CULTURAL EXPLORATIONS IN THE BIG APPLE

POLLYTALK FROM NEW YORK

By Polly Guerin

January 25, 2010

CULTURAL EXPLORATIONS IN THE BIG APPLE

What’s all this talk about having “nothing to do?” If I were you I’d shuttle myself off to Museum mile and take in visions of the past, the winter antiques show, Bronzino at the Met and catch Lincoln and New York at the Historical Society. Here’s the scoop!!!

Historians and aficionados of ancient works can view Masterworks of the 15th and 16th centuries at the MORGAN LIBRARY, 2 exhibitions for the price of one. I’ve always been fascinated by the illuminated manuscripts, each page an individual dazzling treasure. I wonder how those artisans created such color intensity and riveting images, some of which depict Catherine herself in pious attribution. “The Hours of Catherine of Cleves,” is a rare opportunity to see the full contents of the book, parts one and two, reunited for the first time. Don’t miss the other exhibit, “Rome After Raphael,” a wonderful study of the craftsmanship by Raphael, Michelangelo and other Roman artists. The show runs through May. At 225 Madison Ave. (36th Street) http://www.morganlibrary.org/.

The Winter Antiques Show celebrates its 56th year as America’s most prestigious show providing even first-time buyers with opportunities to see and purchase exceptional pieces showcased by 75 exhibitors on view through Jan. 31 at the Park Avenue Armory (67th Street). The show features rare antiquities from an Egyptian sarcophagus from 1000 B. C. through mid-century modern furniture, plus a loan exhibition from Historic New England. One of my favorites, Maison Gerard, presents a pair of mirrored panels designed by Jean Dupas for the SS Normandie, (1935), which was the “ambassador” of French ocean liner elegance. Oh, my dear, don’t miss the Kenneth W. Rendell Gallery’s autograph letter collection and the amazing World War II book with inserts of letters, documents and artifacts of the which author Rendell has put together from his own archives. Daily Admission $20. Benefits East Side Settlement House. Daily 12-6pm, except Sun. & Thurs, 12-6pm. http://www.eastsidehouse.org/.
Who for art thou BRONZINO? Well, the Metropolitan Museum of Art brings together all of the 61 known drawings by, or attributed to, the great Florentine Artist of the Medici in THE DRAWINGS OF AGNOLO BRONZINO (1503-1572), on view through April 18th. A painter, draftsman, academician and enormously witty poet, often writing with his cat Corimbo at his side, Bronzino is a multi-dimensional figure and his works of extraordinary beauty and rarity, have seldom been on public view. The display of studies in chalk as well as more painterly drawings in wash and gouache demonstrates Bronzino’s brilliant command of the human figure, and his gift for composition. Drawings related to important fresco cycles, altarpieces, and tapestries with rich allegorical meanings reveal the artist’s literary sensibilities. http://www.metmuseum.org/.
Did you know that Abraham Lincoln kick started his presidential run in New York particularly with his 1860 Cooper Union address in the Great Hall with his effort to preserve the Union, and the wartime threat to civil liberties. Lincoln’s evolving stance on slavery alternately infuriated and pleased African-American New Yorkers, many of them veterans of the anti-slavery movement and Underground Railroad activism. Lincoln and New York runs through March 25 and exhibits how Lincoln grew as a leader, writer, symbol of Union and freedom and ultimately, as national martyr. The New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West (74th St.) commemorates Lincoln’s birthday with various Union army regiments and celebrates Black history month with the 6th Regiment United States Colored Troops, President’s weekend, Saturday, February 13. www.nyhistory.org.
Well, Ta Ta darlings! I’ve already visited Bronzino and Lincoln and checked in at the Winter Antiques Show so I’m off to the Morgan to see Catherine of Cleves. Visit me at www.pollytalk.com. I love fan mail, thanks for your comments, always welcome at pollytalk@verizon.net. Or check my blogs: http://www.amazingartdecodivas.blogspot.com and http://www.thefashionhistorianpollyguerin.blogspot.com or http://www.awakenyoursleepingbeauty.blogspot.com.

OLD MASTERS AND MODERN DIGS IN NEW YORK

POLLYTALK FROM NEW YORK
January 18, 2010
By Polly Guerin

(c) OLD MASTERS AND MODERN DIGS IN NEW YORK

My heart beats a little faster when I see an Old Master and Victorian vernissages present photocollages. There’s a call for designers, dioramas, and new digs at The Strand, so I am quite sure you understand, there’s diverse cultural treasures in this famous land. Here’s the scoop!!!

