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Meandering Thoughts about Art and Culture

2006-07-30T20:27:00.000-04:00

W
ho says that modern dance is esoteric?

Modern dancers have been bringing dance to the masses for years, dancing in spaces not designated exclusively as performance spaces-- dancing on streets, in parks, and in public buildings. And yet, despite artists attempts at popularizing dance as art, I find that many people still have very little concept of what modern dance is.

Perhaps one of the reasons the public finds modern dance puzzling is because it is an abstract art form. Unlike many classical ballets or musical theatre pieces, there is often no clear story. Modern dance is more like visual poetry-- images emerge and disappear and don't necessarily follow a "logical" progression. I find that people who don't worry about "getting it" enjoy modern dance. They allow themselves to see the movement and make an interpretation instead of imposing a preconceived idea over the dance.

I don't think that the inability to see what is in front of us is a phenomenon that only happens in the arts. The debate in the US about the teaching of evolution and the movement to teach "intelligent design" strikes me as part of the same issue. Why are we as a country shifting towards ideas that must be taken on faith rather than towards ideas that are derived from observation? I think the short answer is that after 9/11 and with the disturbing news of escalating violence in the world, we are reaching towards ideas that are impenetrable; they seem comforting because they are unquestionable and unchanging. The also absolve us of seeing and creating our own ideas.

I find this trend towards non-thinking disturbing. As a self-described artist, I prize imagination, but imagination that addresses the world as it might be, not imagination that insists it literally exists. I hope to see more imagination that acknowledges the world as it is and envisions the world as it may become, and I hope that we may move towards a culture that is willing to see, wonder, think, and imagine a better future world.

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filed under : art culture education

photograph by Kenneth Balint

The Oxford Project

2006-06-12T02:01:00.000-04:00

Anyone else hear about this one? Twenty years ago, photographer Peter Feldstein photographed residents of the small town, Oxford, Iowa, and recently he found about 100 of those people and photographed them again. You can visit the project website at www.oxfordproject.com or take a look at the Smithsonian website, which has a charming article about the project with a couple samples of the photographs, then and now.

http://www.smithsonianmagazine.com/issues/2006/june/feldstein.php

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filed under : art | culture | fun

Travel Log: Paris

2006-06-12T01:50:00.000-04:00

So it might be a little late to make summer travel plans, but in the event that you happen to be going to Paris, here's a must-see: The Musee D'Orsay. Ok, so it isn't some obscure mysterious place, but for those who have not seen it, I would say that it is sine qua non for a visit to Paris, even more so than the Louvre. Even if you are not a fan of Impressionist painting, the architecture is worth the trip and the long wait in line. Be forewarned- get to the Museum early to avoid too much of a wait to get in, and hope that there isn't a labor strike.

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filed under : art | culture | fun

Microsoft iPod

2006-05-24T22:40:00.000-04:00

Let's apply the XP aesthetic to Apple.

Here is what one creative genius came up with.

related : Data Fountain | Touched Confession | What brand are you?

filed under : culture | fun

Linguistic nostalgia : Yakigawa

2006-05-05T17:24:00.000-04:00

My final warning to you is always pay for your own drinks…. All the scandals in the world of politics today have their cause in the despicable habit of swallowing free drinks.

--Yukitoki Yakigawa

The former president of Kyoto University gave this advice to graduating students at commencement in the summer of 1954. That's the same year that the first Godzilla was released.

Makes one really suspect free-drinks lady's nights, like the one in this promoter's flyer from Switzerland. And isn't that a stolen picture of that Victoria's Secret model, Adriana Lima?

related : Intimate Strangers | MAC Cosmetics | Touched Confession

>> more Linguistic nostalgia

BuzzPhraser

2006-05-04T19:01:00.000-04:00

Alright you Star Wars fans, it's "Phraser", not phazer, not grazer, not saber, and not tater.

Now you can be like Dilbert and create your own verbose hyperbole with the help of an algorithm.

m.i. previously covered What brand are you?, which creates nonsensical corporate monikers for today's "Accenture"'s. We also reviewed how news travels and is covered by mainstream media in Buzz Tracker and Vanishing Point. Buzzphrazer is just as entertaining and thought-provoking.

related : Lost in Translations | Word Count | Snow Day

filed under : culture | fun

Sugar Baby Love

2006-04-29T15:36:00.000-04:00

Racy videos from director Wilfred Brimo for the AIDS (AIDES) awareness campaign in France. It is named like The Rubettes song, Sugar baby love.

Although it is animated and cartoony in nature, it contains VERY ADULT subject matter. The director's point is clear. No need to talk down to or scare people; only fun memorable reminders (interesting visuals, catchy music) are needed.

