SEMPE & ST. TROPEZ -FOREVER

NOTHING IS SIMPLE - SEMPEMy summer holiday on the French Riviera was full of wonderful and relaxing experiences.   One big surprise was to find a show of one of my favorite cartoonists on display at the Louis Vuitton boutique in St. Tropez.   Jean-Jacques Sempe is known the world over for his witty commentaries on life.   His unique style is instantly recognizable and his work has graced the cover of countless magazines over the years,  including many issues of The New Yorker.

Born in the early 30's in Bordeaux, Sempe has spent most of his adult life in St. Germain in Paris - and it shows.   His work is full of ironic and funny moments that poke fun at those who take themselves a little too seriously.   Oftentimes children star in the show by acting out behavior learned from adults.   First brought to fame by a child character he created called Le Petit Nicolas.  SEMPE ON PARENTHOOD The comic strip was largely drawn from memories of Sempe's own childhood.

I enjoyed seeing Sempe's work showcased in the newly renovated Louis Vuitton Boutique in St. Tropez.  Now incorporating a large courtyard, the LV space is impressive!

LE PETIT NICOLAS - SEMPELater that same week I stayed at the house of a family friend.  Imagine my great surprise when I realized my bedroom was housing an original Sempe poster.  The subject of the poster?  The antique fair in St. Tropez! SIGNED SEMPE POSTER What an amazing coincidence.   To make matters more interesting - the poster was signed by the artist himself!     Wow - talk about serendipity!  I couldn't have been more pleased.   My hosts were so glad I knew Sempe's work - I was about as tickled as can be.   I immediately went to Amazon on my return home to New York.   Sempe is now in my own collection forever!

To see more work by Jean-Jacques Sempe - click -

SEMPE FOREVER

WATER VIEW IN CHELSEA

What's in a view?  Everything.   I'm a big believer in the power of settings, surroundings, and elements to shape our everyday life.  

ALICE DALTON BROWN - MOONDROPSImagine my excitement when I entered the Fischbach Gallery located on New York's waterfront in Chelsea.   If the gallery were empty, the view would be still be spectacular.   Located high above the pedestrian path on 26th street & 11th Avenue, the view of the Hudson River and the expanding Hudson River Parks ( see Who New for more on the Park) is really unique for a gallery.  Nothing as they say happens by accident.   Certainly the success of Fischbach for more than 50 years is no accident. 

In the Art world there are galleries that jump on a trend in the commercial market and run with it.  Typically that lasts for a few years and a gallery fades away.   Then there are galleries that actually curate and seriously guide artists to develop a following.    Galleries of this nature, ones that nurture an artist, are far and few between.   Fischbach is such a gallery, keeping an ear to the surrounding scene, while setting a unique path.  Ahead of the commercial curve, the gallery was also one of the first to make Chelsea their home.  Of course the neighborhood is now gallery central.   ALICE DALTON BROWN - DAYLILLIES  

The current show at Fishbach- Nocturnes and Diurnes -really underscores the  power of a view.   Artist Alice Dalton Brown is known for her ability to deliver emotion and spirit through scenes that leave much to the imagination.  The scenes however don't require any imagination at all to appreciate them.    In a way they are a tease, as there is so much we don't know about what we see.   The beauty is that it doesn't matter, because Brown is able to bring a sense of joy and calm to all who look.   There are no people, no pets, and often no buildings - yet you feel at home.

Gallery Director and Fischbach Partner, Lawrence DiCarlo told me that some of Ms. Brown's devoted collectors definitely like the "happy factor" of her work.   Who could blame them?  In a world where watching the news can make you want to throw in the towel, when you find an artist whose paintings give you a lift - you buy them!  This in no way diminishes Ms. Brown's work.  Quite the opposite is true.   After all, isn't that what art is meant to do?  Any artist that can cause an emotional reaction has achieved something special.   Brown's paintings are so skillfully created,  mastering a sense of light - both Sun and Moon in this show- as well as her amazing sense of movement.   ALICE DALTON BROWN - QUIET WINDOW

You might know Ms. Brown's work without realizing it.   The artist also has a huge commercial following for her posters.   Many a young art fan begins collecting one of Ms. Brown's calming scenes  through the extensive offering of her prints.  click PRINTS. 

In this time of fiscal second guessing, happy is a great investment.   Happy is always in-style in the long run.  The show however will not be open for the long run - so get to Fischbach as soon as you can.   If you miss the show, be sure to contact the gallery for more information about Alice Dalton Brown.  They are an authority on her work, as this is her twelth show at the gallery.  Also find out the schedule of what is coming as Fishbach delivers show after show.   

After you visit the gallery, cross the street and walk down the most amazing city park on any waterfront!  for more information click FISCHBACH and HUDSON RIVER PARK. 

CHRISTINA NOT HERSELF TONIGHT

CHRISTINA AGUILERA - BIONICChristina Aguilera is back with a new album this month after taking a break for marriage and motherhood.   Timing is everything as they say, and what a difference a year or two can make.   Just over a year ago Ms. Aguilera was accused of "borrowing" the style of a largely unheard of, newly spawned internet sensation named Lady Gaga during a performance for the single "keeps Getting Better".   Christina's quoted response  -" I'm not sure who that person is" sent gossip blogs crazy speculating that the comment suggested Lady Gaga was a drag Queen.    Well all we can say for sure is - Christina knows who Lady Gaga is now.    Gaga has pushed the reset button for all pop fans like the recession did for luxury shoppers.    After Gaga, every artist has to rethink how they are marketing themselves, and is their look fresh enough to keep fans wanting more.NOT MYSELF TONIGHT - 2010

Of course, Christina Aguilera is different from most pop artists today in that she can sing.    And sing she does.   Not since Whitney Houston HARD CANDY - 2008has anyone heard notes that Ms. Aquilera if your Nasty hits on half a breath.  What she has in spades in vocal chops, she sometimes lacks in original styling or creativity.   Case in point is the cover art for the first single from the new album BIONIC.    The catchy "Not Myself Tonight"  gives Christina the chance to hit some notes and clearly, the video gave her the chance to get nasty again and be "edgy".    I just wish the shot was a little more original.   I know Madonna has a huge influence on every pop performer - but this was the cover of her last album - Hard Candy from 2008, not some obscure old photo!   In the video, she also burns down Carrie's closet from Sex & The City!

I think overall, the issue is... when you compare street smart kids like Lady Gaga and Madonna to former Mouseketeers like Britney or Christina in the creative department... there is just no comparison.     Really good intentions come off as fluff. 

I love Christina and I'm sure BIONIC will be great.   Just wanting more from a pro like Christina Aquilera.  You be the judge.   Watch the video here: