The Sound and The Future - Alex Schweder
As an artist, Alex Schweder formed the term “Performance Architecture”. The New Yorker developed a unique handwriting in his work, when transforming the understanding of architecture as an instructions providing but also identity (per-) forming element.
One of his artworks, The Sound and The Future is on display at the Design Gallery, Pratt Studio 200 at Pratt Institute from February 3 until February 9, 2020.
The Sound and The Future
On Monday invited Schweder, who is also a Professor of Design at Pratt Institute, students as well as art enthusiasts to an exclusive lecture, where the artist discussed his inflatable artworks, including The Sound and The Future.
Alex Schweder himself describes this work as “an air-powered architectural robot that reconfigures the spaces around it with hairy and metallic arms flopping and stiffening.” He once again proved in his lecture, which was open for the public, that he is not only an outstanding artist, but also succeeds in transferring his knowledge and enthusiasm to the audience.
The Sound and The Future
The artist gave a unique insight of his creative process and his individual approach to art. After the lecture Schweder himself showed his artwork The Sound and The Future and was open to questions and thoughts on his work.
The work of the performance architecture artist has been already exhibited internationally in the Museum of Modern Art, the Tate Britain, Perform 17, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale.
Alex Schweder is also a fellow of the American Academy in Rome.
Invisible Rules of Japan Exhibition
On Thursday, the Invisible rules of Japan exhibition celebrated its opening at the Noho M55 Gallery in Chelsea.
The founder of the Japanese Contemporary Artist Team, Arisa Itami, invited guests to take a glance at the exhibition, that turned out to be a real must-see, not only for fans of Japanese art, but also for everyone who is interested in exploring cultural differences.
The newest curated JCAT exhibition is on display in Chelsea from Jan. 28th to the 1st of February. But no reason to be too sad if you can’t make it, Itami plans to compile the pieces into an art book.
Itami curated a unique selection of pieces from artists that are members of the JCAT. After a warm welcome, the curator explained the process she went through selecting the artworks. The more than 200 Japanese Artists in the JCAT have the opportunity to contribute a piece to the exhibitions and the curator carefully chooses which artworks fit the best.
The Invisible rules of Japan curation is a matter that is very close to Arisa Itami’s heart, explained the curator, while showing us her one-of-a-kind exhibition. Each artwork illustrates one “invisible rule” of the Japanese culture and intends to explain these unspoken concepts that Japanese people consider as common sense.
Invisible Rule of no elbows on the table. (Artist: yaya hills)
The Japanese Kimonos are always wrapped left over right. If you don’t follow this rule, it will bring bad luck, said the curator Arisa Itami. She wants to introduce foreigners to the Japanese culture and make visitor’s stays in Japan as comfortable as possible. Due to the long isolation from the rest of the world, many of these rules are specific to the Japanese culture.
Every artwork is created on a B4 sketchbook paper and the pieces range from illustrations, pictures to pictures and other forms of art.
Itami furter emphases that all participating artists have their unique story, that is always displayed next to their artwork. This diversity is another factor that contributes to the greatness of the JACT exhibitions.
MAYU, one of the participating artists came to welcome visitors at the opening party all the way from Japan. MAYU shared not only her artwork, but also her culture and opened up that New York actually reminds her a lot of her hometown in Japan.
Based in New York City, the mission of the Japanese Contemporary Art Team is to represent talented Japanese artists from around the world and to assist these artists with their careers. JACT believes that every artist deserves to create a career from what they love to do.
The Invisible rules of Japan exhibition was a full success and we highly recommend checking JCAT’s website for their upcoming events.
Official Flyer designed by Artist MAYU.
Invisible Rules of Japan Unveiled
On Thursday January 30th 2020, The Japanese Contemporary Artists Team (JCAT) showcased their exhibition, Invisible Rules of Japan at Noho M55 Gallery in Chelsea.
Don’t Eat While Walking, Mito Nishikura
JCAT artists create art based around a theme, before compiling the pieces into an artbook. One of the aims for this exhibition was to be accessible, for both participants and audience. Each piece consists of a single piece of paper, displayed solely by a clip of the wall, allowing for portable, lightweight art. On this B4 sketchbook paper, artists express the hidden, implicit rules within Japanese culture, in a variety of mediums from illustrations and painting to collage and calligraphy.
