Bjork Moma Exhibit Art in Ny 3/11/15 post written by Anthony Andujar jr

Anthony Andujar Jr 

Art In NY 

Professor Dina Pizzarello 

3/11/15 

     There have been a variety of reviews by New York Times, NME among others that have expressed their opinions on Bjork's Songlines Exhibit at the MOMA. Personally, as a Bjork fan, I wanted to experience the exhibit on my own. It took me a while to see the exhibit due to MOMA's closing schedule. Luckily, I picked a Wednesday (March 11th, 2015) to see the exhibit. Now originally, I imagined in my head that I would see all kinds of documents and pictures, but I didn't really get a chance to see that on my first visit. I went to the second floor exhibit "Black Lake" theater section of Bjork's exhibit. What I did see was the "Black Lake" music video. The video was shown in a little theater room with two wide screens. A limited number of People can enter the room, sit or stand anywhere they want, and watch the video. As a fan, I liked the video, and I thought it was interesting with the set up having the little theater room mimicking what the Icelandic cave appeared to be ( which the director  Andrew Thomas Huang directed in collaboration with the well seasoned Icon). 

   I could understand the problem that an individual would have when it came to looking at two screens to see what was simultaneously happening since there are slight alterations between the two projections shown with in the music video. It takes minor time to get adjusted since its meant to feel things in real-time, much like a volcano erupting as one attempts to escape at the same time.   Personally, my first visit to the exhibit I enjoyed the music video collection room where people can stand or sit on the red couches and watch every music video from Bjork's musical career. Even the song "I've seen it all" from Bjork's film Dancer in the dark is included ( which is personally one of my favorite tracks from her career including the Selma Songs soundtrack which contains a duet rendition with Radiohead front man Thom Yorke). I enjoyed being among strangers and having a collective unity of enjoying the singers lengthy catalogue while sketching. (Yes, I sketched). On Saturday March 14th, 2015 I met up with my classmate Fernando to check the 3rd floor of the Songlines exhibit. On the third floor, visitors were given a iPhone and headphones exclusively made for the exhibit. It was a timed session of 40 minutes, detailing a loose story based on poems by Bjork, and her friend Sjon. In addition, there were prop replicas of outfits that Bjork wore through most of her music videos throughout her career.    Props such as the clothing material from Bjork's Sophomore album Post, the Vespertine swan dress that Bjork wore for her Oscar winning film Dancer in the Dark(2001), as well as the bell dress from the Medulla album tune "Who is it" along with other material from the Volta, and Biophillia eras. The narrator ( I believe Bjork's frequent collaborator and long time friend Sjon) urged visitors to take their time to soak in the surroundings and information filled with diaries and notes aside from the props. As visitors venture through the exhibit, based on the area, the sound wave technology reacts to the visitors position, allowing them to hear different sounds, narrations and music as a whole.  On March 17th, I visited the Exhibit for the third time with another friend ( Bianca) and this time, I was soaking in more than my last two visits. I really loved this interesting venture through Bjork's creativity. I started focusing on her hand writing and doodle drawings that her lyric notes would contain. interestingly enough, even her hand writing has this interesting style that mirrors most of the fonts in her musical CD sleeves and linear notes. The more I venture and visited the exhibit, the more I felt at home in the conceptual confines that the space contained.  I realized that they didn’t have the music video " Play Dead" but that’s just a minor complaint. I realized what was most interesting about the exhibit, as an exhibit of its own, How much societies opinion on the Icelandic singer had changed. What was considered a horrible fashion dress, is now displayed as a trophy on display. One can't help but sense a feeling of  accomplishment due to how it was once criticized and has now been accepted. Most interestingly is all of the technology that was used for the exhibit.  technology and nature have always been topics and themes that Bjork has always touched upon throughout her career. The audience is able to have a glimpse of some of the tools and instruments used during Biophillia era ( although there wasn't a lot of those tools, it was still nice to see a few sample choices among the bunch).   Personally, I loved the exhibit. It was nice to see a lot of the colorful content and material that The artist has had in collaborations with Alexander McQueen , Spike Jonez, Chris Cunningham and a few others. It was nice to see the props in person as well as see glimpse of how much creative effort as well as imaginative vision was delicately made to emphasize on her visionary career. She truly was and still is ahead of her time ( since she is currently working on her Music Video Stonemilker using Oculus Rift technology).  The only minor thing that I desired more was to enter more into the mind of the artist and what that would look like when it comes to her psychological creative process. Also, I wished that the exhibit was longer to detail her time before her solo career when she was with the Sugarcubes and her work when she was a little girl. In addition I wish there was a little more exploration of the area, because the space just doesn't do enough justice. I wished that I was able to chill in the exhibit as long as I wanted, but given the early closing times that the MOMA has, it's pretty fine for what it is. I just felt that Bjork, the artist, deserved a better space where there would be more content displayed. But for what it was worth, I enjoyed it a lot both as a fan and as a Visitor of the exhibit who was wiling to go in without much expectation.  If there is anything that the Exhibit does absolutely well in, its showing the fusion between technology and nature, Imagination and science, and a sense of innovative wonder that the Singer has always excelled at. her music, her videos, have always emphasized a sense of inclusion, and with what she has accomplished, she's done just that. I'll be visiting all the way till June.

