In addition to the spectacular churches within the Kremlin Moscow | Red Square and the Kremlin), there are numerous exquisite examples of Moscow Baroque architecture throughout the city. We spent several hours exploring the Novodevichy Convent and adjacent cemetery and there is a reason they are the third most-visited site in Moscow. Continue reading “Moscow | More Highlights”
Fez is a city of contradictory impressions: at once revealing the artistry that has characterized since its founding in the late 9th century, while also hiding much of its beauty behind the high walls and imposing doors. What is absolutely clear is that generations of talented artisans have handed down their skills and fortunately these are still being practiced today. This post focuses on the art of Zellige (geometric tile work for which Fez is renowned) and ceramics.
Continue reading “Morocco | Fez’s Amazing Artisans Pt 1”
Mention Los Angeles to people and their reactions are as varied as the city’s neighborhoods. To some, it is the incarnation of the American Dream – the place where stars are born. Or, a sprawling car centric culture albeit one with panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains. Lately, many think of the burgeoning arts scene and the remarkable culinary diversity (no longer is the difference between LA and yogurt that [only] one has an active culture). Continue reading “Los Angeles | City of Contrasts”
Growing up in the suburbs, New York was simply “the city.” To this day, I think of it as such, although other metropolises may have vied for my affections (see: Paris, Istanbul and Copenhagen). For the next several years, I will be a part-time resident of the city that never sleeps. I am excited to more fully experience all that this amazing place has to offer and to share new discoveries and long time favorites. This post focuses on two arts institutions that may not be on the top of visitors’ lists. Continue reading “New York City State of Mind”
The visual arts in Tehran range from exquisitely preserved masterpieces of the early Islamic era to enormous freshly painted murals on the sides of buildings and everything in between. I could have spent days immersed in the masterpieces at The National Museum of the Islamic Era, which just reopened in August 2015 after a nine-year hiatus. A beautiful and serene museum, its collection includes ceramics, stucco work, calligraphy, and illustrated manuscripts. Photos don’t begin … Continue reading Tehran | Art and Culture
Eli and Edye Broad’s museum is a great gift to the people of Los Angeles and all contemporary art lovers. The Broad was designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler and fits in well with its neighbors Walt Disney Hall, the Los Angeles Cathedral, and MoCA among others. It is possible to spend an entire day appreciating all that this small section of … Continue reading LA’s Newest Museum – The Broad
Perhaps what makes the Naoshima experience so memorable is the combination of sublime contemporary art and architecture with the traditional fishing villages and shrines. We were struck by the sensitivity to and respect for the environment that pervades these islands and is manifested throughout. Hiroshi Sugimoto restored an Edo Period shrine and added a new superstructure in his 2002 work “Appropriate Proportion.” The optical glass staircase he designed links the … Continue reading Naoshima Part III | Wrap Up
There are must see places and there are must see again places. Naoshima is both. Once is good, twice is better. This is only appropriate, since Naoshima encompasses several museums, public art installations and spreads over several islands located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. Getting there is a process and actually enhances the experience: bullet train to bus to ferry to bicycle or … Continue reading Now for Naoshima | Art in Japan’s Inland Sea Part I
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