo Romi Cortier

 

Moments in a Stream features seven stainless steel sculptures by Amsterdam based German artist Ewerdt Hilgemann, along Park Avenue between 52nd and 67th streets. Presented by The Sculpture Committee of The Fund for Park Avenue and the Public Art Program of the City of New York’s Department of Parks & Recreation, this installation is not permanent. It is in fact, part of a continuing process of beautification that was put in motion by Margaret Proctor who was a resident of Park Avenue for her entire adult life. One of the country’s foremost advocate for urban beautification, she believed that her fellow citizens should share the responsibility for beautifying their city. The planting and maintenance of the Park Avenue malls has been the responsibility of The Fund for Park Avenue since 1980. The fund is supported by the buildings that face the avenue and also includes contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.

I will admit that I happened upon these magnificent sculptures by chance. I decided to take a walk from the Upper Eastside down Park Avenue to The Waldorf Astoria for an evening ‘beverage’ at dusk, and knew I’d stumbled upon something remarkable when I saw them. I dodged traffic to step into the street and grab these photos… don’t worry, it was a Sunday evening, so traffic was lighter than usual. I’ve always been a fan of stainless steel and how it reflects light. Therefore, I simply had to have some photos of these imploded cubes that look as if they’re dancing in the median.

Hilgemann’s process starts by fabricating perfect geometrically pure stainless steel forms, which are meticulously welded and polished to a satin gloss. After the pieces are complete, the artist slowly pulls the air out with a vacuum pump, collapsing the forms into their final shape.  To me the implosion represents the inward spiral of energy to reach the core and mystery of matter, the ultimate beauty of creation, says Hilgemann. I for one would love to see these pieces somewhere in Southern California, be it Los Angeles or Palm Springs… better yet, lets bring them to Larchmont Boulevard! I’ve been saying as much to the LBA (Larchmont Boulevard Association) for several years now. Public art is such a brilliant way to bring new visitors into a neighborhood, while simultaneously  reinvigorating  the local economy. It makes everyone feel good and adds to our sense of civic pride.

 

Art Auction at Los Angeles Modern Auctions, October 12th, 2014.

Lot 224, Vapor Drawing, Larry Bell, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auction
Lot 224, Vapor Drawing, Larry Bell, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 154, Cat Person #1, Fritz Scholder, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 154, Cat Person #1, Fritz Scholder, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 258, Phenomena Byron's Hunch, Paul Jenkins, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 258, Phenomena Byron’s Hunch, Paul Jenkins, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 407, Untitled, Edmond Kohn, 1950's, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 407, Untitled, Edmond Kohn, 1950’s, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 374, Balloon Dog (Blue) Jeff Koons, 1995, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 374, Balloon Dog (Blue) Jeff Koons, 1995, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 524, Untitled (Boat) Raimonds Staprans, 1963, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 524, Untitled (Boat) Raimonds Staprans, 1963, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 362, #7, Karl Benjamin, 1986, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 362, #7, Karl Benjamin, 1986, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 377, Platter, Takashi Murakami, 2007, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 377, Platter, Takashi Murakami, 2007, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 364, #18, Karl Benjamin, Image courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auction
Lot 364, #18, Karl Benjamin, 1983, Image courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auction
Lot 75, Double Standard, Ed Ruscha, 1969, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions
Lot 75, Double Standard, Ed Ruscha, 1969, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

There’s another hot Art Auction coming up at Los Angeles Modern Auctions on  October 12, 2014.  I’ve been shopping  at art auctions for over a decade because they’re an amazing way to add to a collection, plus they’re also a great opportunity to find items that are rarely on the market. Yes, some items are rather pricey, but others can be a relative steal, especially when compared to gallery pricing. An educated eye can easily spot the good stuff, even if it’s not expensive. The more you look at art, the more refined your eye becomes. Line, shape, color, texture, nuances in the thickness of the paint, it all adds up. And if all else fails, then trust your curator. And in this case, your curator would be Peter Loughrey.

Peter Loughrey is the Director of Modern Design & Fine Art at LA Modern Auctions.  As a prominent figure in the L A art and design community, he’s been responsible for curating several gallery shows and is a member of the Decorative Arts and Design Council and Contemporary Friends. Therefore, when it  comes to Los Angeles Modern Auctions, you can have faith in the quality of their lots. They’re very careful about vetting their pieces… I know because they’ve even refused a few of my own items, items that I thought were worthy. Fortunately they have strict guidelines to protect their collectors.  The price point of this upcoming auction ranges from $1,000 – $100,000.  I’m sharing a few of my favorite pieces here, simply because they appeal to my eye. I haven’t seen them in person, nor do I have a vested interest in their sale. I hope to attend the preview which runs till October 11, 2014, from 10am – 6pm, at 16145 Hart Street, Van Nuys, Ca. 91406.

Lot 224, Vapor Drawing by Larry Bell, Estimate: $4,000 – $6,000. I love this image because it reminds me of the corrugated metal fence at my home in Palm Springs. I’ve always wanted to do an oil painting to capture the reflective nature of the metal, however, this remarkable image has already done that.

Lot 154, Cat Person #1 by Fritz Scholder, Estimate: $6,000 – $9,000. At first glance this image looks like an abstract, but then the ears come into view. Plus who doesn’t love the sumptuous use of red with the chartreuse green accents.

