The British/Amer Film DENIAL-Holocaust Denier's Libel Lawsuit Decrees Him Liar

The movie DENIAL is the true & historic facts pertaining to the contentious libel lawsuit brought against Amer Prof/historian Deborah Lipstadt.  Lipstadt's book "Denying the Holocaust: the Growing Assault on Truth & Memory" published in 1993, gave the ignominious British Holocaust denier a platform to spout his hate mongering in the British courts by accusing Lipstadt of libel for denouncing his claims that the systematic murder of millions of people by Hitler & the Nazi party has been fabricated.  I won't deem this perverse & delusional person worthy of naming.  The Judge in the case declared him "a Holocaust denier, anti-Semite, racist & promoter of neo-Nazism."  The British/Amer. true, courtroom drama is an intelligent film of utmost significance.  Lipstadt was muffled during the trial per her brilliant attorney's strategy in a legal system that varies from the US.  She has commented on the verdict, "A victory for all those who speak out against hate & prejudice."…"a fight against those who sow the seeds of racism and anti-Semitism."  The case, ruled upon in 2000, detail the imperative for historians to maintain an utmost conscience of presenting historical information based on evidence, witness accounts and truths.  Although it is not easy to corroborate the facts,  it's vital for those who record history to be factual in order to support justiceb& serve humanity.  Rachel Weisz portrays Debortah Lipstadt, Tom Wilkinson is her lead counsel and Timothy Spall is the nemesis with an evil agenda.  The ensemble cast is phenomenal.  It's noted the case abetted those who purport Neo-Nazsim, white supremacy & hatred.  A disturbing question was asked in the movie "How long before they {Jews} let go of their grievances."  This struck me all the more how responsible we all are to remember, respect & insure a voice be given to those who suffered.  

Richard Pousette-Dart Symposium at the Whitney-Artist Chritopher Wool a former Student Spoke

Supposing you wanted to learn more artist Richard Poousette-Dart's (P-D) life & work, a symposium at the Whitney might present an erudite & enlightening evening.  Featured speaks for the centential celebration of the great painter, sculpture & photographer included artist & former student, Christopher Wool, Whitney Dir Adam Weinberg, former stuido assistant & poet Patti Trimble, British curator Dr Jennifer Powell and art historian & critic Barbara Rose.  I will depose Rose, the 1st speaker.  It took a hook to get her off the stage.  Her rambling insights were few & some I felt untrue.  P-D did incorporate many religious symbols & motifs contrary to her stating otherwise.   Rose categorized P-D contemporaries as alcoholics & felt the issue needed addressing.  I felt she was out or order.  Patti Trimble bantered about their working relationship at his studio in Nyack where she claimed not to have been productive.  Trimble testified to P-D's delight with poetry.  A letter produced by Dr Powell written by a young P-D to his mother was poetic in his prose & spoke of the astonishment he found in the beauty of nature surrounding him which he equated to God.  Artist Christopher Wool, a young student of P-D was ill at ease at the podium.  Perhaps, as an artist, his work speaks best for him.  I was intrigued why P-D discouraged him from an artistic career?  Wool attested to his determination to pursue the arts & perhaps that was what P-D was assessing.  I enjoyed learning about his work in photography, sculpture & metal cuttings.  His photographic works were quite arresting and surprising.  I was disappointed the Whitney was not exhibiting P-D's work.  Weinberg was abject in his deference to P-D's widow, Evelyn who was prsesent.  His repeated suggestion to bring P-D's studio to the museum kept falling on flat ears.  (Bring in his work.)   The mostly erudite lecturing became tedious.  The personal anecdotes were more enticing.  After the 100 year anniversary tribute droned on for 3 hours, it's nice to learn more about his art, teaching, legacy & dedication.  Still, after more reflection, I won't be attending an art symposium anytime soon.  

NYPhilharmonic Performs Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade

The 1st open rehearsal was a spectacular start to the season featuring Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade.  Rimsky-Korsakov's (b Russia 1844-1908) majestic symphony 1st premiered in 1888.  It's a favorite composition of mine.  It has a powerful orchestration that blends beautiful with the violin solo, performed magnificiently by Frank Huang (b China 1978.)  The combative motifs referencing the power struggle between the Sultan & Scheherazade evoke a magical feeling of flying carpets, swirling sand dunes & oceanic waves.   The buoyant orchestration lifts seamlessly to reveal the violin beckoning, uplifted by the honeyed sounds of the harp, flutes & piccolo.  Condcutor Alan Gilbert lead his orchestra in the last of his opening rehearsals and it was a resounding commencement to his final season with the NY Philharmonic.

Julliard Jazz Orchestra "The Ever Modern Ellington 1920-70

The 1st Julliard Jazz performance spanned the musical genius of Duke Ellington from his earliest compositions in the 1920's through the early 1970's.  The evening showcased Ellington's broad musical oeuvre & the Julliard's student's expansive talents.  The students demonstrated their range for jazz styles:  ragtime, big band, swing and famous jazz standards.  Ellington's prolific work & his continously evolving style is astounding.  The 1st 1/2 of the program fell under the Grammy winning conductor Vince Giordano.  He led us through Duke's early years.  The earlier compositions had a ragtime sound utilizing the banjo & tuba.  "Liberian Suite: Dance #5" showed an innovative jazz style with rich undertones providing an exotic & sensual rhythm.  "Portrait of Louis Armstrong" had a New Orleans jazz sound stemming from trumpets & trombones & their use of instrument plugs.   After an hour plus set, award winning jazz composer Andy Farber took over for the students & shared his love of  Ellington's music.  "Lightning Bus & Frogs" was recorded in 1959 but not released until after Ellington's death in the '70's for which he received a posthumous Grammy.  It maintains a classic, contemporary jazz sound.  Julien Lee's solo on the alto sax was remarkable.  Pianist Michael Thomas' & Charles Goold on drums were also exceptional.  It was enjoyable listening to the expansive style Ellington brought to jazz and the passion the students brought to the music.