‘IN THE GRAND MANNER’ Jean-Luc Baroni, the third generation of a family of connoisseurs art dealers presents rare and old master paintings and drawings from the 16th to the early 20th century, some on view for the first time in the United States during Old Master Week in New York, at Carlton Hobbs LLC, 60 East 93rd St. “I am privileged to have the opportunity to show my works of art in a gallery of such stature and prominence,” said Baroni. One of these masterpieces is the “Portrait of a Lady as ‘Flora’” by Giovanni Batista Tiepolo (Venice 1696-1770 Madrid) was recently discovered in the attic of a French Chateau. Forgotten for over 200 years, now’s your chance to see this stunning picture, plus one of the most poetic of the Bolognese Master Ludovico Carracci (1555-1619 Bologna) is a magnificent painting whose provenance gores back to 1632. Exhibition hours Monday-Saturday, 10 am-6pm. For more info call 212.423.9000 or visit www.carltonhobbs.com Opens January 22-to-Feb. 2.
THE WIT AND WHIMSEY OF THE VICTORIAN ERA is the first exhibition to comprehensively examine the little-known phenomenon of the whimsical and fantastical Victorian photocollages. With subjects as varied as new theories on evolution, the changing role of photograph, and the strict conventions of aristocratic society, the photocollages frequently debunked the stuffy Victorian clichés with surreal, subversive, and funny images. “Playing with Pictures: The Art of Victorian Photocollages” provides a fascinating window into the creative possibilities of photography in the 19th century and features 50 works from public and private collections, including many that have rarely or never been exhibited before. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art Feb. 2-May 9. www.metmuseum.org.
CALLING ALL DESIGNERS: You may be Macy’s Newest Star! Are you an established apparel or accessories designer and interested in doing business with Macy’s? If so, you’re invited to submit an online application to attend MACY’S OPEN CALL, a unique opportunity to have your work reviewed by Macy’s Fashion Directors, Buyers and Merchandisers. If selected you’ll be invited to present your line in person and possibly have it sold at Macy’s! WOW, what an opportunity. To access more information and the application, visit www.macysinc.com/operncall. Deadline for online applications till January 31.
CHRONOTOPES & DIORAMAS: Dia at the Hispanic Society presents the first major U.S. solo exhibition for Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster, one of the leading French figures on the international contemporary art scene. Site-specific Gonzalez-Foerster’s 40-foot wide ‘annex’ presents some of the books (from the Hispanic Society’s research library)some 40 20th century authors “as indigenous inhabitants” in three different terrains rendered in natural-history dioramas. Amazing!!! A must see! Through April 18th. Diaart.org/hindex.html.
THE STRAND, a new boutique hotel takes a stand right in the heart of New York’s fashion district on 37th Street between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas. The entrance hall resonates with a dramatic two-story waterfall. Best of all is the TOP OF THE STRAND, rooftop bar and lounge which boasts a retractable roof and stellar views. The lobby photographs, culled from the New York Times archives features fashion images of models and celebrities. Expect the best in a business and fitness center. 33 W. 37th St, 212.448.1024, www.thestrandnyc.com.
Ta Ta darlings, I’m off to meet some friends at Top of the Strand and capture the sunset and stunning views. Fan mail to pollytalk@verizon.net, or visit my blogs: www.amazingartdecodivas.blogspot.com, and www.thefashionhistorianpollyguerin.blogspot.com and www.awakenyoursleepingbeauty.blgspot.com

NEW YORK'S A CULTURAL POT POURRI

POLLYTALK FROM NEW YORK
January 11, 2010


NEW YORK’S A CULTURAL POT POURRI (C)
By Polly Guerin

The cultural lions are on the prowl around New York’s sights and sounds they ply their adventure. Museums tempt them, plays entertain, and society invites these denizens of culture to reap the bounty of things to do. You can’t blame a gal for trying to improve her mind? Here’s the scoop!!!
Get thee off to FORBES GALLERIES because this little museum treasure is one of the best kept secrets in New York. Although Forbes has agreed to sell its Manhattan headquarters at 60 Fifth Avenue to New York University the company will remain in the building as a tenant, under a five-year leaseback agreement. What does this mean to you? It’s FREE. The Forbes Galleries are a unique treasure trove of fine art and collectibles. The Highlander Gallery features 8 glass panels designed by Jean Dupas for the Grand Salon of the Normandie ocean liner. Toy Boats made between 1870 and 1950s ply the seas in another gallery and several versions of the Monopoly game are on view, plus 175 Trophies and fine art. Open Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. www.Forbesgalleries.com or call 212.206.5548.
This is a “GIRLS NIGHT OUT” event. There’s no business like show business to inspire Bloomindales where Lexington Avenue windows recreate the stage set of the Broadway production, “Love, Loss and What I Wore.” The play, an intimate collection of stories by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron revolves around clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger. Couldn’t we all contribute to that? There are pieces in everyone’s wardrobe that are reminiscent of a special occasion or phase of life. At the Westside Theatre until March. www.bloomingdales.org.
MAN RAY MONDAYS: In conjunction with its new exhibition, “Alias Man Ray: The Art of Reinvention,” The Jewish Museum is presenting Man Ray Mondays with free docent tours or staff gallery talks at 12:15 pm or 1:00 pm. Talk about promotion! Other juicy discounts include Museum visitors receive 50% off the audio guide price of $5.00 and also have the option to purchase the exhibition catalogue for 10% off the regular price of $50.00. In addition, each Monday, a drawing is being held, on that day. From the visitors who give the Museum their e-mail address one winner will be selected to receive a complimentary copy of the exhibition catalogue. Further information and updated offers at: http://www.thejeweishmuseum.org/manraymondays.
LESLIE CARON, that charming actress was just 16 when Gene Kelly saw her perform with Roland Petit’s Ballets and from then on she made cinema history. First as his co-star in An American in Paris (1951), the role that won her world-wide fame. Caron recounts her life growing up in war torn France, the engaging role in Gigi (1958), garnering two academy awards, becoming romantically involved with Warren Beatty and much, much more. Still working in her 70s this is a fairytale story. Read all about it in Thank Heaven: A memoir (Viking, $25.95).
Well, Ta Ta darlings. I’m off to check in at Man Ray then cozy up with Leslie Caron’s book on a cold winter’s night. Fan mail to: pollytalk@verizon.net. Learn more and visit my other Blogs: http://www.amazingartdecodivas.blogspot.com. http://www.thefashionhistorianpollyguerin.blogspot.com.

