Larry Bell’s boxes

This past weekend I visited David Zwirner Gallery to see “Primary Atmospheres: Works from California 1960-1970,” an informal survey of art from the mainly Los Angeles based visual art movement called “light & space” — Cali’s flaked out, completely lovely response to minimalism, a mostly east coast affair. The favorite notice I’ve read comes (as it often does) from Peter Schjeldahl at The New Yorker. They won’t let you read him on the web unless you’re a subscriber, but they will let you see this slide show with audio. Take what you can get, I guess?

I feel the same about these pictures I’m sharing. They’re not the same as the real thing. But you’ll have to take what you can get.

These boxes, they’re by Larry Bell.
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Posted by Alec Hanley Bemis  

Tags: David Zwirner, Larry Bell, Minimalism, Peter Schjeldahl, Raymond Carver, The New Yorker, The Problem With Nostalgia, The Problem With the Avant Garde

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Simple is Good

Recently I spotted Alex from Arctic Monkeys in the DFW airport food court, a melancholy look on face, suit jacket well pressed. I was on my way back home from the Austin City Limits festival where his band had performed. I was on my way back to Brooklyn, where he reportedly now resides. I imagine this city — all its busyness & complexities — providing a new reserve of lyrical fodder for him, a singer of consummate wordiness. But, as this recent video shows, sometimes it’s a spartan approach that works best. It’s uncluttered, perfect — each small gesture has an effect more dramatic than an explosion.

Posted by Alec Hanley Bemis  

Tags: Alex Turner, Arctic Monkeys, Minimalism, The Problem With Glamour, Video

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