"The Battle of Brooklyn" at the NY HIstoric Soc-Worth Beating any Crowds to Catch

Actually, there were no crowds at the exhibit which just opened at the NY Historic Soc "The Battle of Brooklyn."  Perhaps, like most, people don't know that the Battle of Brooklyn in Aug. 1776 was the 1st, the biggest, most costly battle of the Amer Revolution which almost cost Washington's rag-tag soldiers the end to our War for Independence.  Who knew?  Did you?  Did you know that the British Royal Army aligned themselves on Staten Island ready to take out the impertinent rapscallions who dared to defy King George III and his imperialist & omnipotent battalions.  Gen. Washington strategically placed his soldiers in Brooklyn (Brooklyn Heights & Crown Heights,) to combat the British.  The bloodiest battle of the entire  Revolutionary War occured on August 22, 1776.  There were an estimated 200 American casualties and 900 taken prisoner.  The British casualties were 61 &  31 held captive.  The battle itself lasted less than 4 hours.   This battle was the 1st & almost last of the war.  The defeat led  Washington to a call a retreat from Brooklyn to Manhattan undercover of night. It's believed the British army would have annihilated the makeshift American army had they remained.  An unsigned leaflet recovered of a NY Pocket Almanac '1776 reads…"this fatal day independence declared by the Congress - rivers of blood will flow in consequence of it - no peace for many years."  King George III underestimated the American colonists and overtaxed them - all leading to a BIG MISTAKE on his part costing a long & deadly conflict before giving birth to our independence.  How did the American colonist go from fighting alongside British soldiers in the French & Indian Wars merely 13 years prior, to calling for war against Great Britain?  The exhibit houses rare antiquities & correspondences between many of our prominent founding fathers:  Washington, Adams, Franklin as well as King George's Proclamations.  There are poignant letters from citizens describing their experiences during the years 1775-1783.  Many of these documents are illegible; transcripts are needed to decipher the information.  The exhibit posed numerous questions.  How did Adams gain the authority to call upon troops?  How was it slaves worked to build fortresses in Brooklyn?  How was forgery detected (which almost derailed the fighting) & how was information circulated?  The historic significance of the artifacts is awe-inspiring.  I appreciate the application of current technology with  touch screens to give detailed information.  I'm in anticipation of the discussion that accompanies this exhibit in October.  New York is home to the first battles of the Revolutionary War, the inauguration of it's 1st President and the NY Historic Soc on CPW.  

The COLOR PURPLE Vibrates with Golden Voices

The musical revival for The COLOR PURPLE is a surefire crowd pleaser based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize winning novel.  The play doesn't resonate with the poignancy of Walker's book or the movie which earned Oprah an Acad Award nom.  Oprah is one of the producers of the show.  The strength of this Tony winning show stems from the grammy winning composers/lyricists:  Brenda Russel, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.  The musical styles span gospel, ballads, blues, jazz, ragtime & soul.  You also have to give it up for the sexual healing numbers.  The musical numbers are song by an exceptionally talented cast that makes every number a show stopper.  Heather Headley as Shug & Danielle Brooks as Sofia were magnificient in their leading roles.  The lead role of Celie was performed by understudy Adrianna Hicks whose voice was sublime.  The number "Mysterious Ways" song by the cast was similar in style to Alvin Ailey's masterpiece "Revelations."  The scant set never changed except for the chairs on stage constantly being moved.  The ramshackle backdrop held various, simple wooden chairs.  The heart of the story is the undying love between sisters.  The show is a joyous testament to love, strength and gratitude.  I recommend The COLOR PURPLE which is a lighter configuration of Walker's stirring novel for its first rate musical production.

DANCER Doc on Ukranian "Bad Boy" of Ballet Sergei Polunin

DANCER is both a beautiful dance doc. and a beguiling character study of Ukranian born Sergei Polunin. In 2010, Servei became the youngest principal dancer for the Royal Ballet.  Sergie (b Ukraine 1989) in an impoverished town, he Sergei he trained as a young gymnast, switching to ballet where his natural talents became apparent.  This film is for ballet lovers & for those not enthralled with the ballet world, it should pique your interest in this beautiful & demanding art form.  Either way, it doesn't require an officiando to recognize the incredible talent Sergei demonstrated during his training at The Royal School of Ballet & the virtuosity in his illustrious & notorious career.  A degree in psychology  may be needed to comprehend Sergei's tempestuous behaviors & decisions.  It's enthralling to watch Sergie dance.  It's also somewhat troubling & enigmatic to grasp.  As we follow Sergei we're left with more questions than insights.  Coming from such humble beginnings to become the fastest rising star in the ballet world, why quit only 2 years into his career?  Unpredictable, unknowable & indomitable are the 3 major traits I gleamed from what Sergei revealed.  What we learn from parents & closest (perhaps only) friend; Jade, a fellow student/dancer elucidate certain sides to Sergei.  The mother wants a better life for her son.  The family makes many sacrifices to financially support Sergei's training.  His seemingly sudden departure from may be explained in part by his irascibility, drug use, & resentments.  Blaming his pushy mother is cliche but plausible.  Nonetheless, with his majestry & artistry, it's mystifying why he would impulsively leave the ballet behind.  I deem the doc. film DANCER a captivating trove of ballet treasures.  And, a titilating pleasure of an artist dealing with his demons.  "Why do you have to do anything?  Because you're good at it? Why am I doing it?  I'm a prisoner to my body & to the urge to dance."  (S Polunin)  I recommend DANCER.  At the very least, watch Sergei's utube "TAKE ME TO CHURCH."

