Eliana Willis

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    Jeff Koons, Marina Abramović, and 200 Other Artists Designed Flags That Are Now Flying at New York’s Rockefeller Center

    For a few weeks this summer, one of New York’s most iconic landmarks, Rockefeller Center, will become an outdoor art gallery featuring the work of both amateur New York artists and blue-chip stars like KAWS and Marina Abramović alike.
    Hundreds of New Yorkers submitted proposals earlier this year to design eight-by-five-foot flags. This past Saturday, the 192 winning designs were unfurled on the flags surrounding the plaza’s ice rink. In addition to the open call, 13 well-known artists—including Carmen Herrera, Faith Ringgold, Hank Willis Thomas, Jeff Koons, Jenny Holzer, Laurie Anderson, Sanford Biggers, Sarah Sze, Shantell Martin, and Steve Powers—were also commissioned to create flags.
    Koons’s flag features a colorful argyle background with the letters “NYC” spelled out in shiny gold balloons. KAWS’s design incorporates his “Companion” toys, while Jenny Holzer, whose practice is often rooted in text, created a flag with the word “PROTECT” surrounded by radiating graphic lines. Abramović’s design is based on the spiking line of a heartbeat monitor. The artist explained her inspiration in a statement: “The EKG line of my flag represents the resilience of the human spirit in the color red which symbolizes our blood and is a color I often surround myself with when I need to feel strong. This red line beats across the white flag which symbolizes surrender.”
    See images of the installation and selected designs below. The Flag Project is on view at Rockefeller Plaza through August 16, 2020.

    The Flag Project at Rockefeller Center. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer.

    The Flag Project at Rockefeller Center. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer.

    Courtesy of KAWS and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center (2020).

    Courtesy of Hank Willis Thomas and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center (2020).

    The Flag Project at Rockefeller Center. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer.

    Courtesy of Jeff Koons and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center (2020).

    Courtesy of Marina Abramović and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center (2020).

    Courtesy of Sarah Sze and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center (2020).

    The Flag Project at Rockefeller Center. Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer.

    Courtesy of Carmen Herrera and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center (2020).

    Courtesy of Sanford Biggers and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center (2020).

    Courtesy of Jenny Holzer and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center (2020).

    Courtesy of Laurie Anderson and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center (2020).

    Courtesy of Steve Powers and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center (2020).

    Courtesy of Shantell Martin and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center, (2020).

    Courtesy of Faith Ringgold and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center (2020).

    Courtesy of Christian Siriano and the Flag Project at Rockefeller Center.

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  • 125 Shares99 Views

    in Street Art

    “Gestures of a Square” by Li-Hill in Dalston, East London

    Street artist Li-Hill recently a mural entitled “Gestures of a Square” at Gillett Square, a unique and important public space in the heart of Dalston, East London. Physically, it is a granite open space flanked by jazz bars, cafes, food outlets and a host of other activities. Culturally, the square is the co-presence of people – people
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    in Street Art

    “Beyond the Sea” by Millo in Monopoli, Italy

    Internationally known Italian street artist Millo  was invited as artist-in-residence in Monopoli, Italy for the 5th edition of PhEST, international festival of photography and arts – Totally Outdoor. In the past few days he painted a graffiti mural on a city wall (12 meters wide and 9 metres high) nestled among the old town, the bay and the
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    in Street Art

    “RESILIENCE” by Sabek in Galicia, Spain

    Madrid-based artist Sabek is back with a new mural for the sixth edition of Rexenera Fest. Rexenera is an international public art festival in Carballo that brings together the best urban artists there are in Galicia, Spain and international scenes, transforming the town into an open air museum. Sabek shared his work together with the words
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    Japanese Art Sensation teamLab Transforms Japan’s Mifuneyama Rakuen Park Into a Supernatural Light Show—See Images Here

    As galleries and art institutions around the world begin to reopen, we are spotlighting individual shows—online and IRL—that are worth your attention.
    “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live”Mifuneyama Rakuen Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushuthrough November 8, 2020

