November 14, 2011

Big Heads


I love these monumental portraits by Monica Alfonso, my studiomate and friend.  Well, I'm currently subletting my half of the studio, but I like to call her my studiomate anyway.  The big heads are still wrapped up from a recent exhibition.  Monica isn't on the tour this year, and neither am I, which means we have more time to be tourists.  I just got a lucky peek.  

Must See!


Joey, is that you?




My friends, Adrian and Gayla, opened up a rad new shop on East 6th.  
They represent lots of artists from lots of places.  
You can find more on their websites, 
one for gig posters and one for straight-up art.

Fur and Feathers




Okay Okay!





Good Read


I finally picked up a copy of Pastelegram
at Big Medium on Sunday!


Barry Stone is everywhere.

November 12, 2011

Lakes Were Rivers





(Re)collection, pairings of a collection with new views.  Lakes Were Rivers, an Austin-based collective of photographers, pairs a work from each of its members with a photograph from the Harry S. Ransom Center’s collection in an exhibition that kicked off E.A.S.T. at 1319 Rosewood Friday night.  Most of the duets share an evident connection.  Makes me think of Lawrence Weschler’s obsession with convergences.

I wonder if the artists made new works based on the photograph from the Ransom Center of their choosing or if they selected a work from the collection to hang with an already realized photograph.  I’m guessing the latter.  Either way, it’s a really interesting show that questions “everything that rises”.  

Much thanks to Jessica for the installation shots!


November 1, 2011

Alexandria or Siena?


Correction:  My brother explained to me that there are two St. Catherines.  One a legend, the other an early feminist and scholar in the church.  The painting at the Blanton that I have been visiting all this time is St. Catherine of Alexandria, the legend.  This is a painting of St. Catherine of Siena, the feminist, by Sano di Pietro, and the Catherine in mind when naming my sweet niece.  Thank you for the saintly lesson, Steve!

St. Catherine


Every time I visit the Blanton I stop by to see this little gem in the European galleries.  Painted by Bartholomaeus Spranger, a Flemish painter of the 16th century, it depicts St. Catherine victoriously holding down her oppressor with one foot, book in hand, as she gazes upward towards crown-bearing cherubs, or Heaven.  My brother tells me she was a scholar and a strong female figure in Catholic tradition, and also an inspiration in the naming of my niece.  Today, on All Saints Day, my darling niece turns three.  Happy birthday, sweet Catherine!