CRACKSKULL ROW-Don't be a Numbskull, DON'T GO

CRACKSKULL ROW, part of NY's annual Festival of Irish Theater is deplorable & without merit. Irish born playwright Honor Molloy has written a shameful, family dysfunction show involving incest, murder - need I describe the rest?  Life on Crackskull Row in Dublin is Hell.  This ignominious production begins with the slurred words of a drunkard "Trouble is people forget the past." I'm troubled by the time lost in watching this odious play that feigns artistic contrivance of folding the past/present onto itself.  Whether the character's have visions of the spiritual world or drunken hallucinations is irrelevant.  The elephant on the stage is this immensely awful  play.  The elderly mother (also played in flashback) lives in squalor in a shanty without water or electricity.  "Is there no end to this miserable time," the mother asks.  My answer is - NO.  I loathed this play.  Avoid CRACKSKULL ROW.  It's worse than serving time in a lion's cage.

The Play CHOKEHOLD is Enacted to Stop Police Brutality in the US

CHOKEHOLD, performed at the 14th St Y, is a powerful play taking aim at the unrelenting shooting of black men by law enforcement in our racially divisive nation.  Written by Anthony Pennino, this forceful play is not without flaws, but to take potshots at its foibles would be a disservice to its influential message & clever construct.  Pennino drives home the continuous count of killings of unarmed men, women & children of color & the exoneration of law enforcement involved.  CHOKEHOLD recants the names of victims of recent years & recent days in an elegy to the victims; many of whom may have been forgotten.  CHOKEHOLD ensnares your attention from the onset.  A video taping is being set-up as 2 black enforcement officers roughhouse a white male, order him to strip & rummage through his possessions.  Two black women catalogue his discarded items with disdain, "Abercrombrie & Fitch, that is so yesterday.  Plenty of anti-depressants but only $3 in the wallet," she asks with incredulity.  The white "prisoner," seems more dazed than the audience now unsure if the abduction is real or being staged for reality TV.  The tension & hostility emanating from the 5 actors engaged in imprisoning, humiliating & videotaping their victim is palpable.  I was baffled by the audience's laughter.  We learn the 2 "officers" are posing as law enforcement.  Devon, the white captive clothed only in his skivvies, ID's one of his captors as Andre, the RN from his freshman dorm at Bard.  Devon is pressed with a script & ordered to read into the camera.  Devon's epiphany of his imminent death sends him into a pathetic, blubbering fit.  The crew sermonize "the scales of justice need tipping in another direction."  As Malcom X claimed "Sometimes you have to pick the gun up to put the gun down."  Each of the cast is given the spotlight for their righteous soliloquy on injustice.  The murder of Devon, an innocent white man, will reverberate whereas "Black Lives Matter" is a fallacy.  The actors other than Devon are a rigid distraction on stage when not spouting rhetoric.   Still, their oratories are compelling.  "If you are not part of the solution, you are a part of the problem."  (E Cleaver)  CHOKEHOLD is a gripping play on our world that has gone made and its infectious, volatile tempest ready to combust.  "There is no justice in America, but it is the fight for justice that sustains you." (A Baraka)

MET Jerusalem "Every People Under Heaven" 1000-1400

The exhibit so appropriately called "Every People Under Heaven" is an extensive an impressive collection of ancient artifacts from 1000-1400 pertaining to the history of Jerusalem of this epoch.  The massive assemblage contains mundane utensils, ornate religious artifacts & jewelry, textiles, tombs, arcades and ancient books & scriptures.  The collection of manuscripts and books alone would make the exhibit worthwhile for any bibliophile.  The artistry, the varying hieroglyphics, the religious & historic significance is staggering.  The gold leaf detailing & illustrations are breathtaking & humbling.  The majority of items on loan are being shown for the 1st time outside the city of Jerusalem. I will most impressed with the extraordinary books which have been preserved for centuries.  But, what is most stirring is the connections & commonalities that brought so many different cultures and parts of the world to the same crossroads.  Jerusalem, often referred to as a city that is a mecca of 3 religions:  Judaism, Christianity & Muslim diminishes the rightful impact of so many other cultures & countries. Trade was the driving factor for Jerusalem evolving into the hubbub of an interconnecting commerce.  It was essential that cultures interact, learn each other's language, customs & be respectful of other's faiths.  The ancient writings show excerpts from the Quran, Arabic, Latin & Hebrew scrolls.  The walls of the exhibit have videos placing you inside present day Jerusalem.  There are several short videos of various contemporary relgious leaders & historians which were succinct and absorbing.  An Armenian priest explained how his worshippers literally allocate their religious sanctuary time with Greek Orthodox & Christians for worship. "We're like a family that loves each other and like a family we have our fights.  For instance, we don't allow the Greeks to run over into our worship time or that becomes custom."  There was a stronger sense of collaboration v. clashes to this deferentiall exhibit.  It's sobering to consider the representations of so many varied cultures assembled together having shared a strong tie to one common location and sadly, a history of violence & hatred.  

Times Talk: Rachel Weisz with Deborah Lipstadt whom she portrays in "DENIAL"

The soon to be released film "DENIAL" is based on the true case of the defamation lawsuit v historian/ author Deborah Lipstadt (b. Amer 1947) by David Irving stemming from her book "Denying the Holocaust" (1993.)  Holocaust denier, David Irving (b. Britain 1938.)  Irving claimed Lipstadt's writings were false & sued her in British courts for libel.  British actress, the beautiful & talented Rachel Weisz, is portraying Lipstadt in the film.  Both women, along with a Times reporter were at the Merkin Center on Monday night to discuss their upcoming collaboration on the film "DENIAL."  The film is a true court room drama that deals with Irving's outrageous contentions that the Holocaust has been forged.  The universal theme in the film deals with oppression & the struggle & omnipotence of upholding the truth.  The discussion between Lipstadt & Weisz was warmhearted and intriguing.  It was interesting to discern the variances in the legal systems between the US & Britian regarding libel suits.  In Britain, the defendent in the case bears the burden of proof.  The Times' moderator allowed the women to express themselves freely & opened the discussion to a few Q&A's in the audience & from Facebook.  There were compelling contention in the Times Talk:  the necessity to uphold the truth & to question the veracity of other's statements, and the imperative to disavow bullying, cruelty and lies.  The ability to rewrite history without restraint is a dangerous power to go unfettered.  Without question, I will see the film when it's released later this month.

