I didn't make it to The Whitney yesterday but I still saw some fabulous art. It was just in the form of Richard Ginori hand painted china at Barneys. While collection looked fabulous en masse, I could also picture it looking especially bellissimo mixed with Haviland Limoges Lacque de Chine China. And it makes me want to pick up a paint brush! Ciao!
The New York weather has left something to be desired lately and I can't think of any better place to escape to than a museum. I'll admit that sometimes contemporary art leaves me scratching my head but getting out of your comfort zone and the comfort of your own home can be inspiring so I think I am going to check out the Whitney Biennial this weekend. The show runs through May 30, 2010 and only happens every two years so if you miss it now, you'll have to wait a while until you can see it again. Bon Weekend!
The title of the first work above by Andrew Kuo is Late Hangover And/Or This is Why I Don't Like Mirrors on February 17, 2009 and could pretty much sum up how I am feeling this morning! Just kidding! I really don't feel that bad. Probably because they ran out of champagne too early. The art available through the silent auction at the Whitney Art Party was amazing and I wish I could have bought everything. Silent auctions and charity sales are a great place to buy contemporary art usually at a good price . 
More interesting than the art was the crowd which was made up of fabulous fashionistas, galleristas, models and celebrities. I clearly wasn't the only girl trying to stalk Bradley Cooper. He was quite popular all night and is much thinner in person that I would have suspected. Also throwing the ladies into a tizzy was Gerard Butler. I overheard two girls planning what they were going to say to him and when I left they had made their move and were chatting him up. This mixed media work above Endless Prayers III by Iranian artist Y.Z. Kami was another one of my favorites. 
You know you're not at a normal party when the socialites are thinner than the models. It was a bit depressing but definitely motivational. I swear I'm never eating bread ever again! I ran into Porter Hovey who was taking photos for Art in America and we were joking about the amazing people watching! Definitely a much different crowd than the design parties as Chase Booth also acknowledged! It was so nice running into him because he was with Matthew Larkin who I finally got to meet in person. Remember my post about his amazing light fixtures and topiaries? I feel bad comparing artists to each other but this piece above M.R.C. (c. 1921) by Jeremy Lawson reminded me of a modern version of a Cy Twombley. (It looked much better in person.) And since Cy Twombley is beyond most people's price range, it's a great alternative! 
Artist Hunt Slonem donated a work Rabbit and was also at the party among other wonderful artists. If you didn't get to attend the Whitney Art Party this year, then I highly recommend that you put it on the calendar for next year. You can have a drink, bid on some art and check out the amazing crowd! What could be better than that?! 
I didn't have time to write a big post today because I'm off to get ready for the Whitney Art Party tonight. I can't wait to stalk Bradley Cooper...I mean check out all the great art up for auction! Anyone who loves art should think about joining The Whitney Contemporaries. They host a lot of wonderful and interesting art events for the younger set...and those who like to pretend they are still young! See you tomorrow! 
One good thing to come out of my recent short lived romance with an artist was a trip to The Whitney Museum of American Art to see Alexander Calder: The Paris Years 1926-1933. I think most people are familiar with Calder through his mobiles but this exhibition brings a whole other side of Calder to light through his wonderfully creative wire caricature portraits, wire menagerie of animals, and his famous Circus. Around every corner is a new visual treat. I think this was of my favorite shows of all time and I hope everyone will try to see it before it closes on February 15th. 
Alexander Calder, 'Dog', 1926-31. Wood, clothespin, and wire, Dog, 1926-31. Wood, clothespin, and wire.
Alexander Calder, Jimmy Durante, 1928. Iron wire and sculpture.
Alexander Calder, Goldfish Bowl, 1929. Wire.
Alexander Calder, Helen Wills, 1927. Wire and wood.
Alexander Calder, Untitled, 1932. Pen with ink on paper.
Alexander Calder, Equestrian Act from Calder’s Circus, 1926-31. Wire, wire, cloth, metal, wood, cardboard, rhinestones, thread, paint, rubber, cork, string.
Alexander Calder, Five suitcases in which Calder transported his Circus, 1926-31.