While you're at it, check out Gay? Fine By Me, an non-profit organization against homophobia.

The below is the pre-quel to the sequal, the 2005 campaign's Femme, or Baby Baby.

Here's another video by Wilfred, or Wilfrid, about other love dilemmas. Music from Shakedown's Love Game. As one reviewer said, "features pure adulterated pixel porn".

related : Shape of Song | Human Origins | Make Poverty History | Sex on the Beach | Pixel Millionaire

filed under : culture | education

Fifth Ave Tribute

2006-04-28T15:36:00.000-04:00

Back in the cold dreary days of January, m.i. walked up Fifth Avenue and saw a fantastic window display. We even made a point of going back with the camera the next day, but unfortunately, Lord & Taylor had ended the amazing tribute to illustrator Michael D. Arthur.

The windows narrated the relationship Michael Arthur has had with NYC, the theatre, and the dance industry. A prominent example is the below drawing of Amanda McKerrow.

Given to Ms. McKerrow the night of her final performance with American Ballet Theatre at the Metropolitan Opera House, this drawing includes the title of every ballet she danced during her career with ABT.

According to the Washington Post, McKerrow dedicated her last ABT performance (Giselle) to her mother. Read m.i.'s review and other links about the performance.

Another example from the L&T display is of Juilliard students in rehearsal and performance. View slideshow.

In addition to work for magazines, newspapers, and private commission, Michael Arthur was the illustrator of a book, call Facing The Mirror by Mike Renquist. Read other reviews (1|2) about the his illustrations in Fifth Ave windows, and be sure to check out his latest work on his constantly updated website.

related : Brava Diva | Last Performance with ABT | Haunting Beauty | Last Train Ride | Le Petit Prince

filed under : art

More by Mark Osborne

2006-04-26T21:09:00.000-04:00

Now that Wallace & Gromit by Nick Park has won three Oscars (The Wrong Trousers in 1993, A Close Shave in 1995, and The Curse of the WereRabbit in 2005), it is time that we look at an old favorite...

MORE is the compelling short story of an inventor’s struggle to find meaning in his bland, colorless life. The film is an experimental combination of clay and cel animation, and in 1999 became the first fully-animated film created in the 15perf/70mm format to be nominated for an Academy Award™.

With no dialogue, the music is a character in itself.
Watch it now.

Here are some versions of the film that you could download.

Check out the official, tougue and cheek sites for More.

Knitting in the Dark

2006-04-24T20:04:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times Fashion & Style section:

ATTENTION, KNITTERS. There you are in a theater watching the promos, when, if only you could see, you could be finishing that adorable little sweater you've been working on. Monica Dremann, the wife of Michael Rosenberg, the president of Imagine Entertainment, mentioned this sad state of affairs to Edith Eig, an owner of La Knitterie Parisienne in Los Angeles, and Mrs. Eig's husband, Merrill, a retired engineer, got on the case. The resulting partnership yielded Knit Lite: knitting needles with glowing L.E.D tips, which allow you to purl away not only in the movies, but also at night on the lawn under a starless sky or maybe even in an amusement park tunnel of love. "The best part," said Mrs. Eig, an actual Parisienne who has a Chanel-style suit emerging from her No. 10½ needles, "is there is no problem knitting with the beautiful black yarns." Available next month, Knit Lite needles in various sizes will cost about $20 a pair at laknitterieparisienne.com. SUSAN GUERRERO

related : SHOP | Craft Bazaar | Conscientious Consumption

filed under : culture

Fly Guy

2006-04-20T15:44:00.000-04:00

This fun interactive may still be new to some.

FlyGuy incorporates simply yet whimsically elegant elements for a URL that you'll want to share.

Point your browser to FlyGuy.

related : Smart Fun | Last Train Ride | Zoom!

filed under : fun

Race - The Power of an Illusion

2006-04-11T11:50:00.000-04:00

However one might define "distinguishing characteristics" amongst humans, it is easy to fall into the familiar cycle. First you fear them, second you revere them, then you ridicule them, and finally you don't remember them.

Race - The Power of an Illusion is a 3 part documentary that attacks the issue front and center, with readings, interviews, and teacher resources. m.i. had heard great things about this ambitious PBS series back in 2003 at a mentoring conference (it was recommended for mentees, like mine, attending and adjusting to diverse schools). The race topic is always relevant and should never be forgotten.

Episode 1- The Difference Between Us examines the contemporary science - including genetics - that challenges our common sense assumptions that human beings can be bundled into three or four fundamentally different groups according to their physical traits.