Meeting Legendary Graff artist Chris RWK By Anthony Andujar jr 6/14/15

I reported what I wrote on my Instagram page (antdujar94).

          It was Sunday afternoon around 6pm, June 14th. I was heading to One Stop Beer Shop a few blocks away from Graham Ave in Brooklyn. I went out to meet with some buddies for dinner and a drink and bumped into @chrisrwk #robotswillkill #chrisrwk .  I entered the bar first before speaking to Chris aka Robots Will Kill. I told my buddy Kyle about the guy and how I recognized his work. My buddy suggested that I should talk to the guy, so I did. It turns out we have a mutual art friend who always advocates and showcases the work of artists of various levels, most notably Graff artists (I'm talking about the legendary Lois Stravsky, who is a friend of my ol Middle school to high school teacher Mindy).

    We talked about how I came across his work through Lois (who has a facebook and Instagram page called @streetartnyc ) showcased a batman Graff piece that he did a few years back. I told him that I recognized his work as soon as I was heading toward my friend's bar. Chris is such a cool, humble, boots to the ground, sorta laid back guy. Very approachable, we talked about the art scene in modern times and the importance of maintaining a good relationship between the artist and their audience. It was a privilege to meet this legend since I have his batman picture in my face book photo album (illustrative influences). So the timing was hilariously on point. #graffiti #art #illustration #chrisrwk #robotswillkill photo by #antdujar94 #anthonyandujarjr #streetartnyc.

Critical thinking HUP 102 assignment1 . Also Happy New Year . I know, I'm late. 1/13/14

Anthony Andujar jr

HUP102 Critical Thinking

Prof Joan Harmon

1/13/14

Revenge of the Right Brain 

Q1. The differences between the Industrial Age, Information Age and the Conceptual age are explained by Daniel H. Pink. 

  Industrial Age: an age where work was more hands on. That 'anyone' could do it sort of attitude and focusing on a 'farmers' / factory worker role.

  Information Age: an era where a lot of work was channeled through the left brain. Heavily reliant on logic , reasoning and crunched/coded numbers that defined the work that shaped society and jobs. It's very focused on being a analytic knowledge worker that can pinpoint selling markets and opportunities that are gained through information based on habits and numbers within society.

  Conceptual Age: is currently an age where society starts to make
More use of the right brains abilities. Where the left brain provides logic and factual information (it's like a skeleton if you will), the right brain provides high concepts that make it more approachable and channel depth that isn't a cold product with out purpose or reliability. (The skin on the skeleton). It's to think outside the box by looking inside the box with the materials provided and making something more out of the materials provided that no one even realized. It's an age where people can become creators and form a connection with others in a sincere human way.

Q2. The social forces that H.Pink thinks are transitioning society from the Information Age to the Conceptual Age are three things: Asia, Automation and Abundance.
 Pink thinks these three things are the reason for the transition between the ages. 1) Asia :provides more jobs and more financial gain due to the likeliness of providing costs that are a lot more cheaper and a lot more accessible to society than in the U.S.   People could find others in Asia who could provide the same services for a cheaper price, making it easier to make a good deal/buck compared to the costly services in the US.
      
    2) Automation : has changed the landscape of hands on work. What used to take a lot of money and time to hire lawyers and stockbrokers can now be taken care of more by the individual and a website that deals with financial information. It's changed the role of lawyers and stockbrokers alike by turning them in to advisers that allow for a more human element to be fulfilled. With websites that provide cheaper/affordable services, any individual could take it in their own hands instead of leaving it all to lawyers and brokers . This pushes lawyers and Brokers in those fields to become more face to face and human/accessible and understand their clientele instead of looking at them as a number.

   3)Abundance: over consumption of consumer goods is another factor. Owning things that do not serve much a purpose other than owning. Due to abundance, has caused an inflation where now, consumers try to find relateability  , purpose and function that allows for the consumer to feel as though they have gained an extension of themselves rather than having a product that only provides face value but no depth beyond its physical purposes.