MTA Poetry in Motion-"A Strange Beautiful Woman"

A short & sweet poem popped up in the subway over the weekend with cars overloaded & packed entitled "A Strange Beautiful Woman,' by Marilyn Nelson (b. Amer 1946.)  The poem was kindah cute & kindah of made me smile - What's your take away?

A strange beautiful woman
met me in the mirror
the other night
Hey,
I said,
What you doing here?
She asked
the same thing.

I like the clever verse & self-empowering motif.  Now, if only you people would stop traveling on the subway with your oversized luggage, I'd be less adverse to public transportation.

The delightful, colorful poster was of a woman surrounded by butterflies was by  It was New York native artist, Philemona Williamson.  Wiliamson has received a John Newbery Medal & is the author of "How I discovered Poetry," ('14.)
It's fun to find MTA's Poetry in Motion - That's what it's doing here - adding some fun.  Let's lose the extra baggage.

The Film TANNA-A True Tale of Tribal Customs & Warfare-A Truly Remarkable Achievement

The Australian film TANNA is a remarkable, indepth look at the indigenous Aborigine tribes living in Kastom Villages on the S Pacific Islands in the 1980's.   The true story about tribal life looks at an amazing culture which has defied outside infiltration; remaining true to their ancient customs & way of life.  The people of Yakel, speaking in Melanesian (with English subtitles) show us what looks to be an idyllic & harmonious way of life at peace with nature & one another.  The lush forests, clear waterfalls, coastal shorelines & volcanic flames paint an unspoiled & breath-taking landscape.  Unfortunately, all is not peaceful between neighboring tribes.  The families within each tribe are handed down traditions &  mandates.  One mandate is arranged marriages.  To help maintain peace between 2 warring tribes, a young woman, Wawa, is promised as a bride to the opposing tribe.  Wawa has found love with Dian of her people & refuses her families instructions & tribal chief's orders to marry as stipulated.  The 2 lovers flee in order to remain together despite incurring vengeance upon their people & risking their own lives.  This is a star crossed lover's tale but it's true & the tragic consequences are resounding.  The cinematography is exquisite & the entire cast convincing & deeply moving.  The film looks like a Nat'l Geographic special but it's an incredible true story from 1987.  As much as the native people fought to remain true to their heritage, they discovered that in order to survive they had to unite & learn to bend to more modern ways of life which include marriage for the sake of love.  TANNA is an exotic and magnificient film that is not to be missed.  

Irish Rep Theater QUIETLY-Loud & Loquacious Play Re: Belfast's Bombings 1974

QUIETLY is a loud & angry play with hostilities reverbating back to 1974 Belfast; a day that tied two 16 year old boys lives together forever.  The playwright, Owen McCafferty (b Belfast 1961) sets his play in modern day Belfast but delves deeply into Northern Ireland's bloody past during the 1970's.  The 1 act, 3 character show is staged in a bar.  The bar's manager, Robert, is from Poland.  Robert is an  an avid football fan but is more of a prop to bear witness to the tumultous banter between 2 local Irishmen. The 2 men are holding some sort of peace accord relating to the tragic turning point in their lives when both were 16.  Jimmy is portrayed with one note of full blown hostility towards Ian.  Jimmy requested the meeting.  Ian's demeanor is more nuanced & conciliatory.   The heavy Irish accents made it difficult to decipher clearly the dialogue but there was no problem with the voume at full throttle.  It turns out Jimmy was having his 1st pint with his pa when Ian entered the bar & threw a grenade killing  Jimmy's dad along with 5 other lads.  Ian served time in prison for his actions which he justifies "as kids  we did things we were asked."  Jimmy tells Ian his "sorry has no meaning." But,  Jimmy feels an incessant need to vent his years of grief, loneliness & regrets.  QUIETLY won a Scotsman Fringe 1st Award in '13.  The play's rage doesn't register its impact potently on American stage despite its thunderous chatter.

German Artist Kai Althoff: "and then leave me to the common swifts-" at MoMA

Visual artist & musician Kai Althoff (b. Germany 1966) has an amalgamation of items of nearly everything under the sun but nearly none done by him.   Althoff selected everything & staged the entire exhibit which just opened at the MoMA.  This is an odd assortment of flotsam & jetsam & then some…paintings, ceramics, installations, drawings, fabrics, mannequin, photos & I don't know what else.  The works he chose correspond to other contemporary artists in his lifetime but for the life of me - I don't get it.  What I do get from the show are varied emotional responses of puzzlement, intrigue and curiosity as to the artist's thinking in assembling this show.  Althoff staged the exhibit on white painted plank boards under white tented canvas.  From the oddities of antiquities, mannequins, clothing, photos, collages, installations and subtle & strange sound track the total ambience is one of being in an abandoned antique store/pawn shop that took in everything ad hoc.  Most of the writing was in German & artworks were by German artists.  I was looking to find (unsuccessfully) any works by Althoff.  The word reincarnation was in English.  Perhaps the artist wanted to instill a sense of transition, displacement, or time travel in a dream like fugue.  There were figures sprawled out as in death and other figures more at rest.  The curation by Althoff is noted in a phamphlet placed outside the entrance.  Note the interesting paintings outside the galleries and just to the sides as you walk in as if onto a gangplank with guardrails.  Overall, I was left with a puzzling, playful impression although there were sinister elements.  The small demonic painting with eyes ablazed was glaring.  I favored the ceramic collection in the exhibit.  But, Kai Althoff's combination of varied works flew by without registering any strong desire to return.    

