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12 years ago
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Day 3
As some families started to arrive early Sunday afternoon, they were greeted with the sounds of John Coltrane and Joao Gilberto, but it wasn't long before Sindy Butz was ready for our first performance of the day. Sindy's piece titled "Moral Decay" was an interpretation of how society's morals have deteriorated over time. Sindy's strong use of symbolism and association resulted in a gripping performance that left our guests with much to ponder. Our first musical performance of the day was from Jon Samson of CoCreative Music. Many of the kids joined Jon on stage as he sang his playful, yet educational songs for everyone to enjoy. The kids were truly excited by Jon's performance, but as soon as they saw the organic mini-cupcakes from Francesca Cake they darted for the table filled with treats. A few kids did stop on their way as they saw Allyson Jacobs interactive balloon dress, and they just had to add their own balloon to the growing skirt. Jewelry designer Paula Collins was also working on a very creative piece utilizing chains. Paula often works with metals in her line of beautiful accessories.
Back on stage, blues singer/songwriter Inky Glass delivered the perfect Sunday afternoon of blues with a touch of soul. As Inky Glass finished her set, AFP's DJ Gatto dropped a classic house set to keep the energy flowing. The next performance art piece on Sunday featured White House entertainer and master of escape, Thomas Solomon. Mr. Solomon challenged our guests wi[...]
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12 years ago
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Day 2
As we arrived on Saturday, we found our friend Gilf in the early stages of her impressive Wall(Russ) mural in the art garden. We're so thankful for her hard work, as she completed the mural in about 6 hours! Saturday's musical festivities began with a set from DJ Jago. Jago is a young man who we've had the pleasure of seeing develop over the last few years after he won AFP's Clash of the Artists competitions at age 13. Jake has developed a forward, high energy sound that appeals to anyone who likes to shake it on the dance floor. Taking the stage around 7:30pm, Minnie and Aya delivered our first live music performance of the day, and they did not disappoint. Their smooth, soulful sounds were the perfect start to a great night of music. Next up, was long-time friend of AFP and talented DJ Sal Leone. Sal treated our guests to a mix of deep and classic grooves as we got ready for Lachi and Meridian Gold to perform. In the art garden, Caridad Sola was preparing for her performance piece, "Deliver us from Eve-Il" which morphs the urban legend of razor blades in apples with the story of the forbidden fruit and original sin. Caridad has a way of enticing people into her world, and then completely turning the tables on what's expected. Sherri Aliberti's "Green Cocoon" performance piece was also a crowd pleaser, while Iliana Quander's interactive "Trash Couture" installation involved some unexpected additions. We'll just say that the takers likely puffed away as they st[...]
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12 years ago
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After some much-needed rest, we're back at work here at AFP, and we're more than ecstatic about this past weekend's Brooklyn Beat Festival! I'm not sure where to start, but the overall theme and feedback from the weekend was quality. Personally, and this is something that is always a focus for us is diversity. Diversity is always a big part of what we do. One of the goals of AFP has always been to be inclusive and open to all art and artists. Art for Progress is not only about providing opportunities and exposure for artists. AFP is also about providing access to the arts and turning people on to new art forms. In other words, expanding and growing the arts in the community. I think we achieved all of this over three days/nights at The Paper Box.
Day One
Friday's festivities began with an exceptional performance from El Pueblo. I had the pleasure of talking to some of the members of the band, and they are also educators and involved in charitable projects. I hope we have the opportunity to work with them again. Our next performance was from Redheadphone. We really enjoyed their international collaboration of sounds and world styles. Speaking of which, the youthful and prophetic School ov Thought contributed to the increased energy in the room, as Brett from Boundless reminded us of Chuck Brown, go-go music and his eclectic style. But, Push Method took the stage with a level of energy that was unmatched and their message came through strong, particularly when they perf[...]
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12 years ago
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For London cartoonist, JAK BURKE he believes that "art [is] a proletariat force to effect social change." And, from this artwork bashing the fast food industry, BURKE's message holds true to his art perspective. This artist isn't new to the art scene, as he contributed to DNA Magazine, Anchor Books, Gotham Magazine, AOL news, The Daily News--just to name a few. Socially powerful and blunt, JAK BURKE's no holds barred approach is one that is few in modern artworks.
-Heather Liggins
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12 years ago
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Layered paintings? I don't think I've ever seen this before. The complexity added to this painting among more by Denmark artist, Carmen Ghecca, is a trademark. She has the ability to magnify the subject with different tools. To view more artwork by Ghecca, click here.