Q3.   Thinking with both the Left and Right brains are very beneficial and important. Where the left brain is strongest is using logic, and fact which helps individuals steer clear from any sort of legal or financial dangers that one without that sort of knowledge would fall into. It provides a safe and secure way of channeling through information without crossing unwanted information/ attention. But what the left brain lacks is personality and relay ability, which the Right Brain provides. The Right brain provides a friendly way of thinking or a more soulful way of gaining the attention of other would be individuals providing deep relationship between clientele. Providing solutions that can't only be solved by numbers , but by catching the eye and channeling soulful connection and purpose that helps transition thought into action. 

Two steps ahead/caution of poem by Anthony Andujar jr 10/15/14

Two steps ahead/caution of poem by Anthony Andujar jr

Don't allow yourself to be stuck in illiteracy. Because that's how they get you, by going by their hearsay.

Keep learning with knowledge so that you can master that wordplay, and know all the words so that no one can take advantage by using that subliminal word slay.

Oh you didn't hear what they say?
Because you're too caught up by the double standards of what the media want you to play?
Mass hysteria set to destroy your entire mental state? And grill you like fish for them to sauté?

Knowledge is important. It is the ultimate sword against any unknown combatant that bears Ill will to your soul. They can't doop ya if you're  able to exact words by tenfold.

Kid, I say this to you Because they hide, laughing and dancing, bearing it all.
Slow jamming around you in hooves more hidden than what's behind a bathroom stall.

 They look safe, they look clean, but they got your mind and soul wrapped up by what they claim.

Devilish smiles of silver tongue charm,

if you don't learn then you will never know why they benefit from you at all.

you'll end up as a statistic, because you didn't look in the fine print,
Or get that lawyer to help you look over it.
They all got tricks, using fictional AK's, that's what most businesses do.
And if you don't learn now, they'll be two steps ahead of you, because you bonded your soul with consent.

Remember, at the end of the day there will always be a bigger fish than you, you and you.
Just recognize that there is a shark tank of a world ready to consume you, especially if you act by trying to abide by what's considered cool.

Form your own mind, don't jump on assumptions.

Wait professor? Wouldn't that be a double standard or something?

In the room poem by Anthony Andujar jr 10/15/14

In the room poem by Anthony Andujar jr

I'm in the room.
I observe as everyone is drinking their glasses: hahahaha
Getting high off their shrooms.
What a night shift, would not realize that we would all become carcass.
Let me explain.

It's a social gathering, pops of Chardonnay and champagne. Brandy has some people a little woozy in the brain. But unknown to us is an uninvited guest, who came to play.

Hahaha, he joins in on the laugh. Even shares a cake with a fine woman I might add.

Everyone laughs, good times for all . Until a loud bang sounds off in the bathroom hall.
A tray and plate with glass cups shatter in display. Leaving organic red paint in everyone's wake.

Hahaha, how could no one here the silent roar? They didn't see me as a lion, not even a wolf at all?
I blend in just like you he said.

Now I've lost all appetite for my soup he says.

Ted bundy, and money and all the killers before me, look at me now.

Before the cops enter  the scene, as he plans to shoot me in the spleen. He shouts to everyone :

I hope they remember me!

Another wannabe killed on the scene. Another wannabe for the authorities to clean.
Blackout.
screen turns to static with rainbows, then changes to a news report, goes blank and then
Green.

But why the fuck did he choose me?

Moonshine Sunshine poem by Anthony Andujar jr 10/15/14

Moonshine Sunshine poem by Anthony Andujar jr

The  moonshine to my sunshine,
Around us is where the stars form, dance and die.
Separate, yet around through out time, unknowing of each others presence until massive craters and explosive stars collide.
Within the collision is a consummation of two giant spheres.
Two individual souls. Representing every aspect of delivering life and Ultimate death.
Within this irony of collision, is a sense of unity.
Connection.
When passion collides, it is both beautiful and destructive.
Aware yet unpredictable.
As you can see, we function and flow like two rivers. It's taken Heaven, Olympus and Valhalla a while to circulate our course of union.
Despite ever continually cycle, I do not know when the moonshine will scatter, just as I do not know when the sunshine will die and explode.
But what I do know is this. Opposites attract, twist and connect.
An ever continuing cycle, of light and dark, life and death, clarity and confusion, love and loss. One thing is constant:
Tending to the moon and the stars. As long as the light pollution does not blind us from our care, as long as the sun and moon still exist , the moment between present and future can last as long as we want it.
Until then, moonshine, you will continue to shine bright from one corner of time as the sunshine glows in the other.
When all is said and done, and gone away, what will remain, is the love.
Because love does not grow with in a glance.
It grows with the proper care. Your cold moonlight glare to provide aquatic sensations to the plant. the rays of sunshine a warmth and comfort that provides this plant that we've crated to take care of. what both spheres contribute, is function, teamwork, synchronism and unity.