Sneak Peek at Hudson Yards "Work Live Play" EEK! We're Being Played

Bells, whistles & "Thistle" is what I thought British architect Thomas Heatherwick called his public space structure previewed today by a few privileged lookey loos (like me.)  Thistle is an apt  nomenclature for the designed space Heatherwick calls the "Vessel" under construction in the Hudson Yards.  The project will be a fait accompli in 2018.  I've dubbed it "Beehive" which jives with this ingenious & well intentioned public square & garden.  I would compare Heatherwick's design with works by Chinese architects I.M. Pei, & Ma Yansong or Dutch born Ben van Berkel or Alvaro de Melo Siza of Portugal; the top echelon architects working today.  Bravo to the Beehive but No to the spin this is a win for the city.  The Highline (used as a comparison) is magnificient and has reinvigorated the area with its gardens & public space.  The Highline is only 2 stories above ground & 2 miles long with views open to the River.  The Beehive is a minor distraction to the major construction of 8 towering skyscrapers that will eclipse the entire surrounding area.  I say no to blocking the breeze, the trees the sky, the birds & the …whatever.  Today's event was hosted by Anderson Cooper who interjected interpretations for Heatherwick's British misnomers.  Billionaire builder & driving force, Stephen Ross was there to sell us on this project that will put more millions in his pocket.  The highlight was the amazing Alvin Ailey Dancers.  They performed a piece choreographed by Matthew Rushing who had his dancers in street clothes.  His clever & energetic work captured the pulse of our city.  However, I felt the dancers were used and this event a ruse to distract from the fiasco of the encroaching construction on every cubic inch of our city.  Mayor DeBlasio was on there & credited his predecessor Mayor Bloomberg.  Bloomberg sold out the skyline rights along Central Park South before he got out.  (Bloomberg wasn't present.)  Outgoing Police Chief Bratton was in attendance.  DeBlasio profusely thanked him which is code for scram.  DeBlasio told Thomas "If you meet 100 New Yorkers you will find 100 different opinions on the beautiful work you've created.  Do not be dismayed." Not flattering & not credible was his promise of affordable housing.  I have an opinion,  yes to more public instead of getting less.  The city is already too claustrophobic and cost prohibitive.  

Lynda Benglis' New Works in Chelsea Appear to be Appropriated Artworks

Lynda Benglis (b Amer 1941) is known for her groundbreaking works from poured latex sculptures & wax paintings.  She has expanded her oeuvre to include ceramic sculptures, large installations & was recently featured at Storm King with beautiful fountain sculptures in neon pink.  Having gained notoriety for posting nude with a male dildo she has gone on to impress the artworld for her prominent, original works as well as for her bravado.  Nevertheless, the works featured in the Cheim & Read gallery in Chelsea all feel appropriated & dried up.  The front gallery has a large 30' aluminum sculpture "The Fall Caught" ('16) that looks almost identical to the stainless steel figure on Park Ave in the 50's by Tom Friedman ('15.)  The middle galleries have wall sculptures that evoke Frank Stella's free forms & Louise Bourgeois' totem figures.  The aesthetically pleasing color palette includes shades of amber, cerulean & lavender, may sprinkled with glittered.  The papermache material partially covers wire fencing leaving portions of the sculpture open.  These sculptures were similar to works by Shinique Smith using fencing covered in colorful fabrics.  Benglis artworks were all created 2015-16 while living in NM and meant to reflect the arid landscape.  I felt they called to mind aquatic environements.  The torn paper material did evoke the shedding of a snake's skin.  The back gallery contains a circular installation that is construed from all black fragments resembling tattered tire treads.  This installation & some of the colorful wall configurations reminded me of Robert Chamberlain's colorful metalic crash sculptures.  Benglis may have branched out into new mediums & a softer color scheme but there were no fresh ideas.  The works all appeared appropriated from other artists.

Diane Arbus Photos "In the Beginning" at the Met Breuer

An exhibit of more than 100 Diane Arbus' photos from 1956-62, mark the beginning of an auspicious career & an early fascination with the unconventional.  The majority of the black/white photos have never been publicly shown and are gifted to the MET by Arbus' two daughters.  Diane was born & lived in New York until her death by suicide (1923-71.)  Most of the photographs in the show are taken in NYC area.  These early photos are in keeping with her stylized look which explores what is awry & absurdly attracting.  Many of the people are in costume: transgender people, clowns or outlandish circus performers.  A few are patrons of the arts and while in haute couture, they too seem to be hiding behind a facade.  Arbus shot in a voyeuristic style and was alert to when she was being scrutinzed by her subjects; children in particular.  I was most taken with the photo "Child with Toy Hand Grenade in Central Park," ('62.)  The young boy is gangly & appears unsure of whether he appears aggressive or foolish.  Arbus captured his befuddlement.  I found the pictures of solitary children stepping out of the streets onto sidewalks very arresting.  These photos have a feeling of aloneness.  The back gallery contains many of her iconic images from her later years:  "Identical Twins" and "A Jewish Giant at Home with his Parents in the Bronx," ('70.)  In an earlier photo of a similar room. there is an oversized Christmas tree that resonates a similar, striking dissymmetry.  Her images pronounce disparities & elucidate nonconformity.  The early photos have a hazy, blurred look which provide a mystique to her art.  Her later silver gelatin prints clearly point out peculiarities.  "In the Beginning" is a show of Diane Arbus' earliest works that is endlessly fascinating & arousing.    