Episode 2- The Story We Tell uncovers the roots of the race concept in North America, the 19th century science that legitimated it, and how it came to be held so fiercely in the western imagination. The episode is an eye-opening tale of how race served to rationalize, even justify, American social inequalities as "natural."

Episode 3- The House We Live In asks, If race is not biology, what is it? This episode uncovers how race resides not in nature but in politics, economics and culture. It reveals how our social institutions "make" race by disproportionately channeling resources, power, status and wealth to white people.

Complete transcripts and videos are available from the producers. Also read about the campaign, the outreach, and the review.

related : Tolerance.org | Blog Translation | Illusion of Separateness | So what does a Russian crow say?

filed under : culture | education

Best of m.i. : cold virgin mixology

2006-04-08T13:03:00.000-04:00

As the season heads warmer and greener, m.i. does a recap of our best warm weather cool-downs. Don't have to wait for company to whip one of these great drinks up, make one for yourself on that slow Sunday morning!

Check out our previous posts of non-virgin and hot drinks.
>> more mi-xology mixology

filed under : how to | announcements

Previously . . .

2006-04-02T13:35:00.000-04:00

Previously on mi-xology.com...

More previously . . .

Linguistic nostalgia : Paul Newman

2006-03-23T15:06:00.000-05:00

For those of you who like to scarf your popcorn in the sack, the good news is that Newman’s Own contains an aphrodisiac.

--Paul Newman

The popular actor was quoted in the August 13th 1984 edition of Newsweek, in reference to adding popcorn to the product lines of his philanthropic multimillion-dollar corporation with the following tagline.

Newman's Own : Shameless exploitation in the pursuit of the common good.
Organic (and tasty) ingredients. Profits after taxes go to progressive causes.

Paul Newman also has these cookbooks out: Newman's Own Cookbook and The Newman's Own Organics Guide to a Good Life.

related : Julia Child | Oscar Cookies | Orange Blossom Muffins

>> more Linguistic nostalgia

Sand Art

2006-03-22T13:13:00.000-05:00

Here's a Korean video of a sand artist performing his magic in front of an audience. Very interesting use of positive and negative space. This reminds us of being a kid and playing/creating with simple materials.

Fun looking sand toys that I wouldn't mind playing with now:

related : McMansions | Eco-Bunny | Last Train Ride

filed under : art | fun

Blog Translation

2006-03-21T17:20:00.000-05:00

Although m.i. had alway install babelfish links (with systran technology) to it's pages, it has taken some research to find how to best integrate access for various languages into our content. We have visitors from all over the world, and our topics are also very international.

Finally, voila, we have installed translations to our blog webpages. Simply locate the flag of your choice on the top left and continue to surf our site.

The following languages are available:

related : Lost in Translations | Data Fountain | Football Skills

filed under : education | announcements

Orchid Show

2006-03-18T11:12:00.000-05:00

m.i. was fortunate enough to visit the New York Botanical Garden this year for the Orchid Show. The plants were spectacular, and it was nice just to think warm this time of year. (Perfect weekend trip!)

Wander through the lush exhibits as you ooh and ahh at the surprising similarities between the slipper orchid and your household low-cut shoe. Be sure to catch a tour with the docent as he explains the difference between an orchid and a flower to the layman. He may give you one of these charts for clarification and could also illuminate upon the breeding and naming of the prized Orchidaceae. Round out the day with a look at the orchids at the Shop in the Garden.

You will definitely need directions to the the NYBG, unless you live in the area. And while you're at their website, be sure to Meet the Orchids.

related : Bike Jungle | Orange Blossom | Snow Day | McMansions

filed under : culture | education

Sweet Treat : Orange Blossom Muffins

2006-03-17T17:31:00.000-05:00

Tastes as fresh and citrus-like as eating oranges in a Florida grove on a spring morning. No kidding!The ingredients are simple and the methods easy, like all of m.i.’s sweet treats.

1 large orange
3/4 cup canola oil
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup confectioners sugar

Mix together oil, sugar, and eggs until thick. Refrigerate while working with orange. Zest at least 2 tbsp of the rind and juice the entire thing.

Mixture should now be cold and stiff. Add salt, baking sode, vanilla, and only ¼ cup of orange juice and pulp. Save remaining juice. Blend well and pour into well greased muffin pans. Bake at 350^o for 15 minutes or until light brown.

Remove from pan when firm. Dip in glaze, made from ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 tbsp of orange juice, while still warm. Replace a touch of orange juice with lemon juice for an glaze with kick.

Bon appetite.

related : Red Bean Mochi | Julia Child | Drop Danish

filed under : how to

Architectual Fashion

2006-03-16T15:59:00.000-05:00

m.i. caught the very last day that the Fashion of Architecture exhibit was at the Center of Architecture on LaGuardia Place.

