GalleryBeat » Gallery Beat

Art Net: The Life and Times of Walter Robinson by Andrew Russeth, The Observer

Paul H-O — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:17:24 +0000

New feature on the wily and wooly star of GalleryBeat Television, the artist, critic, editor of artnet.com magazine. Walter has been a good friend since 1988 and this is a very complex matrix of sources. The article itself reminds me a good cubist painting, like a Braque, an image I wouldn’t expect at all. I may change my mind, but for now I’m happy that comprehensive
attention is being paid to the eminent Walter (Mike) Robinson.

The B.Wurtz Show is the Art of a Distant Future Past

Paul H-O — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:42:43 +0000

Location: Metro Pictures

Exihibiton: NYC June 22 to August 5, 2011

Prologue: Charmaine Wheatley and I had a series of conversations about artist, B. Wurtz, because he was having a retrospective in Chelsea. She said, “you told me about Wurtz like a year ago and I looked at his work online and was atypically into his “assemblage” sculpture so when I read in TimeOut he had a show up at Metro Pics I headed over. It was high on my list of priorities. Then I emailed you, “I went and loved it”. Then she wrote back to talk about it, but she started drawing the work she liked. Ms.Wheatley rules in her own realm, deliberate cartooning with precise writing, attention to detail and subject that reminds me of monks quilling illustrated tomes. She said maybe we should try to do something together about the Wurtz show. I saw the first drawings and thought, I’ll try to use these black marks that come out of these buttons to keep Charmaine’s pictures from touching, so people can see them better. It’s a work-in-progress and we will stick with Wurtz in the spirit of Wurtz; simply, working with material we bought at the wrong kind of store. I can’t work the layout code here worth a damn. (Charmaine’s images either shrink or explode) Maybe some smart graphic artist will come in and fix it. That was how it worked before, when I had a camera and it would drive people nuts, and someone took it out my hands.

Buttons, the kind we use for clothing, are one of Wurtz’s earlier object elements. It’s hard to avoid buttons, and for hundreds of years we’ve had them, and they’re still here. He specializes in monuments to efficient, proven technology like tin cans, shoelaces, coat hangers. Common materials our society uses every day, every class, and taken for granted.

Wow, there is a lot of work in this show. I thought Wurtz’s work would be in one gallery room or two, but he’s got the whole big box gallery. It’s hot as hell in here too. I feel for the front desk people – giant walls of glass facing south, one could grow dope easy in here. A-list galleries in Chelsea are sleek, white, gas guzzlers. Why not have ceiling fans?
Metro is a humongus fancy gallery, with a museum scale show by Feature Inc’s very own B. Wurtz, International Artist of Mystery. Feature is a medium-sized gallery that has been a hothouse for talent. (talent often lured to greener pastures). Feature WAS in Chelsea but went back downtown, where vacant storefronts and mixed class neighborhoods still exist for about another 15 minutes.

B.Wurtz had an early rise along with Feature, and it’s weird alien flavor, and was instantly recognized as an ‘artist’s’ gallery. Wurtz maintains his conceptual and material integrity to the humble degree that he’s been professionally back-burnered in the fashion industry of art. Word has it that some early work has been acquired by one of the major museums uptown. Summer in Chelsea is not where the art market is, and rare, very good art like this, will go unseen and undersold. We did wonder what was behind it, is he poised to become the veteran mine canary of our economic demise?

The work in the show dates back to 1970, so there is work few have seen, ever. It’s also clear to me that Hudson, the owner of Feature, has been just as committed, unwavering in support of the wayfaring Wurtz, who for years labored far from sight at times, but right on course with a flotilla of handmade icons of the everyday. If there is the art issue of timing then it would be that life is computerized and complicated now, and that this work is not.

How easily the work floats like a stripped-down armada of vessels. Each work is unto itself, so thoughtfully constructed with a facile perfection of the foundation, a platform carrying bits of cargo or pulling a filmy net behind it, with a tiny flag on a wire stay or curved boom. Some of the wall pieces seemed pushy in the big room. Ms. Wheatley and I thought some of the wall work could have been thinned out.

There is a poetry here combined with humble wisdom. I think it’s funny. It is monumental, but scaled precisely for a shoe string on wire, or plastic grocery bag baby smock. I can imagine people just being baffled – B. stands for Bill but he’s been happy so people couldn’t say if it was male or female work, it was The Work. It’s somewhat odd, but I can’t help but thinking that if one put it down on the grandiose pomposity of a Richard Serra beached tanker, the Wurtz crew sock pedestal still has more game, one we can keep playing. This is the art that actually fits our time on a macro level. Plain mementos of simple technology, economy, with an encoding of Orwell in our brightly lit facade of the future.