Polish film "DEMON" by Marcin Wrona the Maestro of Dementia

Dir/producer/screenwriter Marcin Wrona (b. Poland 1973) committed suicide prior to the release of "DEMON," a deeply disturbing portrait of mental illness or a demonic possession depending on your perspective.   The movie is an artsy horror film that is bizarre and eerily effective.  Subtitled in English, the film is mostly in Polish with some English & Yiddish interspersed.  It's presumptive to categorize the genre of Wrona's corrosive film.  It's definitely an ominous film meant to frighten & disturb.  There are clever characterizations on manipulation, domination, devotion & disbelief.  A wedding is at the core of the film between a handsome couple who corresponded online & quickly morphed into love.  The groom, Peter (Israeli actor Itay Tirab) travels from England to Poland to marry & live with his fiancee, Zaneta (Polish actress Agnieski Zulewska.)  The couple will reside in an old farm house which  belonged to her grandparents.  The town is shrouded in mist and torrential rainfalls.  While doing some digging on the property (literally) skeletal bones are uncovered by Peter.  He decides it's best not to reveal the macabre finding til after the wedding.  Weird things begin soon after the discovery. The wedding is an all night party of drinking, debauchery & demonic possession (or dementia) of the groom.  The sprawling wedding scenes are remarkable.  The father of the groom is a spin dr. regarding  his son-in-law's erratic behavior, choosing epilepsy while a medical dr. recommends hospitalization & the wife wants an exorcism from the priest who only wants to scram before all Hell lets loose. The film artfully juxtaposes weddings/funerals, building/destruction & past/present.  I was totally transfixed as the events occur amidst a tempest.  It's intriguing filmmaking at its best.  The movie may only harbor a narrow audience.  I'm in that niche and invite others to join this banquet of bewitching movie making.

Off Bwy "Nat Tuner in Jerusalem"-Too Preachy & Far Reaching

Playwright Nathan Davis' biopic play about Nat Turner portrays his last hours prior to his execution for instilling an uprising against slave owners & their families in VA in 1831.  The 90 minute, 1 act, 2 actor play features Phillip Brannon in a tour de force performance as Nat Turner and Rowan Vickers playing dual roles as both Turner's guard & atty Thomas Gray who recorded Turner's confessions.  Unfortunately, Brannon's eloquence & beseeching for understanding & compassion were not countered   by the bombastic & unconvincing roles played by Gray.  Turner's soliquies are beautifully written by playwright Nathan Davis and emotionally delivered by Brannon.  The essence of the play stems from Turner's life reflections and religious speeches.  Turner learned to read & write at an early age & was deeply religious.  He preached fervently to fellow slaves his religious convictions.  Davis' play felt like a sermon intentionally being interrupted both by the other actor & the blackouts infused with loud contemporary protest music.  The pounding lyrical soundtrack prior to the start of the play spoke of political oppression.  Tuner's words jumped straight to our hearts.  "I am the commander of no one." Accountablity for our actions & failure to object oppression create our own legacy.  Davis' skill for writing stirring sermons did not suffice into a cohesive and compelling production.   This 90 minute biopic play was shackled down by its own distracting contrivances.  

Doc Film "Author: The JT LeRoy Story"-Fraud, Fiction or Art?

The doc film about the writer Laura Albert (b. Amer 1965) focuses mainly on the 2 books written under the pseudonym JT LeRoy: "Sarah" ('00) & "The Heart is Deceitful Above all Things" ('01.)  Albert's pseudonym gave rise to an avatar creation of JT LeRoy, an androgynous young boy whose mother is a prostitute, drug addict and he becomes a victim of sexual & physical abuse.  Both "deceitful" books received literary acclaim and garnered a high profile celebrity cult following.  The big deal - not big deal is what was the real deal?  Why the prolonged impersonation of the faux author in the guise of Albert's sister-in-law (who looked like a prettier Andy Warhol complete with wig & sunglasses.)  Albert's writings were made into movies by Amer dir Gus Van Sant & Italian dir/actress Asia Argento.  The movie failed to impress upon me the tumultuous  broughaha surrounding Albert's charade.  Albert did the actual writing.  She states in the movie "On the back of my books it says FICTION."  Perhaps having made the famous seem foolish she was sued for fraud & fined $350,000 ('07.) The Author's Guild lent their futile support ('08) claiming writers have the right to assume nom de plumes and embody their characters.  I don't recall the backlash & the investigative breakthroughs in revealing the fiction behind the fiction.  I do recall the scandal surrounding James Frey's "memoir" "A Million Little Pieces."  If you mess with Miss O you better know there's going to be show down and claiming events to be true when they're not - is morally irrehensible & most likely illegal.  There have been Pulitzer Prizes awarded to journalists claiming their stories as factual when they're fictitious. This is shameful.  The dir of "Author…," Jeff Feuerzeig (b. Amer '64) is known for making doc. films dealing with exposing impostors.  I found this doc shameful because it isn't so much an investigative piece as it is an expose on an emotionally unstable woman whose writing may have been her savior.   Keeping in mind Fellini views, "All art is autobiographical.  You exist only in what you do," what Laura Albert did was not so much a crime but the film was a waste of my time.

