Yinka ShoniBirthday

The Dutch Wax work of Yinka Shonibare MBE, a Nigerian artist who lives and works in the UK, has fascinated me for the past 5 years or so.  Having recently seen his Magic Ladders exhibition at The Barnes Foundation, I decided to allow my love for his work to infiltrate my 28th birthday celebration.  It was a wonderful, colorful evening; thank you to every who came to celebrate!

Fabrics from AKN Fabric in NYC

Flower pins and barrettes: handmade

Flower crown: Handmade

Dress: thrifted/altered

Shoes: Loeffler Randall

Venue: Salvation Taco

Photos by myself, Kathy Paciello, and Lauren Ricciardi.  Shonibare images from yinkashonibarembe.com

UNDER THE BLACKLIGHT

One of my favorite posts (and favorite dresses!) happened way back in 2010, with this neon ensemble inspired by Que Houxo's gestural paintings lit by blacklights.  See the original post here. #tbt

TBT: Garçon à la pipe

I was searching through the Artfully Awear archives, and I found this gem from 2011.  Picasso's Rose Period has always been my favorite (particularly the harlequins), so one afternoon I made a flower crown, borrowed a wooden pipe from my dad, and posed as one of the most expensive paintings ever sold at auction.  See my original post here. #tbt

PAWEL ALTHAMER: The Neighbors

Lured by a tweet from the New Museum, promising me that I could paint on their walls, I donned my work-in-progress doodle dress and descended upon the Fourth Floor gallery for Pawel Althamer's Draftsmen's Congress.  Initially a blank, white space, the room invites museum-goers to make their mark with provided supplies including paint, pastels, paper, and pencils.  It was almost more fun to walk around the room (and explore the teepee!) inspecting others' graffiti, but, of course, we had to make our own masterpiece as well.  I always consider it a good day when a museum guard signs my dress.

With a focus on collaboration and social & political networks, Polish artist Althamer's work allows him to occupy various roles: teacher, organizer, activist.  As a part of the exhibition (which also includes the haunting Venetians), Althamer arranged for a street band to play within the museum, and has also coordinated a coat drive through the Bowery Mission.  I highly recommend bringing everyone you know to this show, which encompasses beauty, interaction, politics, and social commentary in an engaging and edifying experience.

Dress: DIY (signed by some of my favorite graffiti writers and friends)  See the last time I wore it, at 5 Pointz.

Tights: Uniqlo

Blouse & Boots: Joe Fresh

Scarf: Vintage / handmade

Pawel Althamer: The Neighbors is on view at the New Museum on the Bowery in NYC through 4/13.

Photos of me by Maureen Nacy; other photos by me.