Tegatana, Makoto Ambo
Due to Japan’s historical isolationism from the world, many customs, traditions and social cues are unknown to visiting tourists. This can result in unintended embarrassing or offensive faux pas. Invisible Rules of Japan hopes to peel back the cultural curtain and connect the world to Japanese customs, especially ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Invisible Rules of Japan, Noho M55 Gallery.
Having previously travelled to Japan myself, I saw many of the implicit rules I encountered but also some that were new to me. I learnt that when walking through crowds, it is encouraged to make eye contact with strangers and to slightly bow as a sign of respect and acknowledgment of the other person. Living in New York City this was an alien concept to me. I was also reminded about the deep rooted significance of rice, and how every single grain is precious and should never be wasted.
The store clerk will not come unless you say “Sumimasen”, youme
The advantage to using B4 paper is that the message is immediate and concise; the information required to be a respectful and conscientious tourist is easy to digest. This is further emphasised by the use of bright colors, comic style characters and bold, effective lettering. I am engaged, I am listening.
As this exhibition showed, bringing life to the culturally unspoken is powerful. It informs in a way that is non-judgmental and cordial. It builds bridges over potential misunderstandings. It breathes color and texture into the invisible.
JBF Chefs and Champagne soiree
The James Beard Foundation welcomed Padma Lakshmi as this year’s guest of honor at the annual Chefs and Champagne soiree on Saturday, July 28th at Wölffer Estate Vineyard in the Hamptons.
Chefs and Champagne is the premier culinary celebration of the summer, with New York influencers, culinary connoisseurs, and farm-to-table foodies venturing out East to enjoy unique tastings from dozens of chefs, beverage masters, and artisanal purveyors, 20 of whom were female.
Affordable Art Fair
The price-conscious art fair returned to NYC one again. Art ranged from original paintings, drawings, photographs and sculptures from 67 local, national and international galleries. With price tags ranging from $100 to $10,000. AAF is an experience that you can really only find in NYC. There is a ton of talent and you can spend as little as 30 minutes or as long as hours walking through the exhibit. You don't have to purchase anything and aren't heckled to do so.
The Armory Show
Staged on Piers 92 & 94, The Armory Show featured presentations by over 200 leading international galleries, innovative artist commissions and dynamic public programs.
Scope Art Fair
Known for presenting groundbreaking contemporary work, SCOPE New York welcomed 60 international exhibitors at its centrally-located venue. In addition, SCOPE continued its legacy of critically-acclaimed VIP Programming, with a focused schedule of events, talks and screenings. The first fair to run concurrent with The Armory Show, SCOPE New York’s spirit of innovation has consistently forged the way for emerging artists and galleries. Attuned to nuances in the market and itself an influential force in the cultural sphere, SCOPE continues to usher in a new vision of the contemporary art fair.
Secret Summer Aquarius
Aquarius is the eleventh astrological sign in the Zodiac. The Aquarius constellation is a summer constellation in the northern hemisphere. Under the tropical zodiac, the sun is in Aquarius typically between January 20 and February 18. The event will featured many delicacies of the sea as well as a bevy of sustainable seafood purveyors and premium wines & liquors.
Big Band Holidays & Hang Set
The beloved New York tradition continued at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and company warming up the House of Swing with soulful renditions of holiday classics. The must see performance ends this Sunday December 17. While you’re there, also visit the world renowned Dizzy’s Club which features southern cuisine, seasonal cocktails, and incredible nightly jazz overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
Photos by Lawrence Sumulong
NYSPCC Food & Wine Gala
The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (The NYSPCC), the world’s first child protective agency, is hosted its fifth annual Food & Wine Gala on Tuesday, November 7th, 2017, at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. This annual event brings together prominent business leaders, public officials, and philanthropists to help raise vital funding for the organization.
Food Loves Tech
Powered by Edible Manhattan and Edible Brooklyn, Food Loves Tech (FLT) is an education-by-entertainment innovation expo. From vertical farming and food delivery to virtual reality menus and plant-based proteins, FLT unites food and drink innovators, thought-leaders and enthusiasts to experience the future of food and drink.
Food Film Festival 2017
For the 11th consecutive year, the Food Film Festival returned to AMC Empire 25 to continue its tradition of marrying food and film in the ultimate celebration of gastronomy.
The Icla da Silva Foundation Hope Gala
Annual event of dinner and dance which was an unforgettable night marking the celebration of the Foundation’s 25th anniversary in achievements in fighting leukemia and other diseases treatable by bone marrow transplants. The evening's highlight was the emotional first-time meeting between a former patient with her life-saving bone marrow donor.
