Album of the week: Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream”
Katy Perry's warm, wet and wild "Dream," on a (store) rack near you.
Katy Perry’s sophomore effort, Teenage Dream, is at times like a message in a bottle to the Golden Coast, and other times a love letter to days begone as an 80s mall punk in neon spanx.
The best thing about the album is that it is so damn hooky. (The lead-out smash “California Gurls” being the biggest culprit.) And while Katy’s sexual advances toward boy crushes often come off as forward as a two-dolla hooker, ( See “Peacock” to have those blanks filled in) she is most times endearing (See “Teenage Dream” or “Not Like the Movies”), thanks to a hefty dose of electro-inflected production from the Ke$ha-lite geniuses, Dr. Luke and Max Martin.
Throughout the album, Perry thrashes her side ponytail about to the pulsing beats and melodies like she just snorted a vat of confectioner’s sugar.
Perry has never sounded sweeter, more charming, sassier or more fun. When interviewed about the album’s ambitions by MTV, Perry said she just “followed her gut.”
Perry’s gut has allowed her to create the ultimate summer soundtrack, fueled by all the things that bring us back to our bittersweet youth, including referencing to melting popsicles, fireworks, and building forts out of bed sheets.
The feel of Dream reminds me of the time my junior year of high school that I snuck out the house late at night to drink poorly mixed homemade margaritas and drag race in the nearest White Castle parking lot.
All of this and then making it home in time to fall asleep in homeroom at 7 a.m. the next day.
It’s this kind of music that makes you want to be young forever.
And Perry’s image, which has always been effervescently youthful, adds to the saccharine quality of the tunes. Remember when pop music used to make you feel that way? Like you could blow bubbles in the bank and leave your house skipping to work on days of sunshine?
All of this isn’t to say that the album is somehow void of meat. Throughout the album are sprinkles of darkness that might reflect the somber stages of teenage development. It is also through this that, ironically, Perry exhibits growth both as an artist and as a human being. Her debut, “One of the Boys” had a similar kind of spunk to it, but the lyrics lacked any depth beyond calling would-be hipster suitors gay and kissing girls (and/or mannequins) for attention.
“Not Like the Movies” finds our heroine pounding her fists on the floor about why love is never, well, like the movies. “If it’s not like the movies, then that’s how it should be,” she croons in the weepy chorus.
“Pearl” is about a woman who used to rule the world and lost her power to the turbulent relationships in her life. She sings it like she was the girl who never got picked to play volleyball with the cool kids in P.E.
Through these revealing nuggets of truth, one can sense that while Perry splashes in her warm, wet and wild fountain of youth, she realizes such youth is not always the dream we imagine it to be. It’s a lot like the picture of real life, it’s just that Perry chooses wisely – in an age of destruction and hopelessness – to sugarcoat it.
-Mickey Woods
New Pop Vintage 2008 – New Design High
One of my all-time favorite stories featured the kids at New Design High School. ND High is located on the Lower East Side and has this amazing rooftop painted with all of these graffiti murals. The iron canopy and sheer size combined with the amazing pieces make it one of the most breathtaking sites in the city. In 2008 Tone & I spent the day with them documenting the art and talking to the kids for the old Tone & Trevz series. Check out the video, it’s allot of fun and so New York.
Trevz
GTKU – Natalie
Life is like a box of Chocolates, so are people. That is the inspiration behind the Getting to Know You project. Meet Natalie who I met walking across the Williamsburg bridge, Natalie’s mission is to fold a thousand cranes and document it on her tumblr.
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Styles of the Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit event
So I hit up that event for the Need For Speed - Hot Pursuit game premier with Trevz the other night for The New Pop. I was in hot pursuit of some great fashion, and of course, this being NYC, I found it. I couldn’t help but notice that style was out in droves. I felt inspired by what I saw at the Classic Car Club – the dope fashions ranged from a vintage couture look to empire-shouldered frocks in the vein of pop starlets like Rihanna and Lady Gaga.
Enjoy.
M
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Light Asylum, Asa Ransom, These Are Powers (and more!) @ Cameo Gallery!
