Ian Cheng: Emissaries

Ian Cheng - The narrative agents and wildlife of Emissaries (2015-2017) (click photo for larger image)American artist Ian Cheng (b. 1984 was born in Los Angeles, CA. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 2006, with a dual degree in cognitive science and art practice. 

Cheng worked at the special visual effects company of George Lucas (Industrial Light and Magic) and earned his MFA at Columbia University in NY, in 2009. “Cheng coined the art form ‘live simulations’ and popularized the use of simulation as a medium available to artistic practice.”

MoMA PS1 presents Ian Cheng’s first US museum solo presentation, featuring the artist’s complete Emissary Trilogy (2015–17). ‘Ian Cheng: Emissaries’ is a series of live simulation works created using a video game engine. Described by the artist as ‘a video game that plays itself,’ the series is comprised of computer-generated simulations like those used in predictive technologies for complex scenarios such as climate change or elections. Populated by a cast of characters and wildlife that interact, intervene, and recombine in open-ended narratives, Cheng’s simulations evolve endlessly as self-contained ecosystems. The exhibition Emissaries marks the completion of this series of works, which contemplate timeless questions about evolution, the origins of human consciousness, and ways of relating to a chaotic existence.” Cheng worked on the trilogy from 2015-2017. The exhibition is currently at MoMA PS1, through September 25, 2017. It has been organized by Peter Eleey, Chief Curator, MoMA PS1, with Jocelyn Miller, Curatorial Associate, MoMA PS1.

MoMA PS1 is one of the largest art institutions in the United States dedicated solely to contemporary art. The museum is located at 22-25 Jackson Avenue at 46th Avenue in Long Island City, Queens, across the Queensboro Bridge from midtown Manhattan, and is easily accessible by bus and subway. By subway, take either the E or M to Court Square-23 Street; the 7 to Court Square; or the G to Court Sq or 21 St-Van Alst. By bus, take the Q67 to Jackson and 46th Ave or the B62 to 46th Ave.

Michelangelo: Divine Draftsman and Designer

Michelangelo - The Punishment of Tityus (recto) - 1532 - Black chalk, 190 x 330 mm - Royal Library, Windsor (click photo for larger image)From November 13, 2017 - February 12, 2018, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC will be presenting a stunning Exhibition of works by Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) whose imagery remains “a staggering force that continues to enthrall us today.”

The exhibition will include drawings, paintings, sculptures, a wooden architectural model and more—as well as works by other artists that will help to put the great Master into a broader context. It’s a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to see the genius of Michelangelo here in the USA—in a show amassed from collections around the globe. You don’t want to miss it. 

In 1532, Michelangelo was 57 when he met the 17-year-old Tommaso dei Cavalieri, who came from a well-respected patrician family. The artist was immediately and utterly smitten by the youth's beauty, distinguished appearance, and intellect, and their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship. Michelangelo sent Tommaso sonnets, letters, and drawings—some of which will be included in this exhibit. Michelangelo promoted the young Tomasso's artistic interest by teaching him how to draw and by imparting architectural knowledge to him.

Michelangelo presented a series of drawings on classical-mythological themes to Tommaso. The drawing featured here shows a vulture gnawing at the hero's liver. On the verso of the sheet, the artist traced the outlines of Tityus's body almost identically and turned him into a Risen Christ.

Michelangelo is featured a number of times on What About Art? so you can read all about him right here!

Priyanka Tewari: Silence & Simplicity

Priyanka Tewari is an Indian artist, currently based in New York.

Being on a road to self-discovery, Priyanka believes that life is a mysterious pathway to the real world; a world that exists within each one of us. As an artist she draws inspiration from the uniqueness of life, the human existence, mysteries surrounding it and beyond.

Priyanka’s work is a combination of art and poetry that she refers to as Experimental Art. Her paintings often tell a story or a message that she conveys in the form of poetry. It aims to stimulate the senses on multifarious levels.

Join us at the OAC Steamer Firehouse Gallery on February 12th, from 2:00 - 3:30 PM, where Priyanka will be presenting and discussing her work. The address is 117 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Ossining, New York. The suggested donation is $5.00.

“Silence speaks a million words
In silence there is peace
Focus inward, listen to it speak
In outside pleasure there is no silence, no simplicity 

For simplicity is the way of life
Simple Thoughts, Simple actions are all there is
To pave the road to a peaceful life

Beware of the expectations that may arise
They’re evil, entanglement more there’ll be
Do a good deed, to do a good deed

With all the mayhem around this is not easy
How much ever I speak
One after another break the complexities in silence
For only in silence, there is simplicity, there is peace”

“A Universe of Puzzles” The Art of Tom Wills – May 27th – June 11th

(click photo for larger image)Anderson Chase Gallery is announcing an upcoming exhibit featuring the work of Ossining, NY artist Tom Wills. Tom’s has been a life working with his hands—building custom houses, blacksmithing, farming, lumbering on a 130-acre rural Maine homestead, working on the restoration of the Watts Towers in California, and working on an architecture school in Boulder.  

Ossining New York artist Tom Wills creates art inspired by our everyday humanity and its dynamic energy. The ethical tensions of our world are a major theme in his work—along with the expanding universe and its puzzles, as seen through the lens of science. 

Tom combines different printing techniques and hand coloring in a variety of ways, using a broad range of inking techniques and materials. He also brings many years of carpentry to his work, using an array of tools. Metaphors for his art emerge from his sketchbooks, photos, computer graphics, and combinations of these resources.

Tom also creates series of multi-material collages made from various “bits and pieces” as well as “backyard works” (dubbed Don’t Fence Me in)—comprised of painted collages called Scats. Tom has just completed a series of wood sculptures, as well, called In This Neck of the Woods.

The art of Tom Wills will be on exhibit at The Anderson Chase Gallery, at 65 Old Bedford Road, Goldens Bridge, NY, from 5/27 though 6/11. The Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, May 28^th  from 3:00 – 6:00 PM.

Contact

To learn more about this event, please contact

Anderson Chase Gallery - 65 Old Bedford Rd. Goldens Bridge, NY 10526

Phone: (914) 232-4843

Email: katonahartcentermedia@gmail.com

Avian Avatars

The Realist: A Red-Tailed Hawk. @ Broadway between 37th and 38th (click photo for larger image)If you're in New York City, April marks the final month to see "Avian Avatars", a group of five enormous sculptures , each symbolizing a unique, mythical bird, on Broadway’s Garment District Plazas, between 36th and 41st streets.

"Crafted from maple saplings, wire ties and found objects, the sculptures stand from 18 to 26 feet tall, with each bird sharing a unique myth. Avian Avatars is meant to indicate transformation, encouraging the public to heed to the stories about current human impact on the changing natural world."

Read all about it HERE...