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Art/Antiques
NYC Celebrates Mexico Now
- Details
- Parent Category: Other Festivals
- Category: Art/Antiques
- Published on Monday, 12 September 2011 05:00
- Written by L E Shannon
The Celebrate Mexico Now Festival takes place September 21 - October 1
, 2011 at King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center at NYU and Church of All Nations (CFAN) in Manhattan, and Queens Museum of Art in Queens in New York City.
Now in its eighth year, Celebrate Mexico Now is New York City’s first -- and only -- annual festival of contemporary Mexican art and culture, encompassing cuisine, design, film, literature and music.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Mexico experienced a cultural boom that generated new artists, ideas, and forms of expression. This generation of artists is now presented during the month celebrating Mexico‛s independence, a year into its second century as a republic.
In conjunction with the Festival is Gen Mex: Recent Films From México, screening September 16 - 22, 2011 at Anthology Film Archives in Manhattan in association with Cinema Tropical.
Cinema Tropical is the leading presenter of Latin American cinema in the U.S., founded in 2001 with the mission of distributing, programming and promoting what has become the biggest boom of Latin American cinema in decades.
The films presented are of both renowned and emerging filmmakers, including:
Year of the Nail / Año Uña
Jonás Cuarón (2007)
Cuarón’s debut feature is a compilation of a year’s worth of photos Cuarón took of spontaneous events and day-to-day activities.
Raging Sun, Raging Sky / Rabioso Sol, Rabioso Cielo
Julián Hernández (2008)
The third part of a trilogy by Hernández, this gay romance is the story of two young men whose love is tested in a struggle "in which loss and death are inevitable phases in the journey towards happiness." Winner of the Teddy Award for Best Feature at the 2009 Berlin Film Festival.
Northless / Norteado
Rigoberto Pérezcano (2009)
A young man from Oaxaca makes it as far as Tijuana, but must bide his time until an opportunity arises to cross the border. While waiting, he has enough time on his hands to ponder his life, both past and present. This is a feature debut for the director.
The Cramp / El Calambre 
Matías Meyer (2009)
A young French comedian lands in Chacahua, a fishing community on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Feeling adrift in a world that is completely foreign to him, he meets a local fisherman who will guide him towards spiritual healing. Based on a short story by Gao Xingjian.
Intimidades de Shakespeare y Víctor Hugo / Intimacies of Shakespeare and Victor Hugo
Yulene Olaizola (2009)
Olaizola’s debut film is a documentary about two lonely friends. For years, Olaizola’s grandmother Rosa told stories of a handsome young lodger in the 1980s. "He painted strange pictures on the walls and played an important role in Rosa’s emotional life. But this picture of a pleasant, harmless and creative young man slowly gives way to a shocking end."
Familia Tortuga
Rubén Imaz Castro (2006)
The debut feature from writer-director Castro is about a family that gathers at their mother’s home on the anniversary of her death. At the center is Uncle Manuel, a remarkable man who holds the clan together by doing all he can to help.
Parque Vía
Enrique Rivero (2008)
Beto is the custodian of a house in Mexico City, empty for several years. The solitude and routine of his job have led him to develop a pathological fear of the world outside. He knows only two people: the owner of the house, and Lupe. But when he learns the house is to go on sale, he is forced to face a choice: emerge into life or find a way to stay as he is.
More Than Anything in the World / Más Que a Nada En El Mundo
Andrés León Becker & Javier Solar (2006)
A seven-year-old girl lives in an apartment with her mother. When the mother goes into a depression that makes her sleep for days on end, "Alicia and her friend Lucí
a decide that an old man who lives next door is to blame; he has a gruesome aspect and is surely a vampire trying to possess her mother. So Alicia decides to go into the neighbor’s apartment to put an end to the curse."
Drama / Mex
Gerardo Naranjo (2007)
Two interlaced stories unfold over the course of the same long, hot day in Acapulco -- one a love triangle, the other a story of interrupted suicide. This is the debut feature by Naranjo, whose latest film, Miss Bala, was a favorite at Cannes.
Other events:
History and Traditions of Mexican Gastronomy
It is easy to think we know all there is to know about Mexican cuisine -- modern permutations notwithstanding. After all, it practically evolved into our "native vittles" alongside the hamburger and spaghetti.
Last fall, the UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed Mexican Cuisine on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. To celebrate this achievement, chef Daniel Ovadía will prepare representative dishes from the Zoque-Coleto (Chiapas) cultures in a panel demonstration about the history and traditions of Mexican gastronomy.
Attendees will learn how these dishes have been prepared over the last 600 years -- and yes, tastings will be served.