Yo kids,
So I had a great time last night and I’m here to fill you in. My girl Amber filled me in on another show happening in good ol’ BK, so I had to hit it up. This time, we, and a new friend, an indie artist named Lelia Broussard from LA, hopped the L to Cameo Gallery. (Check out her tunes, by the way!)
I’d never been, but was immediately impressed by the sort of cocktail lounge feel in the front, and the standing room only stage part in the back. We sipped a couple $4 Miller High Lifes and (FREE!) shots of bourbon, and headed to the dance floor.
In the back, the room was lit up with strobes and stage lights of every color imaginable. People were dancing and the energy was perfect.
The first group I caught was Light Asylum, which is fronted by Shannon, whom I met after the set. We caught the last song, but I want to hear more. There was something vaguely Crystal Castles meets Yeasayer about them. Shannon announced a (FREE!) show Wednesday on 12th and Bedford, I believe…. you guys should check them out. Whatever it was, it was hot!
I only caught one hot track, but I still got a decent pic! 
As the speakers boomed hood joints all night long (Soulja Boy and Ciara club mixes), I was meeting people. This hot couple below, Marie and Joe, head the band Hexa-Whorra. Their mashup of electronica and acoustic music would’ve suit them well for the venue.
YES.
Next up was Asa Ransom – Amber had heard them before and told me great things, so I went in with high expectations. They were exceeded. They had a very dark, Bowie-glam vs. She Wants Revenge stomp to it. The guitars crunched and buzzed and the bass driven beats evoked something delightfully evil.
I ran into The Loneliest Monk’s Michelle and Miles, from the last post, who were still in town, heading to Providence, Rhode Island for a show. Michelle and Miles played in Chicago with Asa Ransom a few times.
This is how I officially decided they were good.
Check the guitar! Hot, right?
Dark harmonies accentuate bitchin' rock dance tracks.
Finally, I saw These Are Powers. Before and during the show, lead singer Anna Barie was handing out popcorn and candy. When I interned at Secretly Canadian in Bloomington, I remember they were a band signed to SC’s sister label, Dead Oceans. My, has their sound (and look!) evolved.
They hit the stage with what I’d like to call “electro-hood.” Anna caught my attention with her Karen O-isms. She squealed and squawked and purred and harmonized (while breakin’ it down) over some of the hottest beats I’ve ever heard. I hadn’t heard much of their new material til now. Check out their MySpace for more. My fave is “Candyman,” naturally. I’d love to catch up with them for an interview.
THESE. ARE. POWERS!
It was also during this time that I met a “chocolate Marilyn Monroe,” in the form of a man in drag. His explanation?
“Marilyn’s been sleeping.” Marilyn did go onstage during These Are Powers to sing “Happy Birthday” Mr. President-style to a friend.
Tomorrow, I head to an EA Sports event with Trevz- should be loads of fun. In the meantime check out the hot pics after the jump.
The "Chocolate" Marilyn.
Can anyone else say FIERCE? Check out Becca's fly hair.
Amber in her cut up Misfits tee. <3 I. Love.
And yours truly.
XO,
M
PaperFleet, Jenny and the Holzers, Hollows and The Loneliest Monk @ Bruar Falls!!
Hey kids,
So yours truly, Mickey, is back after a week’s hiatus. The week has been filled with Gaga craziness, which I’ll fill you in on in a bit.
Until then, here’s a recap of last night’s festivities. I headed to good ol’ Billyburg with some friends for what I thought was a diverse and interesting concert at Bruar Falls. I had only been once, and was in love with the fact that they had $3 Rolling Rocks (!!!!). Oh, and yummy tap water to battle the heat. Plus, it’s just a chill bar in general, which I guess is a word to describe many bars in Billyburg. HA
Merch.
First up: Jenny and the Holzers. They had an aggressive, punk-driven sound, and were lead by vocalist Sarah Liller. Many of their songs were two minutes tops. I got a 90s garage feel, like a girl-power Less than Jake or Barenaked Ladies, even.
