Just a little diversion from the art world.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Recapping the Grand Tour
Some of you have been asking me what this grand tour is about. It is a highly unusual occurrence that these 4 art events occur at the same time. While Art Basel is an annual event, and the Venice Biennale is alternate years, documenta in Kassel Germany occurs only every 5 years. And rarer still is Munster Sculpture Project that occurs every 10 years. So that is why we are going at this time.
Except for Basel which goes on from June 13 - 17, the others run all summer. So that is why we are starting our tour in Basel--actually in Zurich. Basel is completely sold out and has been for some time and Zurich is jumping as well.
The original grand tour was something young British men did after they finished their education and before they got ready to do whatever it was they did. They went to the continent and stayed, some times for years.
Our grand tour is somewhat shorter. We are only staying two weeks. I did all the planning for this tour and did not discover the official web site until some months later.
On May 28, the International Herald Tribune described Europe's grand tour of contemporary art as a "total solar eclipse." They say it promises to be "the art event of the decade." I will let you know.
Except for Basel which goes on from June 13 - 17, the others run all summer. So that is why we are starting our tour in Basel--actually in Zurich. Basel is completely sold out and has been for some time and Zurich is jumping as well.
The original grand tour was something young British men did after they finished their education and before they got ready to do whatever it was they did. They went to the continent and stayed, some times for years.
Our grand tour is somewhat shorter. We are only staying two weeks. I did all the planning for this tour and did not discover the official web site until some months later.
On May 28, the International Herald Tribune described Europe's grand tour of contemporary art as a "total solar eclipse." They say it promises to be "the art event of the decade." I will let you know.
Recapping the grand tour
Several people have asked me where we are going on this grand tour. While the original concept of the grand tour was for wealthy, educated young men from England to tour the continent before they settled down to do whatever it is that they do, our grand tour is primarily about art. And in particular the 4 art events that occur this summer in Europe. It is an unusual occurrence for all 4 events to happen at the same time--once every 10 years. I know. The Basel Art Fair is an annual event and the Venice is alternate years. But add to that the documenta (every 5 years) and Munster skulptur (every 10 years) and that is why you have this happening.
The order of of visiting is somewhat up to the visitor, except that Basel is only between June 13 through June 17. So we are starting there. We arrive in Zurich on June 11 early in the morning. Yes, we are staying in Zurich. That is because Basel hotels were sold out--even back in January. And I think Zurich will be jumping as well.
The order of of visiting is somewhat up to the visitor, except that Basel is only between June 13 through June 17. So we are starting there. We arrive in Zurich on June 11 early in the morning. Yes, we are staying in Zurich. That is because Basel hotels were sold out--even back in January. And I think Zurich will be jumping as well.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Venice Biennale - June 10 Opening
I am not familiar with Guillermo Kuitca from Buenos Aires who will be exhibiting in the Argentine Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. This pavilion is in the historic Ateneo Veneto in Campo San Fantin near La Fenice. Apparently Kuitca is one of only 3 artists who is in both a national pavilion and the international Biennale exhibition. By the time Kuitca reached age 13, he had sold several pieces from his gallery show. A retrospective of his work will be shown at the Hirshhorn in 2009.
According to the New York Times, his 6 x 12 feet paintings will be a survey of the "fluctuating topography and history of abstraction over the last 100 years." I can't wait to see what he is offering.
According to the New York Times, his 6 x 12 feet paintings will be a survey of the "fluctuating topography and history of abstraction over the last 100 years." I can't wait to see what he is offering.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
8 days to go
Yesterday we received an invitation from documenta 12 for an event that is on June 15, the day we arrive in Kassel. They are interested in connecting with the city of Kassel (Germany). Rather than having an exclusive cocktail party for the opening of the exhibit, they are planning a big party for the citizens of Kassel and those who are interested in documenta. The event is planned for Bergpark Wilhelmshohe. It includes a program by a jazz orchestra. Following the curators of the exhibit--Buergel and Noack--will be there to welcome everyone. According to wikipedia, this mountain park is the largest mountain park in Europe. It dates from the 1600s.
I'm not sure if I am up to it, but at midnight the party will end and documenta 12 club night begins. And I thought we were attending an art event. I hope to get some wonderful photos.
Documenta seems to be taking an inclusive position regarding this exhibition. I am very excited about the ideas.
I'm not sure if I am up to it, but at midnight the party will end and documenta 12 club night begins. And I thought we were attending an art event. I hope to get some wonderful photos.
Documenta seems to be taking an inclusive position regarding this exhibition. I am very excited about the ideas.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Phone problem solved
Today I rented a cell phone that will permit me to take pictures and download them to my computer--perhaps to any computer. I think the rates are high, but it is really something I want to do.
So now I hope to send you pictures from the different places we visit.
I learned about something called photobucket.com and either this site or picasa should enable me to do what I want.
Ain't technology great.
So now I hope to send you pictures from the different places we visit.
I learned about something called photobucket.com and either this site or picasa should enable me to do what I want.
Ain't technology great.
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