MARC QUINN FLORALS

Under the Volcano, Acavar Bolivia, 2010

New Mexico Water, 2010

First Cataract of the Nile, 2010

Marc Quinn (b. 1964) is part of the YBAs (Young British Artists), a group that includes Liam Gillick, Damien Hirst, and Tracey Emin, among others.  Much of his work is larger-than-life, and deals with themes of nature, the body, and our relationship to both.

One way that Quinn explores these themes is through "genetic modification and hybridism"; in other words, using flowers as a stand in for human life.  In one of his series, he created stunning horticultural displays of frozen flowers which are able to escape decay through an electrical power source.  Similarly, in "Eternal Spring", Quinn preserves flowers indefinitely by soaking them in silicone.  The paintings depicted here are eerily pristine, capturing an otherworldly perfection and simultaneously bringing to mind the constant decay that surrounds us.

See other floral posts here and here. 

Romper: Peter Pilotto for Target

Straw Hat: Purchased in St. Thomas

Marc Quinn photos from Artsy.net; photos of me by Jacque Skowvron.

GEMSTONE GEOMETRIC

This is the second time that my outfit found affinity with the work of Canadian artist Shannon Finley.  I'm drawn to the fragmented geometry of her works, both in my design sense as well as my fashion sense.  Of course, her sense of color theory adds to my fixation.

I spotted this dress in the window at J. Crew a few months ago and was pleasantly surprised to find it on Final Sale recently.  They always have the best (and most artful) prints!

Dress: J. Crew (Still available here; the colors are MUCH more vibrant in person!)

Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo Vara (patent version available here)

Necklace: H&M

Sunglasses: Suno

Finley image from Artsy.net, photos by Kathy Paciello.

HBD, Arthur Dove

"We cannot express the light in nature because we have not the sun. We can only express the light we have in ourselves." 

Happy birthday to Arthur Dove, the author of this quote, born on this day in 1880.  Dove is often considered to be the first American abstract painter.  Outfit details and more here.

INFLATABLE

It was the fall of 2008, and I was a young, questioning graduate student.  I eagerly queued outside the Museum of Modern Art on a Tuesday evening for a chance to hear Jeff Koons speak, with the hopes of asking him a two-part question I'd been dying to hear his answer to:

"Do you ever feel guilty for taking the credit, fame, and fortune for your work that is created by your studio assistants?  Could you comment on the removal of the artist's hand from the creation of work and what that means for young artists today?"

I anxiously listen to Koons speak about his work and its relation to contemporary art, and when Q & A time came round, I raised my hand, prominently waved, and loudly asked the question I'd come to hear the answer to when he called on me.  Instead of providing a response, he mumbled something about the artist's right, and moved on to the next question.  Disappointed by his response (or lack thereof), I wrote a paper about the experience and my thoughts on artists like Koons and Damien Hirst who profit from the work of their assistants.

Koons' retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art features work from every stage of the artists' career and oeuvre, and I couldn't help but think about the studio assistants behind the larger-than-life artwork.  Did you see the exhibition?  What did you think?

Dress: H&M

Inflatable flowers: Amazon

Shoes: Keds

Handbag: Jeff Koons for H&M

Photos by Hannah Kauffman; assistance by Maureen Nacy.

TO THE LIGHTHOUSE

Georges Seurat, The Lighthouse at Honfleur, 1886

Stephen Scott Young, Dawn's Light, Coast of New England, 2008

Paul Resika, Blue Wave, 2008

Andrea Kowch, Light Keepers

I just returned from a much-needed, albeit brief vacation in the mid coast of Maine.  On my last day, I was able to explore the Historic Lighthouse at Pemaquid Point, located in a picturesque setting on the rocks since 1827.

While we were clambering around on cliffs, I began considering the various depictions of the lighthouse in painting.  In a quick search on Artsy.net, I compiled these few widely varied examples, ranging from a close-hued Pointillist painting from the 19th century by Georges Seurat, to contemporary painting, both Realist and abstract, to a fantasy-like, almost Surreal, contemporary work by Andrea Kowch (previously featured here).

Which style do you prefer?

Dress: Vintage (thrifted for $5!)

Shoes: Sperry

Hat: H&M

Images via Artsy.net; Photographs by Hope Huynh.

TIMES OF THE DAY

Blinky Palermo, Times of the Day I–VI (1974–76)

I found this photo while rummaging through old files on my laptop, and realized how much I want to revisit Dia:Beacon.  This particular work by Blinky Palermo is on long-term installation there, and includes 25 different canvases that represent the various lightness or darkness of the times of the day, from sunrise to sunset.

Have you been to Dia:Beacon?  I'd love to hear about your experience there.

Dress: Alexandre Herchcovitch

Sandals: Sam Edelman

Photo by Meri Feir.

THE BEST DAY OF THE YEAR

My favorite day of the year has once again come and gone (luckily for me, it returns again in August).  The Jazz Age Lawn Party, currently in its 9th year on Governors Island, is a fete not to be missed by anyone who loves Gatsby-era revelry.  This was my third year in attendance, and I was shocked to find how many likeminded individuals gathered on the lawn on Governors Island to hear Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra perform, along with many other musicians, dancers, and even a sword swallower.  I can't wait for the next party!  See my previous JALP outfits here and here.

Dress: Marni

Shawl: Vintage, thrifted

Shoes: Vintage, thrifted

Necklace: Made by my Grandmother

Hat: Same as last year, updated with ribbon & appliques from B&Q Trimming

Picnic Basket: Picnic World

Photos of me by Ivy Fuld & Meri Feir; other photos by me.