I told Sarah afterward that I could have easily been watching MTV’s ol’ skool classic, “Daria” and listening to their music. Songs like “Abuse of Power” and “Go All Out” definitely made me feel like a hard-headed teenager, in the best way. Check out their music here.
Jenny and the Holzers bring the punk to Bruar Falls.
PaperFleet was up next. The quartet brought something that was much louder and rockier. It reminded me of something distinctly Southern, motorcycles and chain-smoking.
Three words I’d use to describe them are acceleration, power and heart (3 of the 4 members were on guitar). The venue got more packed as the band’s meaty sound powered the crowd.
“Jailbreak” was a favorite of mine, with its youthful lyrics, and hard-edged sound. I caught up with singer and guitarist Jim afterward and he gave me a copy of their new CD, “Hi Sailor.” If you’re looking for something to toss ur hair to, their a good listen. Check ‘em out on their website.
PaperFleet take flight at Bruar Falls.
Now for the Chicago half of the post. Maybe I’m partial because that’s my hometown (WHAT UP CHI-CITY!!!!!), but these next two bands were amazer-lazers.
Hollows rocked my (white) sox. The crowd was smiling and bobbing their heads to cute songs powered by keyboard, guitar, drums and seamless harmonies.
The mostly girl-powered band (minus the male drummer) all raced together like one of those artfully fucked up kindergarten finger paintings. The ladies sounded like schoolchildren (from the 50′s!) playing at recess.
It’s all quite delightful, actually. The band even played a song called “Muncie, Indiana,” what up MIDWEST?! It was refreshing to see them play. Here’s their music.
Hollows mix 50's malt shop pop and trouble in the best way.
Finally, it was time for The Loneliest Monk (born from the time that MTV VJ Tabitha Soren messed up the pronunciation of Thelonious Monk.
Also hailing from Chicago, this band, comprised of 4.5 year partners Miles and Michelle, are friends of Amber’s from her days in Chi-City.
Their music was just as passionate as I’m sure the relationship is. Michelle plugged in her cello to give it an electrified sound. It was nothing short of breathtaking and beautiful.
Miles got his Gothic Gaga on, as he took to the stage in a masquerade mask and drummed his heart out to their haunting, well-balanced songs musing on love, lust, loneliness and heartache. I hope they move to New York and bring that ferocious talent with them. Music. HERE.
The Loneliest Monk KILL IT. 'Nuff said.
After the show, I told them how great I thought they were. Michelle told me that “Music is therapy.” While many artists say this, I believed her.
It was awesome to see such a diverse range of talent do their thing.
Headed to The Roots!
Peace & Love,
M
New Pop Vintage – Whole In The Wall (R.I.P. Rammallzee)
Legendary Graf Writer Rammallzee passed away today. I only saw him once at the Whole In The Wall show I documented last year. He had one of the coolest pieces. I overheard someone saying that may be the last time we would see him. That night Rammallzee was acting really strange; mumbling under his breadth, buzzing around like a hummingbird, not speaking to anyone, a few weeks later a friend of mine who knew him told me that was just who he was.
The photo below (courtesy of The Arab Parrot) Rammallzee had that icy look on his face because this stodgy artsy couple told Rammallzee not to touch the art not knowing who he was or that the piece he was touching was his piece. If you think the look on his face is funny you should have seen the couple. I caught the same scene on video from a different angle. (You can see it about 2:00 in) He was one scary dude.
Trevz
NYC Pride Overview: The fierce, the fab, the fantasy
Hey kids,
So I checked out NYC Pride the other day. My first time experiencing it was nothing short of incredible.
The only thing I did mind was the heat. I must have walked approximately five miles. I showered three times yesterday.
Things got started with the Pride parade, which was the most interesting mix of crazy, hot, sickly fierce and original fashion, politics, art, expression, and love.
Check out some of these pics from the festivities. Me and my friends got front row at the barricades!
My voice went hoarse from yelling “WORK!” to those deserving of such a catcall.
