BEYOND BOOKS
Art Beat
By Lindsey Peckham
Big Bambu
Big Bambú, the adult playground perched on the roof of the Met, is too much fun to miss. Mike and Doug Starn, the artists who created the piece (and will continue to create it in three stages over this spring, summer, and fall), did so with the intention of demonstrating how nature, though always complete, is always growing and evolving. Pick a sunny day and climb through the graceful wilderness these twin brothers have erected.
Tribeca Film Festival
Having successfully snuck into a few Tribeca Film Festival screenings, I can say with confidence that the upcoming year in indie film looks a little gloomy: the festival was dominated by heavy-handed political documentaries and grim character studies. One bright spot, however, was the silly but smart French comedy, L’Arnacoeur, starring Vanessa Paradis and Romain Duris. It’s a light, pretty, almost thoughtless romantic romp through Monaco, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more fun movie this summer.
Art Cart
Be on the lookout in the West Village this summer for the Art Cart, a mobile museum created and curated by recent NYU grad, Hannah Flegelman. Showcasing new and upcoming talent on the modern art scene, such as photographer Erin Wahed, its aim is to bring contemporary art to the masses. More details to come, as the project gets under way.
IQ2 Debates
For a quick intellectual thrill, it doesn’t get any better than the Intelligence Squared Debates, held monthly at NYU’s Skirball Center, featuring prominent intellectuals, politicians, and international figures debating hot-button issues live, such as teacher’s unions, Obama’s foreign policy and organic farming. Each debate later airs on Bloomberg, but the thrill is in seeing it live, and as an added bonus, before each showdown there is a reception where the audience can meet the panelists. There are no words for how star-struck I became when presented with the opportunity to shake Fareed Zakaria’s hand before the Mexican drug war debate; he spoke across the table from former Mexican presidential candidate Jorge Casteñeda, and NRA Executive Board member Chris Cox. See picture of yours truly listening intently.
The Artist is Present
Be sure to check out Marina Abramovic’s exhibit “The Artist is Present” at the MoMa before it ends next week. While it is highly exhibitionist, there’s a certain intrigue to the grace and stamina of the performers, including Abramovic herself as a sort of dignified, mute queen in the midst of the pedestrian rabble of the museum.
Patrick Collins
At the end of this month, Chelsea-based abstract artist Patrick Collins unveils his new “Muse” series, inspired by the women of New York City at Chelsea Studios on West 19th Street. Bonus points if you spot the piece inspired by the author!
Lindsey Peckham is a recent graduate of New York University with degrees in both Liberal Arts and Business.