LOOK INTO MY OWL

Christo’s project, “Over the River” is scheduled to be installed for two weeks in the Summer of 2013 here in Colorado. The Bureau of Land Management has opened a comment period to the public which ends on September 14th. To voice your support for the project, please click this link to get involved. The process only takes a few minutes and you needn’t be a Colorado resident to comment.

Christo, Over the River, preliminary design, 2010.

The mammoth installation is privately funded and will bring substantial tourism to the area. I have been impressed with the level of concern the artist and his volunteers have shown toward the community.

Christo, Over the River, preliminary design, 2010.

I am really excited to get up close and personal with this installation. If you want to see the coverage from L.I.M.O. please say YES to Christo, say YES to “Over the River.” Thanks for the help.

Christo, Over the River, preliminary design, 2010.

Christo
Over the River
scheduled for Summer 2013
Arkansas River, Colorado

KATSU, Tagging Over Picasso, still from video, 2010.

Two great new videos of KATSU sprucing up some national pride. KATSU is perhaps best known for his use of a manipulated fire extinguisher to paint large areas in public spots.

In the summer of 2013, Christo will bring “Over the River” to our home state of Colorado. The recent passing of Jeanne-Claude, Christo’s wife and partner was felt deeply by the art community but her legacy will surely live on through this awesome artwork.

The project consists of nearly six miles of silvery translucent fabric suspended horizontally over various parts of the Arkansas River spanning the forty mile stretch between Salida and Cañon City. “Over the River” will be viewable from two vantage points. Motorists will be able to witness it’s grandeur from US-50 and rafters are encouraged to float directly under the fabric panels. The temporary artwork will be in place for a mere two weeks. The image below is from a test conducted on private property near the Colorado/Utah border.

Christo and Jeanne Claude, Over the River, Life-Sized Test, 1999.

“Friends of Over the River” is a grassroots advocacy organization in support of the project. I just joined and encourage you to do the same at this link.

From “Friends of Over the River”:
“Becoming a ‘Friend’ is easy and can involve as little or as much time as you are willing to give. At a minimum, the group typically asks their participants to help by discussing the project with their friends and neighbors and by submitting a written comment during the permitting process. Those who want to get more involved can do so by writing letters to the editor, volunteering at events or attending the Bureau of Land Management’s public hearings, to name a few activities. It’s up to you how much you participate, and there are plenty of different ways to get involved.”

Christo and Jeanne-Claude
Over the River
scheduled for Summer 2013
Arkansas River, Colorado

“Dark Doings”, the first solo exhibition in California for Dan Witz is the current show at the Carmichael Gallery in West Hollywood. The imagery is derived largely from a recent visit the artist made to the red light district in Amsterdam.

Dan Witz, Sarah (Bloody Fingers), mixed media on digital print on plastic, 2009.

Unauthorized artwork in public places has gone through many advances over the past several decades. It used to be the goal of graffiti bombers to to go large and loud with the intent of being seen. This attitude has by no means died but a subtler, perhaps more sublime aesthetic has begun to creep in affected considerably by the work of Dan Witz. His inventive urban treasures are reward for staying alert despite the daily grind.

Dan Witz, Mean Monkey, mixed media on digital print on plastic, 2009.

In the past, Witz has voiced an apprehension about showing his work in a gallery setting. Much of the pleasure that he derives from creating art comes from street level interventions in unusual places. “Dark Doings” seeks to integrate the power of the work in its accustomed habitat with the necessities of a proper exhibition space. Many of the prints are mounted on plastic, some have been marked and otherwise disturbed. The pieces have been either framed or mounted to unhinged doors. Photographic images of the prints in situ are also on view, extending the virtual sensation of “being there.”

Dan Witz, Scott (Photo), digital print on photo paper, 2009.

Dan Witz
Dark Doings
5 November – 3 December 2009
Carmichael Gallery
West Hollywood, CA

Christoph Steinbrener and Rainer Dempf have made some alterations to the Schönbrunn Zoo in Austria. “Trouble in Paradise” will be in place through mid October.