    What the group says: “teamLab’s project, Digitized Nature, explores how nature can become art. The concept of the project is that non-material digital technology can turn nature into art without harming it.
    These artworks explore how the forms of the forest and garden can be used as they are to create artworks that make it possible to create a place where we can transcend the boundary in our understanding of the continuity of time and feel the long, long continuity of life. Even in the present day, we can experiment with expressing this ‘Continuous Life’ and continue to accumulate meaning in Mifuneyama Rakuen.”
    Why it’s worth a look: At a time when so many of us are stuck inside for days, weeks, and even months on end, seeing the work of teamLab, even through a screen, offers a respite from the ordinary. The dreamlike, responsive light works, created using cutting-edge technology, offer a glimpse of the kind of “immersive art experience” that might survive the social-distancing era. (It’s outside! It might not be crowded!) Plus, with Japan’s breathtaking Mifuneyama Rakuen Park—which boasts 500,000 square meters of flowers—as the backdrop, this installation may also help satisfy just a little bit of wanderlust.
    What it looks like:

    Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

    Installation view, “teamLab: A Forest Where Gods Live, 2019” Mifuneyama Rakuen, Takeo Hot Springs, Kyushu © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery.

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    A Transporting New Exhibition Explores the Possibility That All Things Are Imbued With Spiritual Life—See Artworks Here

    As galleries and art institutions around the world begin to reopen, we are spotlighting individual shows—online and IRL—that are worth your attention.
    “Conversational Spirits I & II”Online at Jessica Silverman, San Francisco
    What the gallery says: “Jessica Silverman presents a two-part summer series, ‘Conversational Spirits,’ exploring animism—the belief that animals, plants, places, and objects can be enlivened by spirits or imminent powers.
    “Associated with the worship of nature and the rise of subordinate souls, animism is a theme broadly relevant to a time in which equal rights, ecology, and biochemistry are serious concerns. Animism has long been germane to art insofar as the most compelling objects are imbued with such intention, intensity, and energy that they feel alive.”
    Why it’s worth a look: Are humans the only creatures gifted with what can be called a spirit? Belief in the spiritual realm has had a resurgence lately in art (and elsewhere), with interest in the thought gaining momentum beyond niche circles.
    From Judy Chicago’s tree branches, which pulsate with life, to Luke Butler’s paintings of bald eagles clutching paint brushes, and on through Tammy Rae Carland’s depictions of books, which seem to speak almost audibly, the plants, animals, and objects in these artworks are practically thinking, breathing beings—and by seemingly questioning their surroundings, they inspire viewers to do the same.
    What it looks like:

    Installation view of “Conversational Spirits I.” Courtesy of Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Rose B. Simpson, Conjure (2020) [detail]. Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Dashiell Manley, Those Seeing Flowers We Cannot See (2020). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Judy Chicago, Trees Twisting with Joy (1996). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman Gallery.

    Hayal Pozanti, Their Own Internal Time 102 (Rim Kona Kona) (2020). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman San Francisco.

    Installation view of Tammy Rae Carland’s work in “Conversational Spirits.” Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman San Francisco.

    Tammy Rae Carland, Peeling Performativity, (2019). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman San Francisco.

    Tammy Rae Carland, Lean on me, (2019). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman San Francisco.

    Hernan Bas, Feeding time at the Little Shop of Horrors, (2020). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman San Francisco.

    Installation view of “Conversational Spirits II” at Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Hernan Bas, Feeding time at the Little Shop of Horrors, [detail] (2020). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Margo Wolowiec, Seed Surge (2020) [detail]. Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Margo Wolowiec, Seed Surge (2020). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Claudia Wieser, Untitled (2019) left and right. Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Julian Hoeber, When the Meat Stops Thinking the Flies Arrive, For Better or Worse, (2020). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Installation view of “Conversational Spirits II.” Courtesy of Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Martha Friedman, Nerve Language 1, (2020). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Martha Friedman, Nerve Language 3, (2020). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    David Huffman, Ideology, (2020). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Installation view of “Conversational Spirits II.” Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Daisy Youngblood, Leaping I (2010). Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Installation view of “Conversational Spirits I.” Courtesy of Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

    Andrea Bowers, If We Do Not Do the Impossible We Shall Be Faced With the Unthinkable (2020) [detail]. Courtesy of the artist and Jessica Silverman, San Francisco.