Lot 258, Phenomena Byron’s Hunch by Paul Jenkins, Estimate: $3,000 – $5,000. Cool amorphous tones in violet and blue, with hints of magenta,  a green flame glowing in the center with a contrasting Yellow rising sun. Pure joy.

Lot 407, Untitled by Edmond Kohn, Estimate: $800 – $1200.  I just love this little midcentury gem. The line work of the bodies, the muted palette of green and orange tones with hints of salmon and apricot, it practically leaps from the canvas.

Lot 374, Balloon Dog (Blue) by Jeff Koons, Estimate $10,000 – $15,000.  #1965 of 2300 MOCA Editions. I simply love any of Koons Cast Porcelain pieces with their lush reflective finishes, and if it comes in blue, even better.

Lot 524, Untitled (Boat) Raimonds Straprans, Estimate: $8,000 – $12,000. I love the use of black in this 1963 beauty, with accents of blue and orange. There’s such a graphic quality to the image that it reminds of Francoise Gilot.

Lot 362,  #7 by Karl Benjamin, Estimate: $30,000 – $50,000. I’ve been a fan of Karl Benjamin since I discovered his work at ‘Birth of the Cool’ in Orange County about a decade ago. I’d love nothing more than to add one of his paintings to my collection, but they’re a bit out of my reach.

Lot 377, Platter by Takashi Murakami, Estimate $800 -$1200. Made on the occasion of the artist’s gala opening at MOCA in 2007, which was an amazing show and my first exposure to his work.

Lot 364,  #18 by Karl Benjamin, Estimate: $12,000 – $15,000. I love how Benjamin has juxtaposed these bold geometric shapes in bold colors, married together with such a warm gray. I think I see the word LOVE being repeated…

Lot 75, Double Standard by Ed Ruscha, Estimate $50,000 –  $70,000. It’s hard to imagine a screen print being valued at this price point, however, this is no ordinary screen print. It’s an 11-color screenprint on paper. I’ll presume that the white is the paper, plus there are 2 shades of blue for the sign. That leaves about 9 shades of orange,  brown and black to create the gradation of tone in the sky.

 

Antigone – Video Installation by Mark Boulos at LAXART Gallery

ANTIGONE - Video Installation by Mark Bouos, Photo Romi Cortier
ANTIGONE – Video Installation by Mark Bouos, Photo Romi Cortier
ANTIGONE - Video Installation by Mark Boulos, Photo Romi Cortier
ANTIGONE – Video Installation by Mark Boulos, Photo Romi Cortier
ANTIGONE - Video Installation by Mark Boulos, with Actress Catherine Carlen, Photo Romi Cortier
ANTIGONE – Video Installation by Mark Boulos, with Actress Catherine Carlen, Photo Romi Cortier
ANTIGONE - Video Installation by Mark Boulos, Photo Romi Cortier
ANTIGONE – Video Installation by Mark Boulos, Photo Romi Cortier
Actress Catherine Carlen and Romi Cortier taking a selfie inside Mark Boulos's Video Installaion - ANTIGONE.
Actress Catherine Carlen and Romi Cortier taking a selfie inside Mark Boulos’s Video Installaion – ANTIGONE.
Actress Julie Janney, Filmmaker Mark Boulos, Actress Catherine Carlen, and Actress Elayn Taylor
ANTIGONE: Actress Julie Janney, Filmmaker Mark Boulos, Actress Catherine Carlen, and Actress Elayn Taylor

I was completely enthralled by ANTIGONE at LAXART Gallery, the latest Video Installation by Mark Boulos.

Actress Catherine Carlen was recently referred to me by longtime client and friend Actress Sharon Lawrence. The two met while working on the short film The Bridge Partner,  which just wrapped production. Sharon kindly gave out my information, as she’s done countless times before, to Catherine who was looking for someone to reshape her hair. While in the chair, Carlen invited me to attend the premiere of Antigone, a new Video Installation by Mark Boulos.

The Culver City ArtWalk was packed with Angelenos out enjoying the warm September evening. I managed to slip into a few of my favorite galleries along the way, namely GEORGE BILLIS  and FRESH PAINT,  before entering the LAXART gallery. Catherine had given me a brief synopsis of what to expect, however, this premiere was also her first time seeing the completed Video Installation. I was transfixed by the three floating screens that could be viewed from both sides, which also gave us the opportunity to take a few selfies and art photos of our own.  The installation was edited together in a way that would give the performers the illusion of literally watching each other. One actress spoke candidly from her own experience as the two on the screens beside her reenacted her words. The objective was to muddle the line between enacted performances and documentary accounts, as the three performers spoke in unison. The process of getting to the finished piece took considerable work. The women worked off and on for several months exploring truth in method acting. They each shared personal stories, and were then asked to memorize the words of the other women and relive her experience, all of which was done on film. It takes a great leap of faith for a performer to allow themselves to be this raw in front of a camera and then trust the filmmaker to create a finished product that would stand on its own. It’s truly a collaborative project, and I applaud all of this fine women for fearlessly marching into the fire for the sake of making art.  Produced by Matthew Schum, Antigone will travel to Amsterdam, England, Geneva, Singapore and Tanzania.

Runs through October 18, 2014 at LAXART Gallery, 2640 S. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Clip from ANTIGONE

CatherineCarlen.com