Spot Challenge Pit Stop #4: Athens

18 January 2012
by Art Rubynstein

It took us 16 hours, and practically 3 continents to get to Athens with a stopover at Doha along the way. The Qatar capital will soon host a huge Murakami exhibit, but for now, all we had to play with was the terminal, that reminded us of the Middle Eastern version of LaGuardia. Though it has to be said: those elite traveler shuttle buses are mighty impressive.

But back to Athens… It’s a strange time for a Greek capital with widespread talks of defaults and national bankruptcy. Yes, the folks might be scared but they still have the Parthenon and Acropolis here, and now their very own Gagosian to boot. The Greek outpost is located on the magically named Merlin Street and it’s very intimate to say the least. There are only 6 Hirst works on display, and yet like in every other Gagosian location, a focused guard is fiercely watching over the pieces in every room (seriously, what was the security budget for this thing?).  The gallery attendants also get gold stars for being the friendliest so far on our journey.

Merlin Street is also filled with orange trees that can be found on every decent street corner (instant Hong Kong déjà vu!) and the art scene is showing promises. The Greek Gagosian girls kindly recommended us few shows: Jonathan Meese effort at Eliades, 20th century Russian painters show at a beautiful B & M Theocharakis Foundation (pictured), and a strong group effort at Rebecca M. Camnhi gallery (that featured works by Ross Bleckner and Nan Goldin among others).

And then of course our hotel concierge named Alexandro recommended a wonderful soulvaki place on Byron, which might be the greatest piece of art of them all.

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!

David & Goliaths

08 May 2011
by Art Rubynstein

It was a Saturday unlike any other this year in the city. Between the trolleys to Connecticut for the Peter Brant foundation festivities to the high powered David Salle opening at Mary Boone (and the joint dinner with Clifford Ross at Matsuri that followed) this was no sleepy weekend. Near perfect temperatures inspired a flourishing artist A-list attendance to support Salle’s tremendous show and everyone seemed to be in the good mood. Here’s the recap.

Mary Boone Salle supporters: Jeff Koons, Francesco and Alba Clemente, Richard Phillips and Josephine Meckseper, Kim Heirston Evans, Fran Lebowitz, Alex Katz, Cecily Brown, among many others.
Most refreshing Oscar winner cameo: Christopher Walken
Most excited: Mary Boone, who received plenty of great feedback for Salle’s work. “It’s his first new show in three years,” she beamed.
Familiar faces at Matsuri: Will Cotton, Rachel Feinstein and John Currin, Anh Duong, Ross Bleckner, Dana Schutz, Sante D’Orazio, Salman Rushdie, Vito Schnabel, Liz Swig, and Peggy Siegal.
Most curious accessory: Anne McNally’s blue fur collar in the early heat of May
Who needs champers? Koons and Salle went for beer with their sashimi.

Ross Bleckner Hits Fashion Week

11 February 2011
by Art Rubynstein

When we attended Tim Hamilton’s unisex presentation at the Standard on Thursday, we didn’t expect to see splashes of Ross Bleckner all over his work. “I took Ross’s prints and transformed them to all types of outerwear from blazers to pants,” said Hamilton. “I think it looked seamless and beautiful on girls.” We’ll say. These Fall 2011 pieces will be collectibles. Take our word for it.

Photo – AMBER De VOS / PatrickMcMullan.com