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    ‘All of These Woman Hide in Some Way’: Painter Aliza Nisenbaum on Tutoring Migrants to Express Themselves Through Art

    For Cuban-born artist Tania Bruguera, there is no distinction between art and activism: her work, which is grounded in civic engagement and furthers the idea of art útil (using art as a utility or tool) is manifestly political.
    In an exclusive interview with Art21 filmed in 2015, the artist discussed her project Immigrant Movement International, formed to help immigrants empower themselves and their communities through art.
    By using art, the members “grow and understand how to work from their fear—with the limitations they have put on themselves once they enter this country,” she explains in the video, which aired as part of Art21’s Extended Play series.
    The video includes testimony from another contemporary artist, Aliza Nisenbaum, who has earned acclaim for her intimate portraits, many created through Immigration Movement International. She also helped tutor members of the community.
    Nisenbaum, who was born in Mexico City and now lives in Brooklyn, is inspired by the mural painting projects that defined a generation of artists in her native country.
    “A lot of these women… hide in some way… because they are undocumented,” Nisenbaum tells Art21. “I was trying to give a sense of agency to the women… in terms of finding their voice, in terms of art and basic English skills.”
    Watch the video, which originally appeared as part of Art21’s series Extended Play, below.
    [embedded content]
    This is an installment of “Art on Video,” a collaboration between Artnet News and Art21 that brings you clips of newsmaking artists. A new series of the nonprofit Art21’s flagship series Art in the Twenty-First Century is available now on PBS. Catch all episodes of other series like New York Close Up and Extended Play and learn about the organization’s educational programs at Art21.org.
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    Recently Resigned MOCAD Curators Have Launched a Digital Exhibition That Models a More Equitable Art World

    So many of the people that make the wheels of the art world go round—docents, fabricators, curators, and so on—are artists themselves. They don multiple hats to pay the rent, but also because they invest their emotions in an industry that, despite its systematic inequities, promotes the work of their friends and idols.  
    A new digital exhibition celebrates the scrappiness of several such artists in Detroit who double as professors, preparators, and registrars, among many other professions.
    The online show, titled “ARTWORK,” was co-organized by Jova Lynne and Tizziana Baldenebro, two curators who each resigned from the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit in this year over instances of racism, bullying, and labor-exploitation from the institution’s director, Elysia Borowy-Reeder. (Borowy-Reeder was fired from her position this week.)
    Their exhibition isn’t a response to those events, they explain. Nor is it explicitly connected to the pandemic, a crisis that has laid painfully bare the plight of gig workers in the American economy.
    Jetshri Bhadviya, Manifestations of TheIpseity. Courtesy of the artist. Presented in “ARTWORK.”

    Yet in another sense, those events “had everything to do with it because it opened up a door,” says Lynne, an artist herself. She notes that the idea has been in her head for years.
    “A lot of the things we were talking about related to the larger ideas and narratives about labor history and its relationship to Detroit,” says Baldenebro. “It all pointed back to the resourcefulness of our city and its artists. They create an ecosystem or shared network where they are relying on each other in ways that we don’t see in many other cities.”
    Megan Major, Untitled, (2019). Courtesy of the artist. Presented in “ARTWORK.”

    Lynne and Baldenebro’s exhibition is one facet of Art Mile, a weeklong all-online art event coordinating 60-some museums, galleries, and artists from Detroit. Created by dealers Terese Reyes and Bridget Finn of Reyes | Finn in conjunction with Red Bull Arts and communications consultancy Cultural Counsel, the event is part online viewing room, part virtual exhibition space, and part programming platform. 
    Now through August 5, from the comfort (or discomfort) of your home, you can view and buy works of art from Detroit dealers before settling down to watch a film screening, or take a virtual tour of a museum before queuing up a panel discussion or studio visit.
    It’s a model that is no doubt shaped by the necessities of quarantine. But for a city looking to reset the culture of some of its institutions, the spirit of the event also offers up a paradigm for post-quarantine life.
    “I think Art Mile has the potential to be a beautiful example of what a more equitable art world might look like,” says Baldenebro. “It’s not perfect, but I think of it as a pilot for leveling the field a little bit and really giving people a more accurate and expansive view of what art with a capital A can look like.”
    Jova Lynne and Tizziana Baldenebro will speak with artists Sabrina Nelson and Graem Whyte in Art Mile’s keynote panel on Thursday, July 30 at 6 PM ET.
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