THE SCREAM

The Scream, by the Norwegian Edvard Munch (1863-1944), is arguably one of the most recognizable images from art history, and the 1895 pastel is on view at the Museum of Modern Art.

 Since the pastel debuted at MOMA, it has become even more of a popular icon, with a steady stream of social media hype as well as a lengthy line to enter the gallery where it hangs.

The dark subject matter, symbolism, and macabre nature of the figures in his work have become ubiquitous with German Expressionism, a movement for which Munch was a forerunner.  The Scream is one of the greatest examples of this style.

In 2012, the 1895 pastel sold at auction for over $119 million, the most expensive work of art ever sold at auction.

At the Museum, it's nearly impossible to catch a glimpse of The Scream through iPhone-wielding arms.  How poignantly our smart phone culture has changed the museum experience, particularly when a cultural icon is in the room.

Blouse: Diane von Furstenberg (similar)

Skirt: Vintage, thrifted

Tights: H&M (similar)

Shoes: Hussein Chalayan

Necklace: Vintage, belonged to my mother

Photos by @kay_elle_pea in the Sculpture Garden of the Museum of Modern Art.

Munch images from moma.org

VOTE

I'm in the Top 10 of Time Out New York's Most Stylish Reader contest!

I could be featured in an upcoming issue, so stop by and give me a vote if you feel so inclined.

THE RECONSTRUCTIONISTS

I recently came across The Reconstructionists, a collaboration between illustrator Lisa Congdon and writer Maria Popova.  Each Monday welcomes a new illustration and mini essay about an inspirational woman, posted to their shared Tumblr page.  Not only are the illustrations beautiful, but the prose is stimulating; I've found myself actually looking forward to Mondays just to read the latest chapter.

The Reconstructionists is "a yearlong celebration of remarkable women...who have changed the way we define ourselves as a culture and live our lives as individuals of any gender."

All images from http://thereconstructionists.org/

LOVE 4 RELIEF

A few months have passed in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, but there are still very real needs in our immediate community. 

 I adore the Love 4 Relief initiative by Surf Collective NYC, who commissioned surfers in various creative fields to create Valentine's Day e-cards.  Simply choose the card you like from this page, customize it, make a donation, and send it to your friends and loved ones, with all proceeds going toward Sandy relief.  You can choose from a multitude of customizable donations, such as hot food, transportation, safety, and construction materials.  My favorite is the version above, by E&G.

What a difference love can make.

Another way to help, here.

AAKASH NIHALANI

I originally became interested in the work of Aakash Nihalani in 2010, when a friend introduced me to his tape pieces. Nihalani uses neon gaffing tape to create, miraculously, statements on the way art and the city interact spatially.

The exhibition, Portal, currently on view at the Jonathan Levine Gallery, was my first encounter with Nihalani's paintings.  I missed the grit of the street works, which are powerful simply because of the way they confront the viewer, who could just be a passerby on the street.

However, the bold, bright works are visually arresting, and reminiscent of Minimalist works by artists such as Frank Stella.

Embroidered Paillette Dress: Christopher Kane for Topshop

Blazer: Maison Martin Margiela Re-Issue

Tights: H&M

Reptile Ankle Boots: Jean-Michel Cazabat

Snakeskin Minaudière: Lauren Merkin

Lapel "pin": neon tape

The exhibition Portal closes this weekend.

iPhone photos of me by La Mer; other photos by me.

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.]