French Dir Christian Carion's "COME WHAT MAY" with Int'l Cast Matthew Rhys, Oliver Gourmet and August Diehl

"COME WHAT MAY" will most likely receive an Acad Award nom for Best Foreign Film along with acting, directing & screenwriting for its exceptional ensemble of talented artists.  Dir/screenwriter Christian Carion (b. France 1963) has received numerous prestigious awards.  His film "Joyeux Noel" ('05) was based on true events during WWI when a peaceful truce was reached between German & British soldiers on Christmas eve.  "Come What May" is a WWII film that is a harsh & disturbing look at war, tyranny and man's inhumanity.  However, it's also an inspirational & heartwarming film depicting the best of humanity: courage, devotion, compassion & collaboration.  The film is a riveting, realistic depiction of the terrifying diaspora experienced by an entire French village fleeing the Germans.  The atrocities of war are viscerally felt on all fronts.  Hans, a German resistant (played by German actor August Diehl "Inglorious Basterd") flees Germany with his 8 year old son to a French village to avoid being arrested for his subversive anti-fascist propaganda.  He's taught his son to speak fluent French in order to seek safety in France.  The father/son's escape was terrifying as the Nazi's hunted down & shot everyone attempting to flee.  Having found refuge in a French farming village, Max reverts to German & his father is arrested as a spy.  Max falls under the protection of the villagers.  The local teacher Suzanne (French actress Alice Isaaz) becomes devoted to Max who longs for his father. This a thrilling & suspenseful war movie centered around the separation & quest for the father & son to reconnect & the French refugees to find safety in the south of France.  The parent/child reunion is extremely powerful & poignant as is the parting of the villagers.  Most illuminating is the banding together of a civilized community forced to flee. The bonds of brotherhood formed along the way of what comes with war was nothing less than miraculous and awe inspiring.  "The graveyard is the only place to find peace." "COME WHAT MAY" is a brilliant movie that argues oppression must be constantly fought. It's also a loving story of family & friendship that give life meaning.   I commend this captivating & intelligent film.  It advocates  against war, propoganda, and an imperialistic society. I highly recommend everyone to go see "COME WHAT MAY."  It will dominate the film awards.

MTA Poetry in Motion "HERE" by Gary Snyder of the Beat Movement-Get out of Here

I always like spotting a "new" poster in the subway cars with poetry/art which helps disguise the fugue state of the ride.  I spotted "HERE" this week by poet Gary Synder.  Synder (b.1930) is associated with the Beat Movement and known for doing readings with Allen Ginsberg.  Snyder has been highly honored for his work.  He's been awarded the Pulitz Prize for Poetry "Turtle Collection", an Amer Acad of Arts & Letters Awards & Amer Book Award.  He's a self-proclaimed educator, Buddhist and environmentalist.  I thought his poem "HERE" was nowhere & not worthy of someone so highly distinguished.  I think this poem shallow - Here goes:

In the dark
(The new moon long set)

A soft grumble in the breeze
Is the sound of a jet so high
It's already long gone by

Some planet
Rising from the east shines
Through the trees

It's been years since I though,
Why are we here?

The artwork was by Ray King "Connections" 2015" (b. 1950.)  King is known for his innovative light responsive sculptures.  His painting was lovely; a geometric colorful grid.  It was a celestial painting with a peaceful continuity and serene beauty.  "HERE" was ho hum - hit the road Jack.

The German Film "The People vs Fritz Bauer" The Clandestine Orchestration of Eichmann's Capture

Elie Wiesel, the famous author, denouncer of WWII atrocities & political activist died this past July.  "We must  always take sides.  Neutrality helps the oppressor." (EW)  Simon Wiesenthal, the famous Nazi hunter died in 2005 at the age of 97.  "Survival is a privilege which entails obligations."  (SW)  Both Wiesel and Wiesenthal were Holocaust survivors.  They dedicated themselves to pursuing justice & protesting worldwide oppression.  Fritz Bauer (b. Germany 1903-1968) was himself a Holocaust survivor & Germany's only Jewish Nazi prosecutor.  Bauer was a German judge & prosecutor post WWII.  The film "The People vs Fritz Bauer" is based on true events regarding Bauer's courageous collaboration with Mossad leading to Eichmann's abduction as an alias in Argentina & his trial for war crimes held in Israel.  Bauer's complicit negotiating with the Israelis put him at risk for being charged with treason.  As a Jew, a homosexual and a survivor, Bauer vowed never to give into tyranny in any form.  This English sub-titled film is engrossing as an espionage thriller and 1950's German period piece. Germany is still beneath its shroud of heinous atrocities.  The German govt was lax in its pursuit of SS troops as many were assimiliated into their hierarchy or abetted in their escapes.  Eichmann was tried, convicted and hung in Israel for his systematic annihilation of millions of Jews and innocent victims.   Dir/screenwriter Lars Kraume (b. Italy 1973 & raised in Germany) did an astounding job recreating Bauer's relentless pursuit of Nazis amidst the enmity of Nazi sympathizers & Holocaust deniers.  The persecution of homosexuals played a prominent role in Kraume's film showing another component of how the terror & power of tyranny becomes omnipotent.  The award winning German actors portraying Bauer & his legal ally (also a covert homosexual) were exceptional.  In fact, the movie is so fascinating I felt somewhat guilty for appreciating this historic Holocaust related film but I also felt empowered.  It's enthralling  storytelling at its finest.  Fritz Bauer was an unsung hero in bringing Eichmann to justice but he is recognized as the instigator for the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials (1963-65.)  "When history looks back. I want people to know that the Nazis could not kill millions of people with impunity."  (SW)