POLLYTALK FROM NEW YORK

POLLYTALK FROM NEW YORK ©
By Polly Guerin
January 4, 2010
NEW YORK CELEBRATES THE NEW YEAR 2010
To health, to happiness to cheer, clean the slate, it’s a new year, a brand new start, a new beginning, finish off the year, and know you’re winning. Seize the moment, lose track of time, taste life, dare yourself to be divine. Make very minute count, say “Yes!” This year will surely be your best. Here’s the scoop!!!
CALLING ALL GIRLS AND WOMEN YOUNG AT HEART. That mischievous children’s book character, ‘ELOISE’ now has a store to call her own at The Plaza Hotel. decorated in her signature color PINK and a rug imprinted with memorable lines from Kay Thompson’s legendary story. Legend has it that Thompson’s goddaughter; Liza Minelli, at one point lived at The Plaza with her mother, Judy Garland, and was perhaps the inspiration for the rambunctious icon. But plenty of others, including Thompson herself may have been the source. Fans will be able to host tea parties, play dress up and listen to story hours in the months ahead and if needed take etiquette classes. The Plaza, 59th Street and Fifth Avenue.
Feast your eyes on a fine romance and see THE YOUNG VICTORIA in the turbulent first years of her reign with Prince Albert, the suitor who wins her heart and becomes her partner in one of history’s greatest romances. The movie is set among the intrigue of the court. Everyone is dying for her favor, but Victoria is kept from the court by her overbearing mother, The Duchess of Kent. But not for long! Once she becomes queen, Victoria gets to make her own decisions and her lavish fashion persona becomes more sophisticated. Albert for his part cuts a dashing figure. Alas this film is about Victoria and it evokes a stunning visual display of the period and an insider’s view of the young Victoria. In theaters locally.
“SNOPPY AS THE WORLD WAR I FLYING ACE” presents Charles M. Schulz’s lovable beagle, SNOOPY, as his alter ego, the Flying Ace in an exhibit at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum through April 30, 2010. The exhibit showcases Snoopy’s imaginary journeys through the skies of Europe in his transformed doghouse. Accompanying Schulz’s scenes of Snoopy as a flying ace is artwork featuring the peanuts gang that was created by crewmembers serving aboard the USS Intrepid. Passing the time at sea the images, painted directly on the ship’s steel walls, reflect the politics, morality and American popular culture of the time. This unique display of the “sailor art’ expressed the hopes, pride, frustrations and even boredom of the men serving on the ship. Intrepid Sea, Air Space Museum, at Pier 86 (46th Street and 12th Avenue).
The musical of Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” takes center stage as EARNEST IN LOVE at The Irish Repertory Theatre and what a jolly romp it is. The wickedly entertaining musical features all of its beloved characters…Lady Blacknell and the crème de la crème of London society singing and dancing to brilliant dialogue of the comic masterpiece. This wonderful music and lyrics faithfully re-create a time when wit and grace ruled the world and the right kind of address and proper behavior was paramount. The lush period costumes and clever score are the perfect complement to Oscar Wilde’s incomparable wordplay and sharp witticisms. Not to be missed: 132 W. 22nd St. 212.727.2737.
Well, there you are my darlings. Ta Ta!!! I’m off to check out Eloise’s digs at The Plaza. Perhaps the little imp is hiding somewhere ready to spring out shout, ‘Have Yourself a very Happy New Year.’ Fan mail always welcome: pollytalk@verizon.net. Visit blog: http://www.amazingartdecodivas.blogspot.com, and for fashion: http://www.thefashionhistorianpollyguerin.blogspot.com.