México se escribe con J: A Celebration of Gay Culture in Mexico
The ball of "The Famous 41" held during the Porfiriato, considered Mexico’s Stonewall, the emblematic figure of Salvador Novo (a flaming queen in a country of machos), the struggle for civil rights, the image of the homosexual in film and the relevance of an artist’s sexual orientation -- all these themes are made manifest in a culture that is still under construction.
Writers, editors, and artists discuss the groundbreaking book about the contributions of the gay community to Mexican culture, including Nayar Rivera, Michael Schuessler, Alejandro Varderi and Earl Dax.
Hecho en Mexico: Estreno Nacional / Made in Mexico
Conceived and directed by Miguel Vaylon, Hecho in Mexico is a multidisci
plinary reflection on the stereotypical headlines from contemporary Mexico: the economic crisis, war against narcotics, rise in kidnappings, and swine flu.
The popular, everyday stories of Mexico are told using theatre, dance, video and music. Working from a minimalist approach inspired by the methods of Grotowski, Made in Mexico is developed and performed by local artists in each host city.
Combi: Electric Cathedral
Combi is a community of artists who prove that their culture is more than Enrique Iglesias and Shakira.
The evening features Mexican electronica, courtesy of Sweet Electra, which originated in Guadalajara, the cradle of Mexico’s electronic music scene. Songs from the latest album, Contramano, led by Pablo Cubarle, are set against the backdrop of an original short film.
Other music performances are by:
Botellita de Jerez – One of the most influential bands in contemporary Mexican rock, their music is a mash-up of past, present and future.
Rey Trueno: Radio Soap Opera – Radio Soap Opera is based on the legend of pilot Reymundo Alvarez Trueno, who was granted the power of rebellion and rock by a Mayan deity and entrusted with putting together an orchestra.
Rey Trueno: Radio Soap Opera – Radio Soap Opera is based on the legend of pilot Reymundo Alvarez Trueno, who was granted the power of rebellion and rock by a Mayan deity and entrusted with putting together an orchestra.
Pasatono Orchestra – Dedicated to the musical culture of the Mixtec people of Mexico, this ensemble of the "people of the clouds" is a reincarnation of the traditional ethnic folk orchestras of strings, winds, and percussion that were once ubiquitous in rural Mexico. The music incorporates many elements of the folkloric music of the region in addition to American Jazz of the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Trajinera Xochitl Project
Mexican artist/designer Natalia Porter presents "trajinera Xochitl, a reproduction of an iconic boat typical of Xochimilco, an area in Mexico City. Known for its canals and chinampas, the extensive lake and canal system connected the settlements of the Valley of Mexico to Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire in the 15th century.
This “trajinera Xochitl” is designed to share the history of Xochimilco and its chinampas, a method of ancient Mesoamerican agriculture still valid today, and also to be a platform for the discussion of different issues concerning Mexico and New York.
Porter recreated this boat as a site for cultural exchange with the help of Ramon Flores and Antonio Bergua, design students from the Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana - Xochimilco, who researched the design and construction techniques of these boats, and the guidance of boat builder Ben Cohen at The Gowanus Studio Space in Brooklyn.
As part of a workshop involving the Mexican community in Queens with music, flowers and food, this "trajinera Xochitl" will be launched in the waters of Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
For more information, go to www.mexiconowfestival.org.
Celebrate Mexico Now Festival
September 21 - October 1, 2011
King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center
at New York University
53 Washington Square South
New York City
212-998-3650
Queens Museum of Art
New York City Building
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Queens
718-592-9700
www.queensmuseum.org
Church of all Nations (CFAN)
417 W 57th Street
New York City
212-998-3650
Gen Mex: Recent Films From México
September 16 - 22, 2011
Anthology Film Archives
32 Second Avenue (2nd St)
212-505-5181
www.anthologyfilmarchives.org
www.cinematropical.org
artMRKT Hamptons Debuts
- Details
- Parent Category: Other Festivals
- Category: Art/Antiques
- Published on Wednesday, 06 July 2011 05:00
- Written by Film FestivalTraveler Staff
artMRKT Hamptons takes place July 14 - 17, 2011 at the Bridgehampton Historical 
Society Grounds in Bridgehampton, New York.
artMRKT Hamptons, a new modern and contemporary art fair, debuts with 35 leading galleries from across the U.S. presenting painting, sculpture, drawings, photography, video and installation in a state-of-the-art tented venue.
The opening night preview party on July 14 will benefit Southampton Hospital; the event is sponsored by Cadillac.
artMRKT Productions is a Brooklyn-based organizer of art fairs founded in 2010 by third generation gallerist Max Fishko and longtime business partner Jeffrey Wainhause.
