M / M (Paris) MELTS IN YOUR MIND - NOT IN YOUR HANDS!

The artists Mathias Augustyniak and Michael Amzalag - commercially known as M/M (Paris) have brought their unique take on the art world to Soho.   The Drawing Center is housing the current installation titled " Just Like an Ant Walking on the Edge of the Visible".   A statement that is said to reflect the duos view of the world - which is never just as you thought it would be.   This display is a collection of stools arranged around the gallery space.  Each piece is unique and has the unmistakeable look of M/M.   You undoubtedly know their work as they have an innate ability to find the niche that fits in between creative and commercial art.   The duo designed an album cover for Bjork - Hidden Place.   Later there was a YSL ad.   The technique used in both projects had a wonderful dreamlike quality of doodles and scribbles that feel personal and out of this world at the same time.

Visit their website to see a refreshing representation of a site as well - again.. not what you would expect. -  M/M (Paris)

If you are not familiar with the drawing center, this is a great time to get acquainted.   They are a wonderful organization.   A few words about the center from their site.

"The Drawing Center has been a unique and dynamic part of New York City's cultural life since 1977. The only not-for-profit institution in the country to focus on the exhibition of drawings, it was established to demonstrate the significance and diversity of drawings throughout history, to juxtapose work by master figures with work by emerging and under-recognized artists, and to stimulate public dialogue on issues of art and culture."

The show runs through February 5th.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM; Saturday, 11 AM – 6 PM

Location

35 Wooster Street, New York, NY, 10013

tel: 212-219-2166

fax: 212-966-2976

SNOW IN CHELSEA COURTESY OF MERGE GALLERY

Merge Gallery in Chelsea offers an upbeat and colorful show this holiday season.   Featured artist Jessica Snow gives us her current exhibition " Incident in the Territory of Invention".  

Ms. Snow employs a wonderful technique of broad brush strokes cleverly framing intricate displays that stimulate the eye and the imagination.  Abstract landscapes that feel urban and natural at the same time.  Her use of color is bold and yet the pieces have an overall soothing effect.   This show is a pleasure to see.   There are so many times you can appreciate an artist's work - but never imagine having it in your home.   Ms. Snow has an ability to open your mind - but also make you want to own one of these pieces for yourself.    

The setting of Merge Gallery is also a treat.    A little jewel box of a gallery - it is a frame itself to the wonderful work it selects show after show.

Be sure to visit, this show runs through January 10th.

MERGE GALLERY  205 West 20th Street

New York, NY 212 929 7505

www.mergegallery.com

ART WORLD GREAT LOSS - Francois Xavier Lalanne

The art world suffered a great loss this week with the death of Francois Xavior Lalanne at the age of 81.  Lalanne's prolific career spanned more than half a century.   His surrealist sculptures that sometimes doubled as furniture could be wonderfully decadent or subtly demure.  One thing was constant - they brought beauty to the world.   Known for his portrayal of animals, most often sheep the artist had a strong international following.  In recent years the pieces emerged in fashion boutiques around the world.   Tom Ford's NY boutique prominently positioned a  bronze crocodile "chair" that greeted every visitor and caught the eye of every passerby.   In Beverly Hills, a delicate stag sculpture recreated the decor of Coco Chanel's apartment in the newly renovated fine jewelry boutique of the Parisian house.   Speaking of Paris, more pieces decorated the new Dior store there.   While Yves Saint Laurent himself collected Lalanne, the recent design house fans were steered by architect Peter Marino.  Marino who himself has gotten more attention lately for his personal re-invention a la Thierry Mugler circa 1990 or Mr. Eagle Bar, is the man responsible for the look of Chanel, Valentino, & Dior Boutiques worldwide.   He is an avid Lalanne collector and is said to have the largest personal collection of the artist in the world.  

I had the pleasure of meeting Claude and Francois last year at the re-opening of the Chanel boutique in Beverly Hills.  They were striking as a couple and had the room mesmerized by their presence.   Deepest sympathies to Claude Lalanne.