Now: Summer Gallery Guide Part I

Now: Summer "To-Try" List

Don't get me wrong: I am well aware that my generation embraces the so-called "hipster" movement.   I have also realized that being an art historian (or anything associated with art - Thierry Guetta is absolutely NOT included here) comes with its territory of labels - most of which I'm proud to live with.

This summer, like most summers of youth, has been a growing experience: complex and uncomfortable, as well as simple and beautiful.  In honor of this paradox we call "summer" I have compiled a list of things "to-try".  Join me if you dare.

1. Buy a vintage bike, and actually commit to restoring it! Mine? A 1977 Schwinn Collegiate

2. For god's sake - PLANT something, or, lots of things.

3. As you know from my previous post - read, read, READ.

4. Push yourself to start random conversations (and yes, with random people).

5. Try to get your hands on student-ran campus publications. Mine? The Barnard Bulletin, YOTS

6. Go on iTunes and listen to random artists, albums, and songs - discover something new - then promote them.

7. Fight for a cause.  Mine? I am a feminist.

8.  Speaking of feminism - take a look at this empowering blog.

9. Write a letter, ride your newly restored bike to the post office, and mail it to your best friend.

10. Wake up at 6:30am (or sometime much earlier than normal), grab a tea, and sit outside.

11. Watch a documentary (if you're an art person and are in the mood to be left perplexed/angry, try Exit Through the Gift Shop by Banksy

12. Stop tanning.

13. Take a weekend trip! Mine? Chicago, this weekend!

14. Stop being so judgemental and go on a date with someone of the same sex

15. Type "hipster" in on Urban Dictionary - have a good laugh, and be proud of our generation.

Artist Series: Alexander Newman

Photo Courtesy of Alexander Newman

I am posting this announcement a little early (out of pure excitement) - during my undergraduate career as an art historian at Miami University I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with several art studio students - one of them being Alexander Newman (photography focus).

During the Art Open House in Spring 2011, I happened across a self-portrait (NOT shown here) taken by Alex, and it shook me - in the best of ways.  Working mostly in black & white, Alex recognizes the essence of everything he captures - especially himself.

I don't want to speak too soon, or say too much before our interview! Check out his great website in the mean time!

Alexander Newman

Now: Summer Reading

During the school year, I find it hard to truly enjoy leisure reads.  Before my move to Buffalo, I pass my time by 1) working (of course) and 2) reading, reading, reading!  In my architecture class last year my professor brought Edmund Burke's work on the sublime to my attention - so I just had to have it!  Burke's essay is humanist (and spot on) in the purest of ways.  I've come to understand (and appreciate) fear, love, and passion for all that they are - especially for what these emotions have given art.

By far my favorite scholar of art history is Rosalind Krauss of Columbia. Her 1972 essay in Artforum "A View of Modernism" still gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes. 

                                   "He wants to be Velázquez so he paints stripes"

Under Blue Up discusses what Krauss coins as the, "post-medium condition" where she believes that the medium of any work has moved from being absolute to obsolete as a result of postmodernism.  Definitely a worthy read (especially if you're heading to graduate school)!

Read, and enjoy!

Blog Series: Bates and Cooper

My lovely friend Kathryn Cooper in Luxembourg - co-founder of Bates and Cooper

Recently graduating with a degree in Communications and a natural eye for bohemian, yet tailored street-style, Cincinnati-native Kat Cooper has developed a personal/street style blog with Sam Bates (New York) - Bates and Cooper.
Upon purchasing my olive green jogger pants from Topshop- I sent Kat a quick message asking for style advice for my upcoming trip to Chicago.  Within a day I had an email with an exquisite portfolio of options (one even named after me, how lucky!):

I have no doubt in my mind that with Kat's move to New York - she will take the street-style and blogging world by storm.  Following in the (rather impeccable) footsteps of Scott Schuman and Garance Doré. 

Thanks, Kitty!