(The GBTV video interviews with Bill Wurtz add a layer or two, but I think it’s straight up.)

Drawings by Charmaine Wheatley 2011 with text by Paul Hasegawa-Overacker

A graphic knowledgeable artist, Sono Osato, did indeed come in to fix my mangling of CW’s images. Thank you!

Judy Rifka Wrecks Hotel Room – GBM Exclusive

Paul H-O — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:16:50 +0000

WHEN ART STARS TRASH – Where: DUAL @ POOL Art Fair @ The Gershwin Hotel NYC

Did art star Judy Rifka have it in for Billy The ArtStar? (BTA) There is conjecture on the subject when during yesterdays press interview with BTA. As he was talking about his new work all attention was suddenly diverted as Rifka began taking the room apart. Can Judy play nice with others? Dr. Lisa Levy gives analysis for GalleryBeat at the scene, DUAL.

Camera by Paul and Hosted by Lisa and Paul – Dual curated by Savannah Spirit - All Rights Reserved GalleryBeat and Paul H-O 2011.

Dual @ Pool Art Fair

Paul H-O — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:56:30 +0000

If Facebook is Any Indication…

DUAL – curated by Savannah Spirit. Artists include BTA, Chambliss Giobi, Max Langhurst, Christopher Lee, Tara Meisenheimer, John D. Monteith, Judy Rifka, Sadie Weis, Agnis Zotis, Frantic F Emme (performance)

In the battle of the art fairs this weekend I wouldn’t even dare to put odds on anything other than to say the Gershwin Hotel has a head start on eccentric. It is a genuine oddity and a throwback to another decade from the last century. In the location (7 E 27th St. NYC) just look for the red building with huge white horn shaped things protruding from the facade. In that is it’s strength. Savannah Spirit has some very strong artists in her suites and it’s looking very good as a hometown team. The Duel rooms were mobbed in one, and quiet in the other for the press preview but I’m sure that is changed by now. As for Pool, it is all over the map. It’s actually in some cases, astoundingly a free-for-all for any artist or rep that can come up with the $1600 to get a room. It’s the anti Armory Show. There are some true believers and it just pulls on your heart. You may not like some of these unrepresented artists work at Pool, but there are some like Judy Rifka, Chris Lee, and John D. Monteith to name three that know what they’re doing, and it looks mighty good against the dozens of other artist suites at Pool.

I Like the Art World and The Art World Likes Me

Paul H-O — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 17:43:40 +0000

GalleryBeat Media Report: GO SEE THE SHOW OPEN UNTIL MARCH 5

Curated by Eric Doeringer, this artist manque group show (look it up) delivers a number of blows against the Empire. Exhibited in the less spacious gallery it inhabited in Chelsea, even the non-profit Elizabeth Foundation in it’s present space serves as a gritty reminder that all is not well in the art world masked in image maintenance. They could use some shades, that would help. The show itself is hilarious and informative while exhibiting an excellent skill set of art that dares to critique artist and the establishment the artist so dearly wants to be part of, maybe.

EFA Project Space, 323 W 39th St. NYC Part 1 Hosted by Paul H-O and Lisa Levy assisted by Phil Beuhler. GalleryBeat. net is almost non-commercial, we’d like to change that.

Jim Evans: Artist Decoded Trailer

Paul H-O — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:16:54 +0000

In the covert world of rock posters and the artists that create them, there is a hierachy of trend setters that rarely come out behind the wall of graphics. Jim Evans can trace his vector from working with Rick Griffin and the psychedelic era, to working with Nirvana, Fugazi, U2 – from grunge to designing the entire backdrop for the first Lollapalooza events. Keeping the edge Jim Evans has moved quietly from the explosive glare of stadium rock to working with Dreamworks and Paramount, while maintaining a low profile behind a pair of dark glasses and a black Yankees cap.
We bring him out in the open and find out what makes Jim tick, which gets more interesting as we peel back some layers from the archeology of visual rock. Edited by Paul H-O.