-Heather Liggins
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12 years ago
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For its seventh New York fair, Fountain Art Fair New York is partnering with us, Art For Progress this year on Friday, March 9 through Sunday, 11 2012. It's time to mark your calendars fellow New Yorkers, art connoisseurs, artists and those in between. Showing at the iconic city landmark at 69th Regiment Armory, this show will be saturated with artists of walks. Fountain co-founder, David Kesting, says this opportunity to ulitize this space as:
“a game-changer and a big win for Fountain exhibitors and supporters....The sheer scale of the space in context with the ambitious projects of our exhibitors offers a new opportunity for the growth of the exhibition and its participants.”
This sounds ground-breaking to me, and I was an artist, this showcasing is one I wouldn't want to overlook. As more details arrive, we will be sure to share it with you.
Interested in being part of the show? Apply here.
-Heather Liggins
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12 years ago
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Starting off the New Year, AFP is pleased to be part of the New York Fountain Art Fair after recently participating in the Miami Art Basel's edition of Fountain Art Fair. With this said, AFP is now accepting applications to be part of this massive exhibit, as noted by the Miami New Times saying, "[the] fountain draws the type of unruly installations and unsettling performances that make it an unpredictable must-see…." This event will be held from March 8-11, during New York Art Week.
The deadline to apply is quickly approaching--Monday, February 6, 2012--for members and non-members of AFP to display your artwork in the show. Click here to get the details for the application.
-Heather Liggins
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12 years ago
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Featured in one of our "Art in the Morning" segments, we are highlighting Juan Manuel Parajes again, but digging a little deeper into this street collage artist.
What best describes his artwork:
Unfinished geometric elements, lines intercrossed towards the infinite... All suspended, floating, in a ground swell of manifold and solid colors...Everything, as a whole, in constant movement, but also suspended in the air...
Juan Manuel Parajes uses layers of iconic images--the late Steve Jobs, Jimi Hendrix, Malcolm X, among other visuals stimulants--creating a classic artwork, knowingly or unknowingly. His artwork has been shown at Christies Gallery in Paris, France to Villa de Arte Gallery in Barcelona, Spain, claiming an international presence. There's something always alluring about street art. Maybe it's the beauty of the unexpected. The unexpected location (outside of museum or gallery spaces) and message. Parajes manages to harness this complexity.
Want to view more of Parajes' artwork? Click here.
-Heather Liggins
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12 years ago
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As promised, here are some pictures from AFP Fountain Art Fair and Closing Party from Miami Art Basel.
To view all of the pictures, click here.
-Heather Liggins
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12 years ago
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It was a cold, Wednesday night in New York City, and I was an hour late for an art opening. Finally, I met up with my friend who was patiently waiting for me at a hotel on the upper west side holding a small exhibition for a local artist. After walking around, starring and pointing out pieces we liked, I decided to engage in the common dialogue when I usually attend exhibitions. And this is how the conversation started:
Me: I'm not really drawn towards to abstract art. What do you think about the artwork?
Friend: (long pause) How do you critique art? Do you look at the skill or craftsmanship? Who decides what is art and what isn't?
I sat there for a few minutes dumbfounded, asking myself the same questions.
It was such a simple question-how do you critique art? Being an art critic I should have a straightforward list of how to analyze art for outsiders. I was at a lost of words. My response, "I suppose you do, but whenever I look at art I search for the message or meaning within it. Just say what you like and don't like about the artworks-color, composition, anything."
From there opinions started pouring out. It sparked dialogue. Aroused the imagination. But the last question asked "who decides what is or is not considered art" is one that I've been fighting to answer. Sure there are different factors--culture, social movements, gender and political issues, etc.--that steer what fills the blank walls of large museum institutions, but there are so many artists and limite[...]
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12 years ago
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Miami Art Basel is this weekend and, as promised below is the update about Art For Progress and Fountain Art Fair exhibit. Rounding up the art-infused session from Friday, December 2 through Sunday, December 4, let's celebrate:
Please join us again for the Fountain Art Fair closing party, smART, on Sunday, December 4th, 7-10:30pm. APF is proud to produce this special event, where we will bring you the best and brightest in fashion, performance art, music, and film!
If you're in Miami for the Art Basel, you don't want to miss the exhibit and event!
-Heather Liggins
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