ALL NIGHT

Deborah Kass and pulp, ink., I Wanna Rock With You, 2011

I've been walking by this Bowery mural for a few years, and the other day I was finally, fortuitously dressed to match.  Rocking the night away in a vintage coat, Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, faux fur snood (Christmas gift from my Aunt), vintage brooches, leather boots from Joe Fresh, and Linda Farrow sunglasses.

THE EVENT OF A THREAD

I first wrote about an Ann Hamilton installation, Indigo Blue, over two years ago (see my 2010 post here).  When I heard about her installation, The Event of a Thread, currently on view at the Park Avenue Armory, I knew it would be a must-see.

Consisting of wooden swings attached to a network of pulleys which manipulate a massive sheet of fabric in the middle of the room, the visual did not disappoint.  When participants swing, the pulleys move the textile, creating an exhilarating rippling effect (seen in my video, above).

The Event of  Thread emphasizes "individual encounters" and "congregational gatherings" focusing on the individual viewer/participant and the group.  The installation also incorporates readings and sound, for the ultimate multi-sensory experience.

The installation is only on view through January 6, so I highly recommend that you check it out this weekend if you are in the NYC area.

[Top photo by Chelsea Temkin; video and lower photo by me.]

ART TO WEAR: Rebeca Raney x Madewell.

I came across this Rebeca Raney x Madewell tote in store a few days ago and fell in love. Raney is an MFA graduate from the School of Visual Arts and lives and works in Brooklyn.

 In case anyone reading this was wondering what to get me for Christmas, I'd be overjoyed to receive this hand-painted tote, $225.

View the full Rebeca Raney x Madewell collection here.

BILL JENSEN

Bill Jensen (1945-) is a Williamsburg, Brooklyn-based painter, represented by Cheim & Read in New York.

Originally from Minneapolis, Jensen started his artistic career by airbrushing sweatshirts with monster motifs in high school.

He is now well-known for his abstract canvases, characterized by layer after layer of oil on linen.

"It's more alchemy than craft.  I think that one of my responsibilities is to uncover the energies that material possesses." --Bill Jensen

I'm wearing an H&M dress, Falke tights, K* shoes, and a suede Lauren Merkin clutch.

[Photos by @kay_elle_pea;

Jensen images from cheimread.com and tumblr.com.]

PLEATS PLEASE

I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the new Taschen book, PLEATS PLEASE, outlining the 20-year history of Issey Miyake's clothing line that drastically changed the guidelines for what a garment should provide to its wearer.

"PLEATS PLEASE are clothes designed to suit the needs and style of every woman.  They are valued not only for heir beauty but also for their practicality.  The clothes continue to be as popular today partly due to the fact that they project an air of authority suitable to any occasion, whether special, everyday or for travel; regardless, they require almost no maintenance."

As the ultimate art-to-wear garments, Issey Miyake's PLEATS PLEASE collections are not only a feat of technology (a process which is described in detail in the book), but is also deeply tied to contemporary art.  In addition to exhibitions such as Big Bang: Creation and Destruction in 20th Century Art, PLEATS PLEASE has completed a number of Guest Artist Series, resulting in garments  adorned with the work of Yasumasa Morimura (pictured above), Nobuyoshi Araki, and Tim Hawkinson.

I'm wearing PLEATS PLEASE scarf/blouse, Ellen Tracy silk skirt, vintage leather bag, and Calvin Klein leather booties.

ART TO WEAR: Self Portrait.

"I believe in low lights and trick mirrors." --Andy Warhol

I rarely discuss beauty products here, but I couldn't resist this Andy Warhol eyeshadow palette by NARS (one of my personal favorite beauty brands).  It would be ever so easy to create your own work of art by using these shades.

$55, available here.

ART TO WEAR: I Still Love NY.

I'm so thankful to live in a city as resilient as New York.  However, post-Hurricane Sandy, there is a very real need for relief for thousands of displaced New Yorkers. 

As a response to the devastation, New York-based artist Sebastian Errazuriz created these beautiful "I Still Love NY" t-shirts by dip-dying tourist tees to represent the flood line.

Each tee is made to order and 100% of the proceeds go to Hurricane Sandy relief programs.

$40 at Grey Area.