What looks like a great model for community funding has been going on in Detroit for the last three years. SOUP, a public program in Detroit that serves $5 dollar dinners, asks four people to give presentations on how they would better the city. At the end of the night, attendees vote on which presentation should get a grant. A recap of one such evening. [Michigan Daily]
Michael Kimmelman observes that community centers served us well during Hurricane Sandy, and thinks we should use some of the federal emergency money to build libraries. We’re not sure they’re used quite as much as community centers, but we’re happy with any proposal that keeps New York’s libraries in the public eye. [The New York Times]
Twitter’s not making money and they’re losing users. [Dealbook]
We’re thinking about making Gravity a required viewing for all AFC staff and recommend readers join us. This movie looks great. A.O. Scott has the review. [The New York Times]
“Abstract Expressionism is overrated,” begins Holland Cotter, in his review of Robert Motherwell’s early collage show at the Guggenheim. Um, no. Motherwell is overrated. Spend an hour in the Albright Knox, and you’ll remember why people care about Abstract Expressionism. Viewing the best of this movement is truly moving. Anyway, he explains that while much of Motherwell’s work was repetitive and predictable, these collages are not. -PJ [The New York Times]
And the reviews of the New Museum’s Chris Burden show begin. Roberta Smith loves it. [The New York Times]
The Alice Austen House opens a show of Melissa Cacciola’s tintype portraits this Sunday, titled “War and Peace.” Situated in a Victorian Gothic cottage on Staten Island called “Clear Comfort,” the museum was home to one of America’s earliest woman photographers. Deputy photo editor of TIME Magazine Paul Moakley is curator in residence, and the museum features sweeping views of lower Manhattan. Try and think of a better way to spend Sunday afternoon. [Alice Austen House]
Restoration Hardware, a shop that sells everything from salvaged-wood tables to funky drawer pulls is unveiling RH Contemporary Art, “a platform that includes an interactive Web site, which will blend e-commerce and editorial; a print journal; a series of short documentaries; a residency program; and, yes, a Manhattan gallery.” These are the guys that brought you The Rain Room, so set your expectations low. -PJ [T Magazine]
Thomas Jefferson has a call-in talk show. Okay, he’s actually an historian who likes to impersonate Thomas Jefferson. [The Thomas Jefferson Hour, h/t @gregorg]
Calling all sandwich artists! Katz’s Deli is opening up a pop-up gallery space to feature works by artists living in the heart of the LES. All the exhibitions will be “deli-inspired.” [Bowery Boogie]
Rain Room is the latest in museum crazes, an installation where motion sensors make it possible for you to walk through a steady downpour without getting wet. It’s widely agreed upon that Rain Room is nothing short of a miracle.
Fiercely Independent. New York art news, reviews and culture commentary. Paddy Johnson, Editorial Director Michael Anthony Farley, Senior Editor Whitney Kimball, IMG MGMT Editor
Contact us at: paddyATartfcity.com
Paddy Johnson, Editorial Director
