Art and Interiors: Abstracts

Art and Interiors: Abstracts

My love of abstract art is no secret.  I love the colors and movement of the paintings like the one in Kelly Wearstler's home above.  I think a lot of people see abstract art as just paint slapped on a canvas but a lot of thought usually goes into the work.  Abstract Expressionist artist Joan Mitchell once said, "The freedom in my work is quite controlled, I don't close my eyes and hope for the best."  It's also clear from these examples that they can add life to any room.  I especially love abstract paintings from the 1960's mixed with furniture from the 18th-century.  Don't forget to visit the Abstract Expressionist exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art to learn more!

David Collins London flat.

Suzanne Kasler

Elle Decor, March 2008

David Hicks, 1964

Joan Mitchell painting from March 2010 Elle Decor.

Will Wick from Western Interiors magazine.

Elton John residence.

unknown

Celerie Kemble

Valentino's New York apartment.

Stephen Sills

Isabel Lopez Quesada

Stephen Elrod

Morris Louis painting in room by Stephen Sills.

Morris Louis on Reed Krakoff home.

Franz Kline in room by Miles Redd.

Courtney Giles

David Hicks

Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning and Franz Kline paintings in Eastman apartment by Billy Baldwin and photographed by Horst.

Steven Gambrel

Heather Clawson

Read More

Matisse: Radical Invention 1913-1917

Matisse: Radical Invention 1913-1917

I had the pleasure of attending the preview for Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913-1917 exhibition yesterday at the Museum of Modern Art and was blown away. The exhibition is the same one that was on view at The Art Institute of Chicago this year and is the result of a five year collaboration between the two museums. This period at the beginning of Henri Matisse's career is thought to be one of the most significant chapters in his evolution as an artist. You can see how he was influenced by Paul Cezanne and later the cubist painters including Picasso. My favorite works are those he painted during his travels to Morocco including Zorah in Yellow from 1912. The colors of teal green, blue and orange were especially inspiring. The absolute highlight of the preview was that Matisse's grandson, Paul Matisse, was on hand for the opening and made a few remarks! Can you imagine being related to Henri Matisse?! The exhibition opens July 18 and runs through October 11, 2010. Timed tickets are required so sign up soon! I can already tell this is going to be a very popular exhibition!

Read More

Counter Space

Counter Space

I am excitedly marking my calendar for the opening of Counter Space: Design and the Modern Kitchen which opens at The Museum of Modern Art on September 15, 2010. As you can see from the photo of a kitchen in Frankfurt circa 1926, kitchen design has come a long way. Kitchens used to be relegated to the basement or out buildings, a lot of which had to do with fire prevention and the fact that many people had servants. A far cry from the wide open kitchen/family rooms that are the norm today! On display at the exhibition will be two complete kitchens, many appliances, and a range of artwork. Should be interesting!

Read More

Abstract Expressionism New York

Abstract Expressionism New York

Since I've been posting about art, I figured this would be a good time to tell you about a very exciting exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art this fall. Abstract Expressionism New York will trace the development of the artist movement from it's beginning in the 1940's through to the 1960's when it reached its zenith. The exhibition will be compiled from the museum's holding and will include over 300 works by such illustrious artists as Jackson Pollack, his wife Lee Krasner, Willem de Kooning (above), Mark Rothko, Arshile Gorky, Robert Motherwell, and Joan Mitchell. I know Abstract Expressionism doesn't appeal to everyone but it is one of my absolute favorite art movements. Since most of the works aren't representational, each person who views them can see something different or just appreciate them for their expansive use of color. Abstract Expressionism New York will be on view October 3, 2010 through April 25, 2011. See you there!

Read More

Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Modern Century

Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Modern Century

I don't normally like to visit museums on bright and sunny days but I may make an exception for the new Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibition that opens today at the Museum of Modern Art. Over 300 hundred photographs that span his amazing career will be on view until June 28, 2010. My favorites are his old world views of Europe and his modern look at America. I'd also say that he was the pioneer of today's popular street fashion photography. Can you imagine if Henri Cartier-Bresson had a blog?! I definitely wouldn't wait for a rainy day to see this amazing exhibition!

“It is through living that we discover ourselves, at the same time as we discover the world around us.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson, 1952

"Think about the photo before and after, never during. The secret is to take your time. You mustn't go too fast. The subject must forget about you. Then, however, you must be very quick." — Henri Cartier-Bresson

“Actually, I'm not all that interested in the subject of photography. Once the picture is in the box, I'm not all that interested in what happens next. Hunters, after all, aren't cooks.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson

“Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson

“The most difficult thing for me is a portrait. You have to try and put your camera between the skin of a person and his shirt.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson

“The creative act lasts but a brief moment, a lightning instant of give-and-take, just long enough for you to level the camera and to trap the fleeting prey in your little box.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson

“The photograph itself doesn't interest me. I want only to capture a minute part of reality.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson

Photos by Henri Cartier-Bresson

Read More