It was a warm sunny day in New York, and the three floors of the center were crowded with visitors. The collection featured Hussein Chalayan heavily (such as to the bottom right), and displayed all of its pieces without a single mannequin (such as to the top left). One can see the similarities in form, materials, and 3-dimensional use of space between architecture and fashion. Unfortunately, the collection and its display conveyed stiffness above all else, and did not translate the ideas of both fashion and architecture fluidly. The exhibit is featured in various magazines articles and news stories with critical acclaim however. For your personal review:

More photos of the Hussein Chalayan’s collection after the jump...
The London-based Turkish Cypriot is well know for conceptual, intelligent fashion design. He initial entrance into the scene is well marked by this calapsible skirt, in the spirit of the similarly named cup. The remaining photos are from his 2000 collection are are all featured in the Fashion of Architecture exhibit.

More links:

http://www.fashionfile.com/designers/HusseinChalayan.html
http://www.cypnet.co.uk/ncyprus/culture/mofa/design/chalayan/
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/S2006RTW/review/HCHALAYA

related : McMansions | Demonic Divine | La Mode

filed under : art

Fax Art

2006-03-15T17:25:00.000-05:00

FaxToy.net feeds off faxes. No pun intended, the site randomly puts together things faxed to their number (510.545.0990). The image appears as soon as your little fax machine sends it off. Fax Art is a studied subject in various exhibitions and gallery. FaxToy is different because it is participatory. It combines the ideas of the very-now flickr and the very-80's fax in a very post-modern way. It's two-tone simplicity/complexity combines high and low tech, making images a little different than what the broadband internet user expects.

FaxToy.net seems very new still, and so I expect the art to get more interesting. This "art", like that of Post Secret, is the same way we find community and contemporary culture in blogs by contributing and seeing what others have read.

More about the site. You can rate the images by "interestingness", just like flickr, and there is also RSS syndication.

More on the topic at :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fax_art
http://blogs.ldjjj.com/date/2003/04/
http://www.dismbody.demon.co.uk/telaes.html
http://www.tamabi.ac.jp/gurafu/akiyama/MYSKIP/MYSKIP.html search for "My Skip vol.23　12月号"

related : PostSecret | NINEAEM | La Mode

filed under : art | culture

mi-xology mixology : Cafe Au Lait

2006-03-14T23:38:00.000-05:00

1 shot espresso
milk
brown or refined sugar
dutch cocoa
cinnamon
Pour espresso and sugar in bowl. Fill with hot milk. Sprinkle with cocoa and cinnamon.

>> more mi-xology mixology

related : An Elegant Cup | Long Island Iced Tea | Thai Iced Coffee & Thai Iced Tea

Last Train Ride

2006-03-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

Cold, alone, and tired.
The city and its daily grind is beautifully portrayed in this tribute to the New York City commuter. The music and animation was also integrated into a dance performance.

View other works at the multi-media collaborative Triborosound.com. Also see Kofti.com, the animator's website.

related : Biking Jungle | Zoom! | River Statement | Sticker Art

filed under : art | fun

IKEA game

2006-03-10T15:22:00.000-05:00

Even Scadinavians can be stumped by how IKEA names their furniture and accessory lines.

Do you dare to test your knowledge of (intuition about) IKEA? Give it a go at this challenging game to match IKEA names with the actual item.

Good luck!

related : Eco-Bunny | Office Pranks | Dark Room

filed under : fun

Lingustic nostalgia : Leo Steiner

2006-03-07T14:23:00.000-05:00

They didn’t even have enough brains to take a couple of good pastrami sandwiches.

--Leo Steiner

Late Carnegie Deli owner Leo Steiner was quoted in the New York Times when his delicatessen was robbed in 1986. He had operated the eatery next to Carnegie Hall for 50 years by that time, and is still part of New York legend and history. The book, How to Feed Friends and Influence People, is dedicated the amazing growth of the business, all the way out to Las Vegas. Read the backcover for a description of the robbery.

The Sumo wrestlers who competed in Madison Square Garden for the World SUMO Challenge: Battle of the Giants, also visited the yiddish-influenced deli and attempted to finish their sandwiches. The champion of the competition was Mitshuhiko Fukao, a 5'10", 411.5-pound wrestler, but the real winner was the Woody Allen, two-pound pastrami and corned beef on rye favorite. Check out this other Times article on Sumo Snacks and this photoset of the wrestling event on flickr.

related : Brooklyn Diner style Broadway Shake | 8 Legs left

>> more Linguistic nostalgia