VISUAL PLEASURES: The New York Art Scene (c) By Polly Guerin

The art scene gratifies the senses on a visual level from the Old Masters to modern interpretations and abstract expressionism as only New York’s cultural institutions can deliver. Here’s the scoop!!!

MIRO The Dutch Interiors

Observe how an artist is inspired. Miro’s modernistic paintings are hung alongside the Dutch Golden Age paintings that inspired them. Pictured left: The Lute Player, by Hendrick Sorgh, Dutch, 1661 and above, Joan Miro's, Dutch Interior, 1928. This encounter between the Dutch Masters and Miro, one of the most esteemed advent-garde artists of the 20th century, is a rare opportunity to see how Miro moved from representational sources to his own language. Concurrently Jan Gossart’s Renaissance: Man, Myth, And Sensual Pleasures is the pivotal Old Master who redirected the course of early Flemish painting. Both exhibits through Jan. 17, 2011. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., www.metmuseum.org.
DIVINE COMEDY

Sotheby’s investigates the comedic side of art from ancient times to today through the lens of Dante’s epic poem, open to the public (FREE). Visitors to the exhibition will travel through Inferno, Purgatory and Paradise, exploring how for centuries artists have harnessed the power of humor in their work with an undercurrent of wit and satire. The Inferno, for example, will highlight the darker, more horrific side of humor. Featured artists include Salvador Dali, Any Warhol, Jeff Koons, Pieter Brueghel, and Auguste Rodin. Through Oct. 19th. At Sotheby’s New York, 1334York Ave. at 71st St., www.Sothebys.com. This exhibit is a lead in to the New York Comedy Festival which runs from 3-7 Nov. 2010. Tel: 212.606.7000.
ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM

A pivotal moment in modern art at MOMA celebrates the achievements of a generation that catapulted New York City to the center of the international art world sixty years ago. The exhibit traces the development of abstract expressionism from its beginnings in the 1940s to its seasoned maturity in the 1960s. 250 works on display cross a variety of mediums, masterpieces including artists such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning and Robert Motherwell, as well as works of art that have not been seen together for half a century. MOMA 11 W. 53rd St., www.moma.org.
BEYOND BORDERS: Fine Art from Canada

An exhibition of innovative Canadian art is taking place at the Agora Gallery in Chelsea. The works span the range of artistic expression, with artists imparting, with their unique styles, little pieces of the Canadian spirit. Playful, humorous, saturated with color, and presented in unique fashion, this is an exhibition to delight the senses. Opening reception, Oct. 7, 6PM. On view through Oct. 26. 530 West 25th St., 212.226.4406.

Ta Ta Darlings!!! You can’t blame a gal for improving her mind and pleasing her visual senses. Fan mail always welcome www.pollytalk.com. Please check out Polly’s Blog and google: http://www.amazingartdecodivas.blogspot.com, which has been renamed http://www.womendeterminedtosucceed.blogspot.com/.

Mixed Media Attractions in the Big Apple (c) By Polly Guerin

Emilie Becat at the Cafe des Ambassadeurs --

The end of September calendar is over the top with mixed media presentations with the focus on Monopoly and Degas art venues, Frida Kahlo and Miro, only in New York. You can’t blame a gal for improving her mind. Here’s the scoop!!!
JEWELED MONOPOLY SET and Host Tournament at the Museum of American Finance unveils the display of an 18-karat gold Monopoly set covered with hundreds of precious gemstones designed by Sidney Mobell, on loan from the Smithsonian. Adults and children may participate in a Monopoly tournament, Oct. 15th, 48 Wall St. www.moaf.org. According to the Henry George School, Monopoly was original designed as a Georgist learning tool called the Landlord’s Game and it was later distorted to remove the Georgist message. Hear about “The Monopoly Game Scandal” at 121 E. 30th St. on Oct. 29th.
DEGAS Drawings and Sketchbooks

Introduces more than 20 drawings by Hilaire-Germain-Edgar Degas from The Morgan Library & Museum collection. Featured is the artist’s dynamic and varied use of drawings depicting contemporary life and portraits of himself, family members, and friends to intensive studies of dancers and performers. Peer into the exhibit and explore Degas’ innovative combinations of essence (thinned oil paint) and pastels as seen in Emilie Becat at the Café des Ambassadeurs. At 225 Madison Ave. Through Jan. 23, 2011.
FRIDA KAHLO: Face to Face

A new book by artist, Judy Chicago and art historian Frances Borzello turns attention to the work of Frida Kahlo, one of the world’s most revered female painters with a handpicked selection of a hundred portraits by Kahlo that speak to the full spectrum of women’s experience. You’ll remember that Judy Chicago’s best-known work is The Dinner Party, an important icon of feminist art and a milestone in 20th century art. At the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Sun, Oct 3rd, at 2 p.m. http://www.brookynmuseum.org/.
MIRO: The Dutch Interiors

On view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art beginning Oct. 5 features the artist’s Dutch Interior paintings which have been hung alongside the Dutch Golden age pictures that inspired them. This encounter between the Dutch Masters and one of the most esteemed avant-garde artists of the 20th century is both unexpected and rare. Viewers will see how Miro moved from representational sources to his own language. 1000 Fifth Ave. www.metmuseum.org.
Ta Ta darlings!!! So much artistic bounty in the Big Apple. Mark your calendar. I’ll be at Frida’s venue. Fan mail always welcome: pollytalk@verizon.net. Check out Polly’s Blogs: http://www.womendeterminedtosucceed.blogspot.com and http://www.thefashionhistorian.blogspot.com.