Art Ruby Exclusive Rumor Control: James Franco Talks About His Art Projects

15 June 2011
by Art Rubynstein

James Franco has become an undeniable art world enigma. Just when you thought that a poorly received stint on Oscar stage would shake a man’s confidence, he went on to create more insane sounding projects. He also continuously makes us feel very unproductive. In last week or so along, he released his switchblade art project for Gucci paying tribute to Brad Refno. And then there were two rumored endeavors: The Museum of Non-Visible Art and a Kalup Linzy music collaboration. To clear the rumors us, we went straight to the Oscar nominee while he was hanging out at the company of MoMA’s Klaus Biesenbach at amfAR gala.

Is The Museum of Non-Visible Art Really Happening?
“I can’t believe how much attention this has gotten but yes it’s happening,” said Franco. “I was asked by this couple called Praxis to contribute to their non-museum. They’re holding on a on a site where Guggenheim was supposed to be built but those plans were never realized. They’re putting their non-museum there, and asked me to add in few pieces, which I of course did.”

Is he releasing an LP with Kalup Linzy?
“I’m not that going that far,” Franco smiled. “He’s doing that album solo and it’s going to be pretty major!”

Loca for MOCA

15 November 2010
by Art Rubynstein

Kate Bosworth, Francesco Vezzoli

For all the art benefits, galas, cocktails, and house dinners we have here in New York, the fall MOCA gala seems to be the only big bash on the mind of the Angelenos who have a Koons in their living room. The 31st edition of the event didn’t feature cameos by Lady Gaga or Angelina and Brad in the cocktail hour (like the last year’s big splash), but the event still pulled in $3 million, plenty of iconic artists, and Chanel accessorized starlets (the brand was the night’s big fashion sponsor). Doug Aitken designed this year’s gala while newly re-branded Californian welcomed the big spenders with hugs and smiles. Here’s who made an impression on the West Coast’s biggest art date of the year.

Artists who flew into LAX: Frank Gehry, Jeff Koons, and Ed Ruscha were the night’s biggest knights

Obligatory celebs: Kirsten Dunst, Rachel Bilson, Chloë Sevigny, Mila Kunis, Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, a yes…art loving Will Ferell.

Other notables: Michael Chow, Vera Wang, Brian Grazer, and Kate and Laura Mulleavy.

Performers faced with the task of succeeding Lady Gaga: Beck, Caetano Veloso, and Devendra Banhart

Worst idea for the first course: A “hearty” plate of iceberg lettuce

Most surprising auctioneers: A chorus of hustling, loud, endearing formers (and ode to Aitken’s 2007 work at MoMA called “happening”)

Biggest flub: Co-chair Maria Bell who accidentally misspoke that the event raised $300 million on stage, to the gasp of the crowd. She quickly corrected herself.