(GIF by Hrag Vartanian/Hyperallergic)
The master of the cat meme, Greenpoint-based artist Scott Chasse has a knack for paring down his images to their bare bones, so much so that they transform into glyphs or signs that are both familiar and alien in their message.
In his 2010 short video “Beard Fan,” Chasse takes his love of facial hair to the extreme as a figure achieves a state of rhythmic zen with his fan. GIF-like in its simplicity, the imperfections of each frame seem to freeze time as flashes of color interrupt the serene fantasy. Maybe this is a good time to meditate on the deeper issues, like Antonín Dvořák’s beard or Johannes Brahms’s beard — who wins?
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Your Concise New York Art Guide for July 2022
Your list of must-see, fun, insightful, and very New York art events this month, including Lee Lozano, Cindy Sherman, Tokuko Ushioda, Anas Albraehe, and more.
How Jean-Michel Basquiat Rose to Be King of the Art World
The art establishment was never quite sure what to do with a self-taught artist like Basquiat, who owed as much to bebop and William S. Burroughs’s cut-up technique as he did to African influences.
Stream Media Works by Korean, European, and West Asian Artists on Watch and Chill 2.0
International audiences have free access to the media collections of MMCA Korea, Sharjah Art Foundation, and ArkDes through this subscription-based art streaming platform.
Reuben Kadish’s Enduring Portraits of Human Anguish
Kadish’s fossil-like heads, forms, and figures remind us that every civilization, including our own, eventually collapses.
Remembering Margaret Rose Vendryes, Creator of the African Diva Project
In every role she held, Vendryes advocated for marginalized people and celebrated the cultural contributions of the Black and queer communities.
Center for Art, Research and Alliances Opens Space for Future (Un)doings in Conjurings
Convened by Erika Sprey, Lamin Fofana, Sky Hopinka, Emmy Catedral, and Manuela Moscoso, the public program unfolds this summer at CARA in New York City.
The Lost New York of Larry Stanton
Stanton, who died of AIDS complications in 1984, left behind an engaging body of work, a moving tribute to a bygone generation of creative minds.
New Biopics of Elvis and the Sex Pistols Share Weaknesses
Baz Luhrmann’s film Elvis and Danny Boyle’s miniseries Pistol are both overly fixated on the influence their respective musicians’ managers had on them.
San Francisco Art Book Fair Returns After a Two-Year Break
The Bay Area art book fair is back this July with free programming at three different on-site venues, new exhibitors, and fundraising editions from renowned artists.
Anti-Abortion States, These Artists Are Coming for You
In the wake of the Roe v. Wade decision, arts workers and reproductive rights organizations are collaborating on educational resources for accessing safe procedures.
Partnering With Alexandra Grant, Keanu Reeves Brings His Good Vibes to the Metaverse
The couple launched the Futureverse Foundation, a grantmaking organization that aims to “help keep the metaverse widely accessible.”
Met Museum Raises Admission Fee to $30
The museum’s “pay-what-you-wish” policy will remain in place for New York State residents and tri-state students, but out-of-state adults will pay $5 extra.