Candy Land Couture
This was during the Puerto Rican portion of the parade
Bubbles came out the back 
Navy uniforms, rainbow flags
I like that she posed when she saw cameras flashing. FIERCE!!
Sidenote, speaking of “workin’ it,” I loved the way the New Yorkers booed the new mayor when he was announced on the float. They keep it real all day, everyday.
PrideFest (the annual street fair of sorts) was next – over on Hudson. There was a slew of local and up-coming national performers, including headliner Antigone Rising. I only saw two acts. One’s name is fuzzy but his song /dance moves was hot.
The other was Lex Z. Check out her website at lexzoutloud.com. I’ll just leave it at that.
Anyway, after a wonderful $10 dinner at Cafe Tasia (appetizer, Merlot AND entree), I slept, showered and recharged before hitting up Phoenix on 13th and Ave A. It was like a hipster version of gay pride, if you will. There, I met up with Carolina and Jason, whom you will remember from The Scene’s Episode 3.
We watched as the band Little Victory revved up their guitars and cruised through sociopolitical songs bashing bitchy gays and homophobes.
They had a fabulous, radiant energy. The bar was dark and packed body to body, and surprisingly, it was cooler inside than it was outside! I only had room to sip my ($5!) Long Island.
After that, we went back to Carolina’s to get dolled up for Greenhouse Sundays, which is notable for its guests in costume.
Time for more sweat. The club was packed.
Me and the crew got on top of a booth adjacent to the DJ booth and danced like it was 1999. We had a great time, but my camera died in the midst of grinding and droppin’ it like it was hot (because it was hot, in the club, I mean). 
So no pictures from that…
But check these out:
Little Victory score big win with crowd @ Phoenix
From left: Jessie (KITE!) and Jason (CAPE!) before the Greenhouse sweatshow.
Getcha stunna shades on
Overall, NYC Pride gets an A+ for being the most diverse, intense, saturated, and expressionist event I’ve seen since I’ve been here. Can’t wait for next year.
XO,
M
(Costume) Party/Unreported Crimes @ BPC
Hey kids,
So we loved it. And we had a great time. Despite the lack of costumes – Amber, Eunice and I came decked out, but it was still fun.
I was a little worried that we were gonna miss out on the fun. The party started at 11:30 and we thought that we wouldn’t get there in time to see my buddy Rob Melso, and his rock/hip-hop band, Unreported Crimes, do their thing.
We caught a cab from 4th St after being super far uptown, and walked in right as Rob and co. were hitting the stage.
Sidenote: The Bowery Poetry Club is a great little spot, cupcakes and pies sold in the front, an intimate stage, dive-esque lighting and full service bar in the back behind a curtain.
Rob chattin' it up Outside the Bowery Poetry Club.
Unreported Crimes showcased a sound that was fun and party-hardy. The band cruised through covers of songs like The Beatles’ “Come Together” and Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up.” Their original songs had a feel good Cali vibe to them. My personal favorite song of theirs was a track called “Millionaire.” And Rob, who was lead guitar, was killin’ on the rhymes. Had no idea he could rap. Anyway, I enjoyed it.
Unreported Crimes arrest the audience 
At one point the guys brought girls on stage to do a cute call and response song called “Girls.” Kinda reminded me of the Beastie Boys. Hilarious.
At the end of their set, Amber, Eunice and I went to get more $3 PBRs when a random, crazily sicknasty hot beat broke out over the speakers.
A chick with blue hair by the name of Toxic Egyptian was rockin’ the stage. It was a treat. Not only could she spit, but she had maaaad style and a quirky, yet commanding sound and stage presence.
Toxic Egyptian commands attention during her brief set at the BPC
I later found out she was from Philly and does shows in NYC every now and then. Would love to profile her.
Alright, here are the goods. More pics. More fierceness. Until next time, check out Unreported Crimes and Toxic Egyptian on MySpace Music.
Congratulations, Toxic, you WERQ'd so hard! GET. IT.
Zuly was one of the girls dancing onstage. Had to catch a picture. Her outfit was fantastico.