THIS VIDEO EXPERIMENT IS NON-COMMERCIAL, NFS AND NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION

Dandelion Man: The DVD release

Paul H-O — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:55:37 +0000

Here we go: Peter Bolte is a good all-around filmmaker and good pal and he wants to release his newest feature film on DVD. Excellent chance to become a micro-producer. Hit “more” to see Peter’s links and info about the project:

“In Peter Bolte’s gritty feature film debut Dandelion Man, we follow John Harper on a downward spiral as he drifts through life self-absorbed and unaware of the emotional damage he inflicts on those close to him. That is, however, until he is forced to come to terms with his own past and crippling baggage. This harrowing journey is shadowed by a haunting score by Trevor Dunn.

Three years after its theatrical premiere, Dandelion Man is going to be self-distributed on DVD. It has been a long time in the works.

Currently we are clearing up paperwork with the Screen Actors Guild, designing the DVD artwork and compiling a small handful of special features that will be included on the DVD.

And that is why we are here — We are seeking the final funds to execute the DVD manufacturing for release in winter of 2011. All of the money pledged will go to the final production and release costs.

Please take a few moments to view our Facebook page, website and trailer to consider helping us get this project out to the public.”

http://www.numbfilms.com/nav/dman_official.html

http://www.numbfilms.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dandelion-Man/358098165703

Classic GalleryBeat Television

Paul H-O — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:28:22 +0000

Episode 75 Part 3 of 3 – In the final portion of this Classic GBTV episode the crew starts in American Fine Arts Co.’ showroom where they meet the host from Cash from Chaos, their public-access competition, go to Pat Hearn Gallery to get their fill of scatological photography and bathroom bliss, and end up in the Jay Jopling/White Cube showroom where they meet Jay Jopling and Tracey Emin (and her bed).
A long time ago, in the distant year 1994, an art fair started by medium sized art dealers Pat Hearn, Colin De Land, and Lisa Spellman started an art fair in the the historically seedy Gramercy Hotel. This was the beginning of the contemporary art fair in the U.S., and would ultimately become one of the most lucrative trade fairs for art on earth, The Armory Show. I used to look forward to hitting the Gramercy Art Fair, with it’s funky rooms turned into funkier New York and international galleries. Almost everyone had a bathroom show, and there were plenty of galleries we would never see again on the planet. Basically, it was a home-made art fair, on the cheap and using all the creativity artist and dealer could drum up for a 3 day run of fun, and maybe a sale or two.

Classic GalleryBeat Television

Paul H-O — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:26:28 +0000

Episode 75 Part 2 of 3 -In the second portion of this Classic GBTV episode the crew checks out the sculptures at Gagosian Gallery, make friends with the gals at the magazine booths, and end up in the American Fine Arts Co.’s showroom.
A long time ago, in the distant year 1994, medium-sized New York art dealers Pat Hearn, Colin De Land, and Lisa Spellman started an art fair in the the historically seedy Gramercy Hotel, famous for housing rock bands on tour and for it’s piano bar. It was also located right across the street from very tony Gramercy Park, exclusive to the residents of said park, and you still need a key to enter it. This was the beginning of the contemporary art fair in the U.S., and would ultimately become one of the most lucrative trade fairs for art on earth, The Armory Show. I used to look forward to hitting the Gramercy Art Fair, with it’s funky rooms turned into funkier New York and international galleries. Almost everyone had a bathroom show, and there were plenty of galleries we would never see again on the planet. Basically, it was a home-made art fair, on the cheap and using all the creativity artist and dealer could drum up for a 3 day run of fun, and maybe a sale or two.

Classic GalleryBeat Television

Paul H-O — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:23:59 +0000

Episode 75 Part 1 of 3 - In this first portion of the half hour Classic GBTV episode, the GalleryBeat Crew makes ready to storm the Second Annual Gramercy Hotel Art Fair. Cathy has her “special defining moment,” Paul and Walter have their power struggle, and then the crew discuss their itinerary and what a bunch of snots the British are. At the end the crew makes their first fair stop at Paula Cooper Gallery.
A long time ago, in the distant year 1994, medium-sized New York art dealers Pat Hearn, Colin De Land, and Lisa Spellman started an art fair in the the historically seedy Gramercy Hotel, famous for housing rock bands on tour and for it’s piano bar. It was also located right across the street from very tony Gramercy Park, exclusive to the residents of said park, and you still need a key to enter it. This was the beginning of the contemporary art fair in the U.S., and would ultimately become one of the most lucrative trade fairs for art on earth, The Armory Show. I used to look forward to hitting the Gramercy Art Fair, with it’s funky rooms turned into funkier New York and international galleries. Almost everyone had a bathroom show, and there were plenty of galleries we would never see again on the planet. Basically, it was a home-made art fair, on the cheap and using all the creativity artist and dealer could drum up for a 3 day run of fun, and maybe a sale or two.

Rough Cut Surf Experiment by Paul H-O (with help by Jim Evans)

Paul H-O — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:18:48 +0000

Production test. V2V Productions. Rough cut concept. Using footage to maximize available digital tape recordings that may or may not be used in a commercial film product. Most likely not, and clearly only the assembly of very short clips could be used were an entire documentary film created. But film work is a process of assembly, and the creation of many bits and pieces of things are eventually bolted into place.

Filmed by May Rigler
Introduced by Ned Evans (he won’t know until informed)
Produced by Miro, Nye, and H-O
All Rights Reserved 2010

John Waters: “Contemporary Art Hates You”

Paul H-O — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:36:26 +0000

John Waters discusses what he believes is the purpose of art. Check out the video interview at Big Think.

Versailles Tourists Not So Into Murakami

Paul H-O — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:55:33 +0000

From a big-bosomed French maid to a Pepsi-guzzling monster, Japanese artist Takashi Murakami’s outlandish manga visions overwhelm the Chateau of Versailles, and not everyone is happy. Check out the full story here.

Terry Richardson Promises To Make Every Woman A Porn Star

Paul H-O — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:50:26 +0000

Photographer Terry Richardson explains how he makes any woman a porn star and 80% of the time gets his cake in bed, leaving everyone satisfied with a job well done. http://www.sensualitynews.com/living/terry-richardson-promises-to-make-every-woman-a-porn-star.html

Jim Evans and Paul Surf Malibu

Paul H-O — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:34:51 +0000

Classic Psyche/Grunge/Alternative Graphic Artist Jim Evans brings me to one of his fave local spots that I can actually name because it’s too famous to keep a secret – you still need a pass: go with a local. We witness the best surfers in history on a lucky break, and they never need a board. Just clean ocean and a lack of the fishing industries stupid methods of providing sushi and canned tuna.
Video by May Rigler

Luther Russell: “A World Unknown”

Paul H-O — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:23:18 +0000

The music video for Luther Russell’s “A World Unknown,” from his upcoming epic-in-scale double album, “The Invisible Audience.” Combining Super 8 film footage shot by Garret Holden with video footage shot by Garret and Paul H-O in New York City.

Director: Garett Holden.
Producer: Paul H-O.
Editor: Garett Holden.
Cameras:
Garett Holden, Paul H-O

Cooking With GalleryBeat, the Talkshow #2 Starring Oliver Wasow

Paul H-O — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:15:40 +0000

This clip from Talkshow #2, taped in front of a clamoring live audience at Brooklyn’s Pierogi gallery, features artist and Facebook wizard Oliver Wasow. Oliver was the owner of one of the seminal artist-run galleries in New York City, Cash Newhouse. The East Village and downtown NYC churned out many of the great American artists in that short but hot time from the mid/late 70s and into the 80s, including the likes of Cindy Sherman, Jim Jarmusch, and Patti Smith. Hosted, as always, by GalleryBeat’s own Paul H-O and Dr. Lisa Levy, with her Rx pad at the ready. Artist Jim Torok is on exhibition, Rev Jen, Fuzzanova, Hula hoop artist Jacqui Becker and gallerist visionary HUDSON of Feature Inc. were also on the bill. GB Producer – Paul H-O, Samantha Schlaifer, Cameras – Gaia Baldini, Aimee Graham, Editor – Gaia Baldini.

Classic GB – Big Teeth Chomp Brooklyn Museum

Paul H-O — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:59:10 +0000

The (now) Brooklyn Art Museum is famous for it’s XXL rotunda that generally locates the new art installations and in this case it’s artist Rona Pondick that uses the sprawling space to spread a seemingly indecipherable sculptural miasma. It was called ”Mine”. Thus, we enlist the direct causation of said sculpture, curator Charlotta Kotik, to help us understand the big teeth and funny doodads littering the floor. Ms. Pondick is an artist whose work we are use to looking at on the floor as it were. Ms. Kotik, on the other hand, gives us a lively standup chat about the work that does something to decipher Pondick’s work, though it’s an interesting layer of information that works rather like frosting on a cake of unknown origins. Who cares? Kotik is an amusing intellectual, and it’s an unusual dialogue most people haven’t experieinced – Walter and Paul and the Museum Curator. 1996