"We have been receiving excellent response from gallerists and collectors alike. And in the few short weeks before the show, enthusiasm is really growing exponentially," noted Max Fishko.
"Some of the best artists working today are on the East End of Long Island and together with top collectors, the Hamptons has a vibrant and exciting scene. We are thrilled to be a part of it."
One of the events is MRKTworks Benefit Auction Program, which is a small scale online/live auction for non-profits sponsored by artMRKT and its dealers. The program launches 10 days before the fair begins, and features individual works donated by participating dealers to several key non-profit organizations from the Hamptons.
Another event is The Fifty Best presents Premium Rum Tasting, to be held Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 5 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a choice blend of modern art and the world's finest rums in a walk-around tasting of six special rums at artMRKT Hamptons. Open to all VIP Pass holders in the VIP Lounge.
Among the galleries exhibiting in artMRKT Hamptons are:
- 101/exhibit, Miami, FL
- AJ Japour Gallery, Miami, FL
- Aureus Contemporary, Providence, RI
- Black & White Gallery Project Space, Brooklyn, NY
- Boltax Gallery, Shelter Island, NY
- Dean Project, New York, NY
- Foley Gallery, New York, NY
- Forum Gallery, New York, NY
- Fredric Snitzer Gallery, Miami, FL
- Gallery Sam, Berkeley, CA
- Gitana Rosa Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
- Halsey McKay Gallery, East Hampton, NY
- JHB Gallery, New York, NY
- Kathryn Markel Fine Art, New York, NY
- Keyes Art, New York, NY
- Leila Heller Gallery, New York, NY
- Lennon Weinberg, Inc., New York, NY
- Like the Spice Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
- Mallick Williams, New York, NY
- Meulensteen, New York, NY
- Mindy Solomon Gallery, St. Petersburg, FL
- Modernbook Gallery, San Francisco, CA
- Morgan Lehman Gallery, New York, NY
- Museum Works Galleries, Chicago, IL
- Nancy Hoffman Gallery, New York, NY
- Patrajdas Contemporary, Chicago, IL
- PX Photography, New York, NY
- Randall Scott Projects, Germantown, MD
- RH Gallery, New York, NY
- RHV Fine Art, Brooklyn, NY
- Sara Nightingale Gallery, Water Mill, NY
- Tally Beck Contemporary, New York, NY
- Witzenhausen Gallery, New York, NY & Amsterdam
For more information, visit art-mrkt.com/hampton.
artMRKT Hamptons
July 14 - 17, 2011
Bridgehampton Historical Society Grounds
2368 Montauk Highway (Route 27)
Bridgehampton, NY
ART HK 11: Hong Kong Intl Art Fair
- Details
- Parent Category: Other Festivals
- Category: Art/Antiques
- Published on Tuesday, 24 May 2011 05:00
- Written by FFestivalTraveler Staff
ART HK 11: Hong Kong International Art Fair is taking place May 26 - 29, 2011 at the 
Hong Kong Convention and Exposition Centre (HKCEC) in Hong Kong.
ART HK 11 is Asia’s preeminent Art Fair, and one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the international art calendar. Some 260 galleries from 38 countries come together to offer the largest display of contemporary art ever seen in Hong Kong.
The Art Fair presents works from modern masters such as Picasso to important contemporary artists such as Takashi Murakami and Damien Hirst, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the very best and most extensive showcase of modern and contemporary art in Asia.
This is the perfect opportunity to build one‛s collection, whether buying one‛s first art work or seeking, as an established collector, to invest in the next masterpiece.
While there is the perception that art collecting is something only the wealthy do, anyone can have the pleasure of owning original art. This interactive tour, hosted by Time Out Hong Kong Magazine, gives the lowdown on art buying at the Fair, what to look out for, buying etiquette, as well as view an interesting collection of works for under $5,000 from galleries participating in the Art Futures and Asia One sections.
Art Futures – A newly expanded section of ART HK, sponsored by Asia’s leading multi-brand luxury retailer Lane Crawford, Art Futures is a multi-gallery display of works by emerging artists represented by galleries established within the last five years, featuring a cross-section of the very best in emerging contemporary art.
Asia One – an exciting a new addition to ART HK showcases solo exhibitions by artists of Asian origin and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to experience a diverse and current view of the Asian art scene.
New Media Archeology (Hong Kong Edition) – Curated by Ellen Pau
Since the emergence of technological arts over a century ago, scholars in various disciplines have explored media-archaeological excavations, retrieving the relic from early and obsolete practices.
