Kehinde Wiley – A New Republic

Went to the Brooklyn Museum to see Kehinde Wiley’s work today. It’s truly a good way to get to know this artist and his craft. There’s no denying that Wiley is an incredibly talented artist and painter. Most recently he’s been doing sculptures and stained glass pieces, but his paintings were definitely the highlight for me. His large canvases take full command of the room. His use of bright, saturated colors and intricate patterns reel you in. I was mesmerized and inspired. If you have a chance, go see it… you won’t regret it. The exhibit runs through May 24th.

Below you will see images of the exhibit and detail of his work.

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all work by ©Kehinde Wiley

Dr. Oliver Bronson House & Art Exhibit

Today I got to visit the Dr. Oliver Bronson in the city of Hudson. Seldom do they open the doors for the public, so I feel very lucky to have experienced it this weekend. Adding to the treat, the city invited 3 known artists to show within the house’s walls. The artist chose not to be tagged and titled as any other gallery, making each piece blend exquisitely with the historic home.

Valerie Hammond’s pop of color and delicate work felt like a door into a dark and fascinating (sometimes terrifying) world. It really enhanced the surrealness of the environment surrounding it.

Kiki Smith’s drawings where really fragile yet depicted some interesting and complex characters. They where a perfect fit with its harsh yet beautiful home.

Seton Smith’s photographs displayed the hazy beauty of this grand structure. A great compliment to the exhibit.

I was incredibly please and enjoyed every minute of this gem. Thank you Hudson for organizing such a great group of artist, they were made for this historic property.

Built in 1812, the Dr. Oliver Bronson’s was declared a national historical landmark in 2003 and has been going through renovations since. If you want to help and become part of this incredible piece of history’s facelift, you can make a donation to Historic Hudson, Inc. 

Fun Fact: The Oliver-Bronson house was in the 2012 Bourne Legacy film as Shearing’s (Rachel Weisz) home.

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Amelia Biewald

I’ve been walking by this exhibit for a week or so on my way to work and finally took a few minutes to see it. Amelia Biewald‘s Perfect from now on’ exhibit at the MagnanMetz gallery in Chelsea, includes of a giant chandelier, which captures your attention right away, as well as rotating, life-sized/crystallized animals, intricate drawings and incredibly detailed dioramas.

There’s a thick sense of a dark fairy tale taking place especially with the little worlds inside these beautiful glass bell jars. The huge wall piece, which was inspired by the slow formation of cave structures, shows a meticulous layered process. There is a nice contrast of beauty, time and chaos in this room and I suggest you swing by and check it out. It runs until Dec. 23rd.

Iconography, A Reflection of Anonimity

Last night I swung by Mighty Tanaka during the monthly 1st thursday art walk in DUMBO. Took some fun shots of the current exhibition, Iconography, A Reflection of Anonimity, and was impressed with the quality of work. nice job guys!. There is a opening coming up next Friday Oct. 15th, showcasing my best friends work, plus 6 other artists. Check out more details here.

The current exhibit features the work of Matt Siren, Peat Wollaeger (stenSOUL), Royce Bannon, Chris and Veng of Robots Will Kill, 2Esae and SKI of URnewyork.

@ marikeeler . 360 of Mighty Tanaka gallery.


Painting by Veng.

art work by matt siren

Dia:Beacon

I had the chance to visit Dia:Beacon for the first time this past weekend. A lovely autumn drive 1.5 hours north, lunch with friends, and afternoon viewing art. perfect.

I was really impressed with the museum. The huge warehouse turned art space, filled with contemporary art. I wanted to run around and take a million pictures, but got stopped after my first snap shot. The overwhelming size of the space is enhanced by the sheer amount of natural light that accompanied it, really giving these works of art a gorgeous environment to shine. My highlights, Richard Serra, Michael Heizer and Sol Lewitt. Michael Heizer’s ground sculptures are truly impressive and it made me wonder how I would get out if I fell in…. I wish they had more massive Serra’s to run around in…. Sol Lewitts drawings made me dizzy and felt a headache coming on after a while, but I thought that was a good thing! ha. The amount of detail in these drawings, plus their light and fragile presence is hard to take all at once. Fascinating how it affected my brain! This whole place was pretty awesome. If you ever are visiting NYC, take a short trip up the Hudson on the train (gorgeous ride) and hop off at beacon, NY. They also have an art festivals throughout the year… I have to check those out.

Photo by Neal Boenzi/NYT. Sol Lewitt at his studio in 1961.


Photo of Richard Serra and his work.


Photo of Michael Heizer art work at dia:beacon

Artist Laura Ball

Laura Ball watercolors are like a dream. literally. I love the stark white worlds filled with such fragile yet robust subject matters. Her world is of animals made of animals and sometimes accompanied by a human wanting to be part of it (I can relate)… I love the contrast of the heavy elephants and rhinos, with the lightness and weightless feeling from her technique. I believe she is currently showing at Morgan Lehman Gallery In chelsea right now.

Read Laura Ball’s Bio here.

International Fine Art Competition Exhibit

I attended the opening of International Fine Art Competition Exhibit (hosted by Agora Gallery in Chelsea) back in August and just getting around to writing about it today.. sigh. I do want to bring attention to a couple of artists who stood out to me in this exhibit. First, my friend painter Julio Flores, whom I’ve written about before, was part of the selection, and the reason why I attended the show. Two other artists who caught my attention were Watercolorist/Illustrator Danny Bond and photographer Allen Bryan.

Denny Bond is an incredible craftsman. His rich details, wonderful colors and interesting items come to life in his perfect watercolors. They look like a photograph!

© art work by Denny Bond

Photographer Allen Bryan has some really interesting work. At first it took me a second to realize that these were put together. But I loved how it fooled me. His collage is flawless and evokes a dreamlike and surreal moment in reality. I think his use of photography and montage is well executed. I enjoyed them very much.

© photos by Allen Bryan

success!

thanks to everyone who attended and showed their support at my photography show for the past 3 weeks. The closing party was a big success and I sold MOST of my prints!! pretty amazing. I will be updating my website with the new work, but in the meantime, you can visit Mighty Tanaka’s online store and order prints from there.

Thank you again. The support is what keeps us artists going.

come to my show!!!!!

OPENING RECEPTION:
Friday, July 16, 2010 – 6:00PM-9:00PM, and closing August 6, 2010

Mighty Tanaka
68 Jay St., Suite 416 (F Train to York St.)
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hours: M-F 12PM to 7PM, weekends by appointment only
Office: 718.596.8781
Email: alex@mightytanaka.com
Web: http://www.mightytanaka.com/