Josephine Meckseper’s Times Square Oil Hunt!

06 March 2012
by Art Rubynstein

Josephine Meckseper’s Manhattan Oil Project.

It’s not every day that a marquee art installation comes to Times Square. So we couldn’t be more excited to catch Josephine Meckseper’s “Manhattan Oil Project” which she put on 46th street and 8th Avenue in collaboration with the Art Production Fund. Until May 6, two intimidating red heads will crane up and down 25 feet in search of some good, old midtown oil. Friends like James Frey, Rachel Feinstein and John Currin, Tobias Meyer, Ed Westwick, Danny Fuller and Tori Praver came to toast Meckseper at Playwright Celtic Pub across the street and many more (including millions of tourists) will do the same in next two months.

Art & Commerce

04 December 2011
by Art Rubynstein

If you noticed, there were more notable fashion folks lurking around open bars of Art Basel Miami Beach than big artists. Still, there were some highlights. Brits Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin both made rare pilgrimage to South Beach. German stars Anselm Reyle and Josephine Meckseper both hosted bashes for Dior. Julian Schnabel quietly made rounds, and Richard Phillips presided over a party for his Exhibition A cocktail. Here are some of other notable art cameos.

Peter Brant’s Art Caste Gets a New Prince in David Altmejd!

08 November 2011
by Art Rubynstein

It was a perfect weekend day in Greenwich and at The Brant Foundation Art Study Center. Crisp blue sky, perfectly catered lunch, and more floral arrangements than you can count. But most importantly those who made it to New England got a spectacular David Altmejd opening. “It’s nice to be away from Chelesa a little bit,” smiled the Canadian born Altmejd. “It’s not only because it’s Greenwich, but it also seems to be the perfect time of the year here in terms light. The air is crisp, the light if beautiful, and it feels special because we’re a little disconnected from the city.”

Well, not entirely. Most of the guests made a commute from Gotham for Altmejd and the highly spirited host, Peter Brant and no one was left disappointed. How did the artist conquer this impressive show? “I’m into energy, transformation, and growth,” he said. “Even if my bigger work feels ambitious, I really just tend to focus on the microscopic details of my sculptures. That I add up those tiny, detailed moments to add up to a gigantic landscapes of sorts.” And lots of opening day memories too…

Artists who made the Connecticut commute: Josephine Meckseper and Richard Phillips, KAWS, Marilyn Minter, and Josh Smith.

Artist who got the most non – Altmejd camera action: Urs Fischer thanks to his momentous outdoor sculpture.

Notable gallerists on premises: Altmejd’s fairy godmother Andrea Rosen, Gavin Brown, Vito Schnabel, Tony Shafrazi, just to name a few.

Unexpected celebrity cameo: Mary-Kate Olsen, Peter Brant’s good buddy who politely refused to be photographed.

Expected celebrity cameo that failed to materialize: Orlando Bloom, who was actually spotted in a pedicure salon in the city during the opening.

Coolest spotting: Tom Wolfe. We’ll take him any day.

Work of Art cast on site: China Chow and Simon de Pury

Most stylish guest: Stephanie Seymour in Alaia. Who else did you expect?

Lunch highlights: Pumpkin ravioli, organic chicken, mignon, and more Brant kids than you can count in the makeshift art cafeteria.

Best parting gift: Altmejd inspired insect cookies. We took two home.

All photos: Joe Schildhorn, Billy Farrell Agency

Wow Factor at Watermill

04 August 2011
by Art Rubynstein

Watermill tends to be one of most pleasant art benefit of the summer: good temperatures, six acres of performance art, lots of cotton t-shirts, flip-flops, and an offering of pretty good auction items. Here are some highlights:

Best performance piece: Ryan McNamara’s dramatic self-burial

Runner-up: Andrey Bartenev’s costume. The Russian artist has been pretty consistent with his garb over the years.

Power artist cameos: Cindy Sherman (having her dinner next to Klaus Biesenbach), Josephine Meckseper, Richard Phillips, Ross Bleckner

Editorial powers: Bob Colacello (who’s currently working on a new Nancy Reagan book), Cecilia Dean, and Stefano Tonchi

Most tanned: Rufus Wainwright

Biggest upset: Simon de Pury wearing jeans during the auction portion!

Give Me a Venice Break!

03 June 2011
by Art Rubynstein

It was a party of massive proportions: huge lines, lots of Beluga vodka, and record water taxi action near the terrace of The Bauer hotel. But the Commercial Break (hosted by of Dasha Zhukova, Alexander Dellal, Neville Wakefield & Garage Projects) was worthy of all the hype. After all, the video project encompassed contributions from countless of artists (many like Terence Koh, Richard Phillips, Josephine Meckseper, Aaron Young came out for the party), many more curators, and lots of international stress. Those who came out to see the videos included Courtney Love, boys from Maroon 5 (really?), European jet setting socials like Olympia Scarry & Charlotte Casiraghi, and Riccardo Tisci, among countless of others. In fact, the bar was utilized so well, that the crowd didn’t really clear until 3AM for the after-after party.

All photos by Mariya Chekmarova for Art Ruby

Wait…There’s More Whitney!

26 May 2011
by Art Rubynstein

Yes, kids- the Whitney parade isn’t over just yet. This week’s festivities for the museum included a groundbreaking ceremony, an awards dinner, and last night’s annual Art Party hosted by the Whitney Contemporaries at the Highline Stages. The attendance was healthy, the bidding was heated, and honorary co-chair Amar’e Stoudemire was very, very tall.

Notable artists in the crowd: Pink loving Will Cotton, Josephine Meckseper, Max Snow, Emily Roysdon, Slater Bradley, William Burton Binnie, and Amit Greenberg were just few of familiars in the room.

Biggest power move: Amar’e Stoudemire’s personal roped off VIP section complete with security guards. “I loved all the art, but getting to the bidding tables might be challenging,” he smiled. No kidding. Just leave the guards behind next time, Mr. Knick. Art people don’t know there sports, anyway.

Most notable date duo: Jason Wu and Shala Monroque, whom the designer dressed. “I definitely needed a mental break before resort collection,” said the designer. “And this art evening is doing that for me.”

Best dressed: Model Joan Smalls in Hakaan, who came with boyfriend Bernard Smith and also gave friend and designer Monique Pean a makeover. “We’re hunting for desserts tonight,” smiled Smalls as trays of sweet stuff were seldom to find.

Fashion notables in the crowd: Tanned and happy Brian Wolk and Claude Morais, Prabal Gurung, Max Osterweis, Michelle Harper, Johan Lindeberg, Max Vallot, and Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs.

Art notables: China Chow who just wrapped season two of Work of Art, Adam D. Weinberg, Bettina Prentice, and Lisa De Kooning.

Photos: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com