IT'S A BIRD, IT'S A PLANE - IT'S A BODY!

The latest art exhibit in Madison Square Park has some New Yorkers and tourists alike staring up at the building ledges that surround this oasis on 23rd street.   Acclaimed British sculptor Antony Gormley makes us think about our sense of space and place here in NYC.   Gormley has positioned 31 life size forms of himself in bronze and fiberglass in and around the park.   Most on building ledges.   Titled Event Horizon, the project gives you the effect of a sort of a out of this world visitation - almost like an alien invasion.   Others have thought it was distraught New Yorkers trying to end it all.   According to the New York Post, 911 has had several calls from concerned pedestrians who were confused by the forms.   The Post asked Mayor Bloomberg if he felt the sculptures should be removed as not to cause panic.   Bloomberg had a very rational reaction, which is par for the course.   The Mayor said "absolutely not",  reason being he continued, "you want an attraction that generates buzz and draws tourists to experience the art".    As usual, he is right.  

Madison Square Park is one of the most regal parks in NYC.   The last 5 years has seen the addition of multi-million dollar apartments all around the park.   The fashion crowd has also been drawn to the Ace Hotel that is just a few blocks north of the Park.   That end of Flatiron is affectionately called NOMAD - or North of Madison (Square Park).   Thank the future NOMAD luxury hotel for NY's latest Acronym!

MADISON SQUARE PARK AT DUSKTo learn more about art projects in the park - visit-  Madison Square Park   Come and see the bronze aliens now through August 15th.   See if you can find all 31!  Think of it as a high end - Where's Waldo!

Pato Paez - One NY Artist Who's Work Is On AND Off The Wall!

The creative mind can express itself in a myriad of forms.   We think of Dancers, Painters, and Writers as the creatives... but do you think Doctors?  Why don't we?   After all, who is more creative and known to think outside the box than doctors who research and study for cures and advances in medical technology?    One medical student who traded a future of charts and stethoscopes for palettes and paint is  Patricio Paez.   Before moving to NYC to pursue his career in abstract / modern art, Paez completed medical school in his native Argentina.   One look at his work leaves no question that this is the expression of a creative mind.   His use of color and broad brush strokes gives an excited and passionate feeling to its viewers.   There is an energy that comes through on the canvas... which is an extension of the artist himself who is a ball of energy in his everyday life.    With five years of solo exhibitions under his belt - Paez has come into his own sense of style and pace of work.    In 2006 Paez founded IMURI INTERNATIONAL as the company to handle his business , but also added so much more to his portfolio.   With Imuri, Pato has been able to do what so many artists are never able to accomplish by offering a more commercial aspect to his work.   Imuri offers large and small scale murals  for residential and commercial use.   Its no surprise many restaurants and offices have responded and commissioned the one of a kind creations for their establishments.    The murals also give an apartment or house a piece of art that can really become part of the place in a way maybe a canvas cannot.   For more information on IMURI or for upcoming shows  visit the website - IMURI INTERNATIONAL

Black is the old Black at F.I.T. exhibit

The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology is a treasure hidden in broad daylight.   While the museum is critically acclaimed, it remains under the radar compared to the much more editorialized Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.    F.I.T. is an incredible institution that counts many famous fashion designers as alumni.   This alumni bank has led to an internship program so rich in resources and connections, it is hard to compare with any other program of its kind.    

The current exhibit :  GOTHIC - Dark Glamour is a perfect example of the stunning execution the museum and its director and chief curator Valerie Steele is known for.  They say the Devil is in the details, and if that is true - this show is pure Evil!   From the moment you enter the underground gallery - you are taken to a dark place - both literally and figuratively.   Your eyes adjust to the beautiful darkness and these exquisite pieces of fashion come to life.   Organized in creative displays that do justice to every fashion piece on loan - this show takes you through the concept of "The Gothic" and how it carved out a niche in the fashion world.

It is no wonder that the heavyweights loan looks to F.I.T. without question.   Major Houses like Chanel, Valentino, Dior, Givenchy and more are on display.  GOTHIC - Dark Glamour runs through February 21st, 2009.

Fashion Institute of Technology  / 27th Street at 7th Avenue / Open to the public / Admission is free

Tues - Fri Noon - 8pm , Saturday 10am - 5pm. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and legal holidays.