Posts

The Art of 'Rocky'

Rocky is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a variety of of events. Besides enjoying the movie's rerelease next month, folks will be able to purchase collectibles like a popcorn bucket depicting Rocky Balboa climbing the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art . Speaking of the museum, one of their recent exhibits was inspired by Rocky . Rising Up offered work made from antiquity to the present, spotlighting stories about Philadelphia's boxing legends,  immigrant neighborhoods, and the fight for the future of public spaces. And on November 13, nearly 45 years after its original unveiling in 1982, the Rocky statue is being rededicated at its new permanent installation site at the top of the art museum steps.  This will be followed by a temporary installation. At the end of November--dates are still tentative--for one week only, the statue will sport a one-of-a-kind knitted boxing ensemble, created by over 60 local knitters and textile artists. The project will feature b...
Post a Comment
Read more

Paul Reubens' Art And Archives

  Paul Reubens --AKA Pee-wee Herman --began his career at the Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles. So it's appropriate that Julien's Auctions will present  Paul Reubens' Big Auction    live at the venue at the end of the month.  Bids will be accepted online too, and lots include a piece of art the performer made, using his own handprint as well as ''food'' (made of clay and other materials) from Pee-wee's Playhouse .  This TV show inspired a fan to create a replica of the Clocky character. It will be auctioned off on the 28th of October, as will posters from the ''Big Adventure'' movie and items from the star's personal collection, such as high school ephemera; bow ties and tiki shirts; a group of salt shakers (ranging from the Village People to a squirrel); and an assortment of seahorses, made of glass. ceramic, and plastic.  Highlights from the auction will be displayed at the Groundlings Theatre from October 14-28. This will b...
Post a Comment
Read more

Stormy Weather

This weekend's Nor'easter has led to a lot of cancellations. Among them are two of Ed-Sheeran 's concerts. The singer was to play last night and this evening at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.  Many more entertainers had been set to play Oceans-Calling in Ocean City, Maryland . The entire three-day festival (September 25-27), was scrapped. The line-up included Ludacris , the Goo Goo Dolls, Hootie & the Blowfish, My Morning Jacket, Everlast, Shaggy, Liz Phair, Hanson , and the Dave Matthews Band .  Last night, AC/DC was not able to bring their Power Up tour to East  Rutherford, New Jersey. The MetLife-Stadium concert has been postponed. The new date is the second of October. Doors open at 5:30 for the 7 p.m. performance. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Mattel's Musical Salutes

Ever hear of the Kenbassadors ? The collection began last year when Mattel decided to focus on men who have made a huge cultural impact (much like Ken , who is now 65).  LeBron James was first. The latest Signature Kenbassador doll is Lenny Kravitz . Lenny is being honored for his career as a singer, songwriter, musician, producer, actor and designer. So is his Blue Electric Light tour. Another performer was recognized by Mattel during the summer. The  Barbie Signature Miley Cyrus doll celebrates Miley's work as a musician and actress, as well as her advocacy for self-expression.  Miley, who grew up playing with Barbie dolls, said she appreciates the attention to details ''down to the shape of the shoe, leather jacket, the belt, hair dimension, and sunglasses.'' Visit https://creations. mattel.com/products/lebron- james-barbie-kenbassadors- doll-hrm33 to check them out. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Banana Art

Studio Trikken is a Swedish-based graphic design studio run by John Schulisch and Johan Elmehag . They are also developing their own projects, special collaborations, and creative outlets. That includes a new book which Johan told the Art and Music Guide about. AAMG: Banana Art Book  would also make a good exhibit, especially with over 100 artworks to choose from. JE: We are looking into that, but nothing is set yet.  AAMG: Who are some of the book's contributors? JE: The artists come from all over the world! There's a wide range, from art students to renowned design studios. We aimed for a variety in style, technique, and type of participant. At the same time, we looked for people whose approach brought us joy. There's a certain playfulness to the work, a sense of ease and creative freedom.   AAMG: What are some of the most unusual creations? Was the actual fruit used in any of them?  JE: One participant drew 100 bananas, using a banana peel in the process ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Remembering Bob Mackie

On September 14, Bob Mackie died. The 87-year-old, whose clothes were seen on concert stages as well as TV productions, was remembered by a slew of celebrities. Among them was Elton John , who considered the designer's costumes to be works of art. Cher and Goldie Hawn called Mackie a ''sweet prince'' and Carol Burnett believed  her friend to be a genius, adding on social media that ''sadness doesn't come close to how I feel.''  Brooke Shields said she appreciated the beauty Bob brought into the world, while Sabrina Carpenter wrote she felt lucky to have met him.  Bob, who was also known for designing collectible Barbies for Mattel , was the subject of a book and movie.  In 2024, a documentary, Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion , was released. Three years earlier, a book called The-Art-of-Bob-Mackie , was published. 
Post a Comment
Read more

New York's East Village: ''Then And Now''

 '' Write what you know'' is a popular expression. In Daniel Root 's case, he photographed what he knew. The artist has lived in New York's East Village for decades, so it was easy for him to chronicle the changes here and on the Lower East Side, which is virtually next door.   The results are in a new book called The-East-Village-Then-And- Now , and the cover features a photo of Madonna . She was ''then'' on St. Mark's Place, strolling in a scene from the movie Desperately Seeking Susan .  Daniel examines numerous blocks--as they appeared in the eighties versus nowadays. Often the site is difficult to recognize, thanks to an abundance of new buildings and foliage.  There's not much about the old art scene, but it is believed as many as 176 galleries were established here. Fun was one of the first to crop up in the eighties, and supported the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Fab 5 Freddy, Futura 2000 , and Kenny Scharf ....
Post a Comment
Read more