Steinbrener / Dempf, Trouble in Paradise – Rhino, 2009.

Six animal enclosures have been transformed into profound displays of human impact on the wild world. Steinbrener and Dempf worked closely with the zoo to insure the safety of it’s inhabitants. The result is this striking commentary and surreal visual feast.

Steinbrener / Dempf, Trouble in Paradise – Bison, 2009.

The novelty of the idea should attract contemporary art enthusiasts for a long overdue field trip to the zoo. At the same time, the shock promises a fundamental impact on the outlook of a young audience.

Steinbrener / Dempf, Trouble in Paradise – Coral Reef, 2009.

Steinbrener / Dempf
Trouble in Paradise
10 June – 18 October 2009
Schönbrunn Zoo
Vienna

It is safe to turn off the television for the next few months as there is a constant sideshow on stage in London’s historic Trafalgar Square. Antony Gormley has invited 2400 people to occupy the fourth “empty” plinth for one hour each over the course of 100 days. The entire spectacle is being broadcast via live streaming video at One & Other.

Antony Gormley, One & Other, still from video, 2009.

The Fourth Plinth was constructed in the 1840’s to support an equestrian statue. Owing to financial shortcomings, the statue was never erected and the plinth has stood vacant. In 1998 commissioned works from contemporary artists began to appear atop the structure and Gormley’s project is the latest installment.

Antony Gormley, One & Other, still from video, 2009.

The democratization of space in one of the most recognizable spots on the planet is a moving gesture. The intent of the artist is for the public to encounter ideas that their neighbors feel are important. These living statues may choose to forward a cause, express personal issues or just spend an hour doing nothing. The experiment promises a current portrait of the United Kingdom. I’m hoping that the exhibit grows into a traveling show.

Antony Gormley, One & Other, still from video, 2009.

“One & Other” is a fitting title for this brilliant piece. There is a strong draw to find out how the “plinthers” will use their hour in the spotlight. At the same time, Gormley incites us to ponder the things that we cherish. What would you do?

Applications for time slots are still being taken. Head to the website for details. Below you will find a video where Antony Gormley describes his project in detail.

Antony Gormley
One & Other
6 July – 14 October 2009
Trafalgar Square
London

“Burning Contract, Splash Building, Swarm, Spiral Metamorphosis” is set to open at Janos Gat Gallery in NYC. The exhibition contains some of Dennis Oppenheim’s proposals for large-scale public projects.

Dennis Oppenheim, Burning Contract.

The prints display specific angles of three dimensional computer renderings for the proposed works. The sculptures rely on an abstract path to resolution with a simplicity that deserves respect. It would have been easy to overwork these ideas beyond common recognition but Oppenheim knows and has always known when to stop.

Dennis Oppenheim, Splash Building.

Some of the proposals have recently been secured by the United States, Canada, China, and Europe so in future you will see these structures realized. The strength of this exhibition should result in the construction of even more of these powerful artworks. It is a bright future that spreads Oppenheim to every corner of the globe.

Dennis Oppenheim, Paintbrush Gateway.

Dennis Oppenheim
Burning Contract, Splash Building, Swarm, Spiral Metamorphosis
4 – 27 June 2009
Janos Gat Gallery
NYC

If you are in the Jersey City area be sure to stop by Hudson County Art Supply and marvel at the mural they sponsored on the exterior of the building. The piece was an all day affair bringing together the talents of Ron English, Bigfoot and Jason Maloney.

The event was organized by Jersey City resident Dylan Evans. Evans is in discussion with the city to initiate a mural arts program. Much respect to the JC government for considering the cultural value of legal walls.

I found out about this project at Arrested Motion. Head over to their coverage and leave a comment for a chance to win a nice artifact from the creation of this mural.

Special thanks to Alanna Sarti for taking the photographs accompanying this post.

Ron English x Bigfoot x Jason Maloney
Collaborative Mural
Hudson County Art Supply
303 First St.
Jersey City, NJ