From left Eunice in Black Barbie and Amber in Sailor Couture
Rob Melso of Unreported Crimes, Me (RAWR) and Amber hangin after the show
Get yer leather on.
Lovelovelove,
M
The Pretty Reckless @ PUMA Social Club!
Hey kids,
Mickey here. So I just got back from the PUMA Social Club, in the heart of the Seaport, Lower East Side Manhattan. Never been til tonight, and I gotta say it was swanky. My buddy Eunice tipped me off to this and let me be her plus one.
Since it is supported by the PUMA brand and World Cup has been crazily captivating, well, the world, there were flags and maps of Africa just about everywhere.
But tonight I wasn’t seeing soccer stars, but 16-year-old Gossip Girl star Taylor Momsen with her band, The Pretty Reckless, at an exclusive event hosted by the always-chic Nylon magazine.
Guests gather for The Pretty Reckless at PUMA Social Club in Seaport
Pretty Reckless frontgirl Taylor Momsen points to a dancing fan
There were swirling strobes, what seemed like a fleet of photographers, and fashionistas inspired by Gaga and pop art in attendance.
I have to say, I was shocked, not only with the decent turnout, but with The Pretty Reckless themselves. They’ve gotten buzz from Taylor’s star power, but have made a name for themselves since forming last year. They have since signed with Interscope Records and are currently on the Vans Warped Tour.
Taylor, clad in tights, an oversized NYC T-shirt and eyes covered with dark mascara, got her Courtney Love on as the foursome rocked out to Hole-esque tunes from their new self-titled EP. The jams included “Zombie,” “Miss Nothing,” and “Make Me Wanna Die.” Something tells me this Gossip Girl will make for a great interview.
Tay-tay gets her C. Love on.
In addition to mingling with fierce guests (see below), I got free coconut water samples, and had my picture taken for The Studio Booth and Wire Image. Eunice and I even got to hang with DJ Josh Madden before the show started.
Yes!
Check out the hotness of the night below (I mean, hello, a fashion magazine did host this shindig!)
I had an amazing time.
Eunice, DJ Josh Madden and Mickey (thaaat's me!) chill before the PR set
(From left) Natalia and Amanda were at the Nylon party WERKIN like the rent was due!
Mr. Chris Reed rocked a hot vintage look.
One word Ni'ma uses to describe her fashion interests: everything. I say: fly and flashy.
Tomorrow, I head out to the L.E.S. again for a art/rock show put on by the fine fellas of Con Artist Gallery. Keep it locked at The New Pop.
Check The Pretty Reckless on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theprettyreckless
Also, pick up the latest issue of Nylon, featuring cover girl, M.I.A., on stands now!
XOXO,
M
Elevator Fight @ The Delancey!
Hey kids,
It’s Mickey here. So, I moved to New York a month ago, and I’m getting my feet wet in the scene, and I must say, this was a great show to help kick things off.
I’d been stalking Elevator Fight (a Philly-based band fronted by the one and only Zoe Kravitz) on the low since I heard buzz about them at South by Southwest, which I was lucky enough to attend this year. They’ve also been the topic of hot discussion in mags like Paper and New York. And of course, they visited The New Pop Loft not too long ago for an interview.
This rising band was everything I hoped for.
Zoe rocks an intimate crowd at The Delancey
The crowd (filled with plenty of fly young’uns) danced to alternative pop-rock jams that buzzed and screeched on bass and electric guitars. Zoe’s voice has quite the bite to it, I must add. I loved the way she didn’t seem to care if her whiskey was spilled, or if some in the crowd didn’t dance at first.
She broke the ice by saying, “This is our soundcheck,” before breaking into breezy, yet hard rockers about the Illuminati such as “Get Up” and “Ragin’.”
Take five.
After the show, we all hit the rooftop, which seemed surprising exclusive with it’s low white couches and large island plants. And you best believe, the bottles were poppin’. (I indulged in a tasty Long Island, the drink of choice for many last night.)
I hung out with the drummer and the electric and bass guitarists: Joe Baldacci, Dominic Angelella, Nick Bockrath, respectively, after the show. (Shout out: Dominic’s mom Marianne even hung out for a bit! She let me stand in front of her briefly to get some pics of the band.)