In this union, this relationship is significant. In order for the plant to survive, it needs to be tended by the Moonshine and sunshine. With that said, how can love ever grow if no one is tending to the seeded plant of love?
 It's not there yet. But gradually, as the plant grows. With the healthiest nutrients provided, it can survive any condition, as long as the moon and sun can provide.
With that said, The moonshine to my sunshine,
Around us is where the stars form, dance and die.
 Where we can treat life and thrive for it.
Separate, yet around through out time, unknowing of each others presence until massive craters and explosive stars collide.
Within this universe, within this plant between us, this earth, is where our lives of commitment reside.

Until the stars and life die, this is wherein this universe and galaxy, is where our trace of love, death, loss and life, reside. No matter what,  remember me. be it of good times and bad.
 When my light goes dim, and when your moonlight fades, remember where our union resides,
Within the universes library of faded memories, is where we will reside.

HUA 166 ART History Museum Report: Visiting the Met By Anthony Andujar Jr

Anthony Andujar Jr 

9/27/14 

Hua 166 Art History 

Prof Arianna Fernandez 

Lagcc 

  

                                                                    Museum Report 

  

 The museum of choice that this research paper based it's study on was The Metropolitan Museum of Art. As I walked the halls I explored the American section, Medieval Section and lastly the Renaissance section. The piece of art that was chosen for the paper is The Winged Child: Fountain Figure among a few other art pieces that was also documented. This bronze sculpted model was made by Donato Di Niccolo Di Betto Bardi who by modern standards is most recognized as the legendary renaissance artist named Donatello. 

  The Winged Child :Fountain Figure was crafted between (ca. 1386-1466) in Florence, Italy. In the description of the sculpture , it details that the winged child could possibly be Mercury who is the Roman version of the Greek god Hermes (The messenger/ speedster.) Although the winged child does appear to bear a great resemblance to the character, it has yet to be proven if the child is Mercury. The fountain figure was designed to be a public attraction sprouting water within a fountain as most fountain figures do. 

   Donatello is one of the most well known renaissance artists that stood out among the rest along side Raphael, Leonardo DaVinci and Michelangelo as one of the top tier artists of the Renaissance in the 1400's. Seeing a model or piece of Donatello's work was surprising to see. Of all of the top four kings of the renaissance, the Met only had a few pieces by Donatello but, from the visit there didn't seem to be other pieces that were from the top four aside from pieces made by other sculptors and artists of the renaissance. Despite the fact that Donatello was the only artist of the top four that had art available for viewing. 

   Another art piece that was in the exhibit was Louis C. Tiffany's Autumn Landscape leaded favrile glass piece.  The piece was crafted between 1923-1924 in New York. The piece has a beautiful colorful design like quality that would fit suitably in a cathedral.  The colorful flower pellets that are designed on to the glass has been suggested that it was contributed /crafted by the artist Northrop who was recognized for her works with land and floral like pieces. Although Northrop is suggested, it is still yet to be proven true. 

  There have been other pieces in Louis C. Tiffany's collection that showcase similar styles of design and texture. One piece produced by Tiffany is the Garden Landscape and Fountain piece. Tiffany crafted his Mosaic fountain piece in his very own Tiffany Studios (1902-33) located in New York. A lot of his mosaic pieces were inspired by Maxfield Parrish designs as well Byzantine works of the 1800's, which influenced his work and approach to using and manipulating transparent glass and colors. 

 In Louis C. Tiffany's works such as the Autumn Landscape and the Garden Landscape and Fountain pieces they share some similarities to each other. Both of the pieces have similar mosaic patterns that help make an object into something else or otherworldly. Another similarity that the crafted pieces both share is that they display a great amount of glowing color that attracts the eye and makes the viewer feel that they are in the presence of something holy. The only differences between the two pieces is that they were produced with different kinds of materials and color distributions that allow for a different kind of experience for the viewers. 

  Over all the artwork that Donatello and Louis C. Tiffany have crafted are different , they both share common use for decor purposes. Although Donatello's Winged Child: Fountain figure and Louis C. Tiffany's Grand Landscape Fountain mosaic are not the same in material, they do share a common purpose in being used for public/ private fountains. Donatello's winged child is a bronze figure for a fountain while Louis C. Tiffany's Grand Landscape, is a fountain made with Mosaic tiles and design. It's artwork that is displayed for private owners to have or for the public to see, which the artists have done an excellent job  at that.

Donatello's : Winged Child Fountain Figure

                          Louis C.Tiffany's Autumn Landscape .Photo Taken by Anthony Andujar Jr.

Note: When I saw this couple standing there in front of the glass piece, it was hard not to resist taking the photo.