The Film "Little Men" is Memorable Coming of Age Story Starring Greg Kinnear

"Little Men" is a coming of age drama that tackles major life issues seen through the eyes of two 13 year old boys who become friends living in Brooklyn.  The 2 young actors, Theo Taplitz (Jake Jardine) & Michael Barbieri (Tony Calvelli) capture the essence of dawning adolescence.  The movie is filmed in NYC/Brooklyn with a similar aesthetic & loving eye Woody Allen lends to his NYC films.  Jake's parents are played by Greg Kinnear ("Little Miss Sunshine" "06) and the incomprable Jennifer Ehle (Meryl Streep's doppelgänger.)  Ms Ehle is a Tony winning actress & accomplished film star.  The movie starts with the death of Jake's paternal grandfather who lived in Bklyn.  The grandfather bequeaths his small Bklyn brownstone with its upstairs apartment & downstairs store front to his estranged son & daughter.  "Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got  Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot."*  Jake's dad is an actor scratching out a living & mom a psychotherapist.  She is the family's  breadwinner. The inherited building gives Jake's family financial security;  free rent & income from leasing out the store.  At present, the store is a small boutique run by Tony's single mom who barely manages to stitch out a living for herself & her son.  The boys become tight friends.  Both are in 8th grade & share a sharp interest in the arts: acting (Tony) & an drawing (Jake.)  They also share an aspiration to get into LaGuardia School for the Arts for high school.  Dir/screenwriter Ira Sach ("Love is Strange" '14) includes a play "The Seagull" within the movie that is a metaphor for the tenuous barrier between civility and cruelty.  "Little Men" is an endearing & empathetic film that captures the complex & unexpected humor & tragedy of life.  "Life is about being adaptable; knowing when to push & knowing when to relax and backoff," according to Jake's Dad.  Jake's parents & aunt both need the income from leasing the store.  They want to be fair to Tony's mother but when push comes to shove, everyone crosses into inappropriate behaviors & manipulations.  Meanwhile, both boys are trying to naviage themselves through the turbulence brewing between their families.  "You want to be where you can see our troubles are all the same."*  You will want to see this wise & winning movie with touching performances from the entire ensemble cast.
* (Lyrics from Cheers)

MoMA's "Sculptures from the Collection 1960-69" is Comprised of Surprises and Few Sculptures

The MoMA's exhibit "Sculptures from the Collection 1969-1969" is skimpy on sculptures & comprised  mostly of paintings assembled from int'l artists working in mixed mediums.   I thought this a surreptitious title for the show which had a plethora of delightful surprises.  The well-known names associated with this epoch are easily spotted:  Warhold, Twombly, Rauschenberg, Richter, Johns, Judd & Flavin to name a few.  No surprise these artists were represented.  I was impressed by the large Twombly painting "Leda & the Swan" ('62) which makes beautiful reference to the Roman Myth.  Rauschenberg's "Painting Bitten by Man" (61) is clever  and shows a cutting edge oeuvre.  However, the avante gard artists of the 60's mostly seem to conform to their noted style.  Others represented in the show with sculptures were Nevelson, Oldenberg, Calder, Hess, St. Phalle and Calder.  French artist Nikki St Phalle stunned me with her sculpture paying homage to fellow French artist Duchamp.  Calder's 13' sculpture "Sandy's Butterfly" in the garden was identifiable but delightful with its whimsy format seeming like a child's cap topped by a propeller. Lee Bontecou's "Canvas from Conveyor Belts" conveyed her aesthetic that speaks to space, apocalypse and the unknown. Or as she put it "…the power of hope, ugliness, beauty & mystery."  Agnes Martin's minimalistic line paintings were lovely but it her painting "Friendship" ('63) on gold leaf canvas shone brightly.  German artist Eva Hesse had a large latex installation and an arresting "female breast" painting "Ring Around Arosie" ('65.)   I was tickled by Jim Dine's deviation from  hearts with "10 Useful Objects No One Should be without When Traveling." Both disappointing & surprising was the minimal works shown by German artist Sigmar Polke.  I'm most impressed with the inclusion of prominent artworks by African American artists  David Hammonds & Sam Gilliam.  Most moving was Hammons "Pray for America"('69) a haunting self-image that reverbates as much today as during the 50's-60's.  Hammons was quoted "I have a moral obligation as a black artist to try to graphically document what I feel socially."  "Sculptures from the Collection 1960-69" is an enticing show.  It also depicts the 60's pop culture era.  I conjecture the title of the exhibit "Sculptures from the Collection 1960-69" served a safetynet to cover for the works by African Amer artists who were represented in this exhibit but were not part of the MoMA's permanent collection until recently.  Still, this is a poweful driving element and I encourage everyone to experience this exhibit on the 4th floor & in the sculpture garden.

The Film from Down Under "The Light Between Oceans" has an Int'l Stellar Cast of Stars

"The Light Between Oceans" is based on the novel by an Australian author.  It's set just after WWI on a desolate light house island off the coast of a small Australian town.  It is beautifully shot and loaded with an int'l cast of exceptionally talented and good looking stars.  Michael Fassbender, an Irish-German actor, plays Tom, a returning soldier still shell shocked from war & suffering survivor's guilt.  He accepts a post as the light house official essential for securing safe passage & requiring the fastidious logging of weather, sightings. etc.  He's warned of loneliness with the post but Tom stoically accepts as it's solitude he's seeking.  Before being shipped out to the island he dines with a local family.  Their daughter, Isabelle played by the captivating Swedish actress Alicia Vikander strikes up a flirtation & connection with Tom.  This leads to a florid of letters leading to marriage & wedded bliss.  Their love story is idyllic & infectious.  Sadly, their happines is shattered by Isabelle's two consecutive miscarriages.  "With the ocean, anything is possible." Miarculously, a rowboat washes up on their island. Inside they find a deceased male and a beautiful bawling baby.  Tom tells his wife he's required to report everything to the authorities but his authority yields to his wife's overwhelming love for the baby girl.  It was known onshore Isabelle was expecting and they fraudulently maintain the infant is their child.  Both parents love & care for the girl and their family would be perfect but for Tom's discovery that the mother of the child, Hannah, the beautiful British actress Rachel Weisz has been in mourning for her husband & child thought lost at sea.  Morality, compassion & lawful obligation all anchor emotional dilemmas.  "The Light Between Oceans" was an illuminating film.  The appeal for this type of love story/family angst film may have a shallow audience.  Between you & me, forgive yourself this guilty pleasure.  Be on the lookout for this first rate production & bring tissues.  You're going to cry an ocean of tears.