VMAC, launched by Videotage as a research project focusing on the preservation of local media art, gathers early media art works and collects current media art productions. New Media Archeology (Hong Kong Edition) is a presentation of some of the most significant contributions to the research at VMAC, accompanied with archival materials from more than 10 international collaborators, including such entities as Shanghai eArts Festival and ARS Electronica.
Education Programs – As part of its education program, ART HK has partnered with Asia Art Archive (AAA) to host a number of informative and educational talks during the Fair.
Art Tours – A series of guided tours take place throughout the Fair enabling visitors to gain in-depth information on exhibiting galleries and works on view.
Activities for Children – ART HK is committed to developing a platform for children to explore the world of art. Little Picasso Studio and Yummy Mummy Asia present Art Splash, a unique range of art activities for children to enjoy.
Children at Art Splash collaborate with international and local artists to develop a large scale work on canvas, to be auctioned with proceeds donated to underprivileged children in Hong Kong. In addition, children will also enjoy various multi-sensory art activities such as painting, sculpture and clay work.
Examples of the art works on display are from the Yossi Milo Gallery in New York City:
Yuki Onodera – Onodera's ongoing Transvest (2002-present) are life-size, gelatin silver prints of human figures in silhouette. From a distance, the figures appear to be easily recognizable characters: a flamenco dancer, cowboy or boxer. However, closer inspection reveals that each form is a cut-out shape clothed in fragmented imagery of diverse subjects that include animals, streetlights, portraits, microscopic organisms, or l
andscapes.
For the series Portraits of Second-hand Clothes (1994-1997), Onodera photographed individual articles of used clothing acquired from Christian Boltanski's 1993 Paris exhibition, Dispersion, an enormous pile of used clothing symbolizing death and loss.
Pieter Hugo – Hugo's new series, Permanent Error, depicts a technological wasteland in Ghana littered with piles of discarded computers, many of which were donated by the UN in their effort to close the digital divide. Amid the toxic scene, Hugo takes portraits of the young people who make their living by burning down the plastics of old wires, disks and monitors to extract the metals inside.
Sze Tsung Leong – Leong's series of color photographs, Horizons, depicts expansive views of a broad spectrum of environments throughout the world. The locations of the images may be distant in geography and diverse in subject matter, yet the photographs are linked by a common horizon which continues in the same position from image to image.
Simen Johan – Johan's ongoing series, Until the Kingdom Comes, presents animals in natural settings at once realistic and imaginary. By digitally compositing elements of photographs taken in nature or in the studio, the artist presents scenarios that address ways in which we contend with inherent fears and fantasies.
Loretta Lux 
– Lux creates portraits that address the idea of childhood as a paradise lost. The artist utilizes photography, painting and digital imaging to execute her scenarios of isolation and distance in ambiguous time and space, as well as reference paintings by Old Masters, such as Bronzino, Velasquez and Goya.
Alison Rossiter – Rossiter's photographs are created without a camera on expired, vintage photo paper. The artist collects and subsequently experiments with gelatin silver papers that date from the early 1900s through the 1970s, making controlled marks by pouring or pooling photographic developer directly onto the surface of the paper.
Myoung Ho Lee – Lee's Tree series depicts solitary trees centered in front of constructed backdrops of white canvas, around which the tree's natural surroundings fill the rest of the frame. Centered in the graphic compositions, the canvas defines the form of the tree and separates it from the environment.
Youssef Nabil – Nabil's hand-colored gelatin silver prints are carefully crafted portraits inspired by Egyptian movie posters and films of the 1940s and 1950s. Nabil photographs actors, artists, friends, and himself in glamorous, melodramatic staged scenes that recall stills from Egypt's golden era of cinema. He meticulously enhances his black-and-white prints with watercolor and pencil using traditional hand-coloring techniques.
For more information, visit www.hongkongartfair.com.
ART HK 11: Hong Kong International Art Fair
May 26 - 29, 2011
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
1 Expo Drive
Wanchai, Hong Kong
NY Photo Festival 2011
- Details
- Parent Category: Other Festivals
- Category: Art/Antiques
- Published on Monday, 09 May 2011 10:00
- Written by Lynne Shannon
The New York Photo Festival is taking place May 11 - 15, 2011 in Brooklyn, New York‛s
"DUMBO" (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) district.
This year’s main exhibitions, curated by Enrico Bossan and Elisabeth Biondi are presented as Photography Now: engaged, personal, and vital. They offer distinct perspectives on a shared theme: the state of documentary photography today.
Bossan’s show, entitled Hope, features the work of young photographers who, in his words, "neither provide a faithful representation of reality nor create an illusion, but who have impressed me with their ability to capture the essential aspects of life."
