View a slideshow of Dash Snow’s work>>
When artist Dash Snow died of a drug overdose last Monday, it stirred a mad rush of news articles, ranging from the mild to the wild, in publications around the world. The rebellious young talent, who passed away at the mythical age of 27, was an inspiration to a bohemian pack of creative pals. They expressed dismay at his death, while honoring him with their recollections of his life. Meanwhile, art pundits discussed the value of his body of work; makeshift memorials popped up on the Bowery; and his last gallery, Peres Project of LA and Berlin, joined forces with Deitch Projects in New York to organize a memorial exhibition, which will be open for participation. Read More »
Gallerist Jeffrey Deitch and honoree Jeff Koons
How do you recall a moment as unexpected as the National Arts Club’s presentation of its 2009 Gold Medal Award to controversial pop artist Jeff Koons? It was an over-the-top, earnest embrace of a celebrated contemporary artist in an old world setting. (View a photo gallery of the evening here.)
The National Arts Club has honored 56 artists, architects, patrons of the arts, and arts organizations since the initial Gold Medal Award in 1958. In most regards, the club still reflects the times of the first award, or an even earlier period. New York Times literary and art critic Charles de Kay founded it as a gathering place for artists, patrons, and audiences of the arts in 1898. Although it has aesthetically evolved over the years, it maintains an art salon ambiance, which relates to its beginnings; but it’s an atmosphere that’s totally charming. Paintings in gilded frames, sculptures on period pedestals, and plush sofas with broken springs create a cozy atmosphere for considering culture, both old and new.
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Hirst discovers that art is expensive: It’s no secret that Damien Hirst is worth a lot of money. Well, worth the most of any living artist, actually, at $364 million. But then his Beautiful Artemis Thor Neptune Odin Delusional Sapphic Inspirational Hypnosis Painting (what?), estimated at $3 million, refused to sell at Sotheby’s last week. Now Hirst is making a brave call: he’s declaring the art market too expensive and considering lowering his prices. That’s noble, but here’s a suggestion: maybe if people could remember the name of the painting they’re buying they’d be more willing to bid. [Independent]
Koh’s new art good enough to eat: Terence Koh’s new exhibit opened last week in New York (in Sarkozy’s brother’s gallery aka Richard Avedon’s former studio). The canvases look like little squares of wall, but they’re made from corn syrup and sugar. We hear things got a little messy at the opening, with people accidentally knocking into the paintings ending up covered in the sweet powdery substance — wonder what that’s a metaphor for… [Cool Hunting]
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I heart NY State: The I LOVE NY logo that has persisted on souvenir T-shirts for 31 years is being updated! NEW YORK STATE TOURISM decided that the original MILTON GLASER logo was too narrow — the three stolid letters and iconic heart represented only the excitement of New York City, not the state as a whole. So in order to lure tourists beyond Times Square, the logo now appears covered in snow or with small animals perched near it. The tourism office hopes the range of designs will make tourists realize that New York is somehow an entire state and not just a city. [TTG]
Terence Koh’s sexy Jesus still rocking Christians across the pond…
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