Tag Archives: Art and Film

Boston Ballet 2012-2013 season

I’m so excited Sergio surprised me with tickets to three different performances from the Boston Ballet 2012-2013 Season.  Sometimes I think people have preconceived notions about what constitutes a ballet and believe its not for them.

Boston Ballet’s 2012-2013 season starts in about 4 weeks and it offers a little of something for everyone. Traditional performances like The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty are complemented by more modern shows that will appeal to different audiences.  Have you ever visited this respected ballet company? You may be surprised by how much you enjoy yourself.

So You Think You Can Dance

Twitch dancerOn Tuesday I was watching So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD for short). One of the performances included a former contestant who comes back periodically to dance with current contestants.  Anyone who has watched SYTYCD over the years will recognize Twitch.

I loved Twitch from the moment I saw him audition however many years ago on SYTYCD.  Here is a video of Twitch from a couple of years ago dancing with contestant, Kherington Payne.

South End Open Studios

The South End Open Studios was this past weekend.  The two-day event which draws thousands to the neighborhood, allows art collectors and enthusiasts to talk to local artists and visit galleries; all told – more than 200 studios and galleries are open.  In addition, artisans and specialty stores which comprise much of the retail space in the South End’s SoWa district (South of Washington) participated in the event this September.

Weather was perfect for this weekend’s art walk which included painters, sculptors, and designers who make jewelry, clothing, furnishings and more. Below are a few photos from a small number of the participating galleries and artists.

Bobby’s Vintage Clothing on Thayer StreetBobby's South End

SoWa has more than 200 active studios and art galleries
South End Open Studios

The caliber and variety of artwork is amazingSouth End Open StudiosNathalie Miebach

South End Open Studios

South End Open Studios starts today

The South End Open Studios starts today and runs through Sunday from 11am –  6pm each day.

This is a great free event that brings thousands into the neighborhood so arrive early if driving so you may get parking.  Most of the galleries (but not all) can be found between Waltham and Berkeley Streets on Washington Street and Harrison Avenue.

Os Gemos mural in Boston

boston public artMy enthusiasm for public art and funding these initiatives is not always shared, but I think commissioning public art installations is essential to any city and community.  So I was thrilled to see the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA-Boston) have two famous street artists from Brazil create larger than life murals in the city of Boston.

boston public artOs Gemos – identical twin brothers and street artists from Brazil – are currently hosting their first museum show in the United States at the ICA-Boston. While the show is here in Boston this large temporary mural will dominate Dewey Square in Boston’s financial district.

You may read more about the installation and view a slide show of the creation of the mural as well as the show at the ICA-Boston here.

South End Open Studios next week

South End Open Studios

Painting by: Shoshana Ernst

Not to be confused with First Friday’s, which took place last night, the South End Open Studios occurs one weekend in the spring and one weekend in the fall.

South End Open Studios September 15-16th 11-6pm 

This is a free event open to the public that showcases the works of more than 200 established and emerging artists in the South End.  While many studios in the South End participate in First Fridays, the South End Open Studios is the only time when all of the major art buildings in the South End are open.

The majority of participating studios and artists can be found in SoWa along Harrison Avenue.  Mark the date in your calendar and visit the South End Open Studios Facebook page for details, SouthEndArtists.

Sandra Bullock’s film The Heat filming in South End

Sandra-BullockThe Heat has been filming in and around Boston for quite a few months.  Earlier today we received notice that the filming which has gone on all around the area will be coming to my neighborhood (actually my street to be specific).

Filming is expected to occur Tuesday and Wednesday, August 28 – 29th.

Are you a movie buff or pop cuture addict?  Play hooky and come down to SoWa to catch a glimpse of all the fun.

Vintage gay photographs

A blog I’ve discovered online is the Winger Jock blog, which first got my attention with the recent post, 100 Years of Gay Couples, it posted last week.

The post includes 19 other pictures of gay couples spanning the last century and as Pierre from Winger Jock Blog says, “Yes, we have been around forever.

Sundead

Check out this conceptual piece,  Argentina-based artist and video director Luciano Podcaminsky created.

The image of a coffin-tanning bed sends a fairly powerful message – akin to the warning labels on cigarette packs.  I’m not sure it would stop people from using these machines but it certainly would make most people pause and think twice about what they are doing.   More images of the “sundead” tanning booth are here.

Source:  booooooom.com

Sao Paulo phone booth public art campaign

call parade100 completely useless or recently vandalized phone booths in São Paulo, Brazil, were given to talented artists who had free reign to turn them into anything they like as part of an ongoing public art project “Call Parade” sponsored by Brazilian telecommunications company Vivo.  Check out the complete list of phone booths, learn more about the artists who created the public art and find out where the phone booth is on Google Maps here.

Bodyscapes: Allan Teger

bodyscapes

Bodyscapes by Allan Teger

Earlier this summer I featured artist / photographer Lee Castoro who created RAW Fine Art – a collection of intimate photographs to address addiction.  The work of Allan Teger is more whimsical.  He captures everyday human activities using the naked form as his landscape.

If you love photography as I do, check out his website to learn more about Allan Teger and his collection, Bodyscapes.

Jason Biggs unreleased “Magic Mike” audition

Here is a leaked video of Jason Biggs auditioning for the role of Dallas for the movie Magic Mike.  Matthew McConaughey ultimately landed the role, which might be for the best if you check out Biggs’ moves at the 3:00minute mark when he starts his dancing.

Note that the clip has profanity and isn’t safe to view at work.  Not sure how long this will remain so enjoy while it lasts.

The Princess Bride

Rob ReinerBack in mid-June I wrote about the Summer in the City Entertainment Series down at the Boston Harbor Hotel along the waterfront.  One of my favorite movies was the Rob Reiner Film, The Princess Bride.

One of my all-time favorite lines from the movie: “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”

Later this week, Friday to be specific, The Princess Bride will be playing for free outside on the waterfront. I’d suggest seeing if you can finagle a table at the hotel’s Sea Grille to watch the fun unfold and sit in relative comfort while sipping a cocktail of your choosing. Sadly, while the movie is free the food at the Sea Grille is not.

Louis Vuitton waffle maker

waffle-makerAndrew Lewicki’s Louis Vuitton waffle maker is actually part of an art installation and not intended for mass distribution.  Thank God.

Source: booooooom.com

Boston Summer Arts Weekend July 27-29

Boston Summer Arts WeekendThe Boston Summer Arts Weekend starts this Friday.  The weekend celebration will showcase and blend both the Boston art community as well as nationally recognized musicians, actors and artists.

Most of the three-day festival can be enjoyed in Copley Square, but additional locations will also host artists and events open to the public. Suzanne Vega (show above) will be one of many performing Saturday, July 28th.  For more information about The Boston Summer Arts Weekend, visit the event’s website.