Check out pics below of the party. I had a blast, and would LOVE to see Elevator Fight perform again.
The life of the party
- Brittany from Long Island is sippin’ a Long Island
Me (Mickey!) hanging with Nick, Dominic and Joe of Elevator Fight (from left).
To All My Video/Art Geeks: Scion Installation 6
The Scion Installation 6 tour focuses on the medium of video, which emerged in the 1960s and has since expanded galleries into more experimental, kinetic and interactive spaces. ”Installation 6: Video challenged 10 artists to create non-narrative video installations that will transform five unique exhibitions. Previous participants include: Blek le Rat, Mr. Cartoon, Crash, Daze, Futura, Ricky Powell, Rammellzee, Kenny Scharf, and many others.
There will an open bar (Beer & Wine) So you don’t want to miss this. I sure won’t. Its happening at Eastern District, 43 Bogart Street Brooklyn.
We have a special limited guest list. To RSVP email spincontrolpr@gmail.com before 3pm Friday. Mention New Pop in the subject line.
Check out the promo vid and flyer below. See you there!
Scion Installation 6: Video – Brooklyn Preview from Scion ART on Vimeo.
Style Wars 2: The Battle of the Street Artist
This has been a busy week in the world of Street Art.
On Monday a bunch of Banksy pieces started appearing all over the city promoting his film Exit Through The Gift Shop.
Then yesterday Poster Boy gets 11 months at Rykers for failing to appear in court.
Followed by the defacing of the Banksy pieces with the words “Free Henry! Poster Boy”
Also on Monday Shepard Fairey’s May Day wall on Houston & Bowery gets a gritty old school facelift from ADEK, JADE, FUCT & REFRY.
Looks like the old guard Graffiti Artist want to put the “Street” back into Street Art.
Shouts to We Stole The Show for the Banksy update.
Trevz
Exit Through the Gift Shop – Are Warhol’s 15 minutes up?
I finally got around to seeing the street art documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop. This much hyped documentary is one of the more fascinating and entertaining films I have seen in a long time. It poses the age old question ‘what is art?’
Many people feel like (and there are clues to suggest) that this film is a manufactured experiment. An insiders joke orchestrated by the Master Prankster and the most well known street artist Banksy. A commentary on how easily the masses are “Brainwashed.” The film focuses on a French filmmaker named Thierry Guetta who seemingly transforms himself into an art star overnight and goes by the nom de plume Mr Brainwash. Even if this film is a complete work of fiction scripted for gullible audiences it still holds up as a fascinating commentary on the concept of Pop Art and a look into the birth of the Street Art movement. The idea that one can appropriate everyday items, utilize assembly line techniques, brand it and call it art has been called into question on the big screen.
Knowingly or unknowingly Exit Through the Gift Shop reveals that The Emperor that is Street Art has no clothes. The Street Art movement finds much of it’s inspiration from Andy Warhol’s factory and the assembly line techniques born out of that legendary space. This film places street artists in the very same cross-hairs that took aim on the mighty Warhol. In less than 6 months Mr Brainwash manufactures his own stardom utilizing the Warholian blueprint. The question arises, if all it takes to be an art star is a great marketing strategy and a craigslist ad (Which is how Mr Brainwash finds his little elves) then when does it cease to be art and start to be product? And it begs the bigger question, is this Pop Art movement all a big fraud? Are Warhol’s 15 minutes up?
I have been a fan of street art since the mid 90′s and after leaving the theatre I found myself really struggling with the question, is this art? Suddenly I challenged my own visceral appreciation of this movement because the process was being called into question on the big screen. It is this debate that make Exit Though the Gift Shop a stimulating and entertaining film.
Check out the trailer below.
Trevz
Dan Sabau Artist Profile
Our Pernod Absinthe Creator Of series continues with Dan Sabau artist, musician, renaissance man : )
Very Naughty Caligula Maximus
Walk past the Ellen Stewart Theatre on East 4th street around 7:45 – 8:00 and you can’t miss it, the real Jesus Christ nailed to a cross. This might explain why there was a full house at last nights performance of CALIGULA MAXIMUS. Or maybe the audience found out that adult film star and Penthouse Pet Justine Joli along with a cast of stealth acrobats, bodybuilders, showgirls and freaks would be running around the stage bare naked. Or maybe word got out that there is a scene where the cast in all their naked glory invites the audience to join them on stage. Or maybe it was the free beer and hot peanut giveaway right before the show. Whatever they did to pack this young, hip audience into this converted Townhouse worked.
Co-written by Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner (owner of The Box) CALIGULA MAXIMUS stars Ryan Knowles as the campy and charismatic Caligula. On the political incorrectness scale I give this production a 9. I had it right around 7 1/2 until they went into the Slavery is Sexy number. I would be pissed if it wasn’t so campy. Anyway the show wraps up on the 17th of April which gives you two days to catch it. If last night’s crowd was any indicator good luck getting a ticket. I posted the info below along with some cool shots from the website.
Presented by La MaMa ETC, Hammerstein and Weiner, Christopher McElroen, Alfred Preisser, and Kingsize, USA, at La MaMa ETC, 66 E. Fourth St., NYC. March 19–April 17. Thu. and Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 8 and 10 p.m. (212) 352-3101, (866) 811-4111, www.theatermania.com, or www.lamama.org.
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The Reinvention of Barry McGee
Barry McGee was recently asked to re-install his work at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art for its 75th Anniversary retrospective. I remember back in 1999 on one of my regular flaneuring sessions I saw a crowd of folks in front of a Soho gallery gathering for a show. Upon further investigation I discovered one of the coolest exhibits I ever saw by the artist “Twist” AKA Barry McGee. This exhibit titled The Buddy System was McGee’s first New York solo show. There are few things that equal the excitement of being totally surprised by a new voice in art. Check out the video from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, as well as some photos from that show I walked into back in 1999 courtesy of Deitch Projects.
TrevzNewPop
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Mr Brainwash ICONS
Yesterday I posted the teaser for the film “Exit Through the Gift Shop” by Bansky. Bansky stated that this film started out as a documentary about him but he decided to turn the camera on the director Thierry Guetta because as he put it “he was actually allot more interesting than I am so the film is about him.” In the process of turning the tables on Thierry, Banksy documented the transformation of the videographer formerly known as Thierry Guetta into the art-star currently known as Mr Brainwash. I have been a fan of Mr Brainwash for many years now. If you have been to my apartment you have probably seen the Obama Superman poster (pictured below) signed by Mr Brainwash himself. It hangs right alongside the Neckface tag I ripped from a subway ad many years ago. I’ve been lucky getting my hands on works from a couple of the more iconic artist of this generation.
Speaking of iconic, Mr Brainwash has a show titled ICONS running through the end of April. It has been a smash and I suggest you see it. I haven’t had time yet, but I will before it closes. Here is a really cool video by Jeremy Sewell documenting the show which includes a really cool interview with Mr Brainwash himself. After seeing this video it’s hard not to love Mr Brainwash. His positive message is inspiring. The title of his first show in L.A. said it all…
LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL.
TrevzNewPop
Exit Through the Gift Shop
Here is a preview for the much anticipated film Exit Through the Gift Shop by the worlds most reclusive artist Banksy.
“Exit Through the Gift Shop, the first film by renowned graffiti artist Banksy, became the hottest ticket at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival where it made its world debut. Banksy is a graffiti artist with a global reputation whose work can be seen on walls from post—hurricane New Orleans to the separation barrier on the Palestinian West Bank. Fiercely guarding his anonymity to avoid prosecution, Banksy has so far resisted all attempts to be captured on film. Exit Through the Gift Shop tells the incredible true story of how an eccentric French shop keeper turned documentary maker attempted to locate and befriend Banksy, only to have the artist turn the camera back on its owner with spectacular results.”
It opens April 16th in NY at The Sunshine Theatre and Lincoln Plaza
TrevzNewPop