CONTEMPORARY ART MUSEUM NEW EXHIBIT

If you haven't checked out the latest exhibit at the Contemporary Art Museum it is worth setting aside some time to do so. I was fortunate enough to attend the opening celebration last Friday night. Hundreds of art lovers packed the new exhibit with great anticipation. The 2009 opening offering features American artists Bruce Nauman and Gedi Sibony. Showcasing these American contemporary artist coincides with our nation's "Go American" motto. I personally loved the Nauman's colorful and eye catching work. The Sibony art defiantly has merit in the art world, yet left me a bit perplexed. Then again, I have never proclaimed to be the foremost authority on contemporary art. 

BRUCE NAUMAN

Taking its title from a character in a Buster Keaton movie, Dead Shot Dan explores the element of humor embedded in the work of the highly influential artist Bruce Nauman. Nauman and shares a comic take on the tragic: they tell tales of violent acts tinged with Sisyphean traps, bodily contortions, linguistic slip-ups, and misunderstandings. Like Keaton, Nauman’s sense of humor comes with a sour after-taste, and this selection of neons, drawings, prints, photographs, and videos makes us laugh and cringe. While Nauman, who will represent the U.S. in the 2009 Venice Biennale, works with a wide range of themes, processes, and ideas, this exhibition underlines his sense of humor that is deadpan, painful, and relentlessly tongue-in-cheek.

Bruce Nauman (b. 1941, Fort Wayne, Indiana) studied mathematics, physics, and studio art at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and then pursued an MFA at the University of California, Davis. In 1966 Nauman had his first solo show at the Nicholas Wilder Gallery in Los Angeles and in 1973, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art co-organized his first museum survey. A large-scale retrospective exhibition in 1994 was organized by the Walker Art Center and the Hirschhorn Museum, and traveled to The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, and the Reina Sofia in Madrid. In the summer of 2009, Nauman will represent the United States in the Venice Biennale.

GEDI SIBONY 

Gedi Sibony is one of the most promising young artists working today, and his unconventional sculptures propose a new way of looking at the world and thinking about art. For his first-ever solo museum exhibition, this New York-based artist presents a site-specific installation of new and recent works. Using materials such as carpet, cardboard, hollow doors, and metal pipes, he playfully evokes the effortless magic of the mundane. Sibony’s sculptures achieve a nonchalant awkwardness, a proud nudity, and an overall implausibility that bring together space, weight, and materiality in ways that seem happily accidental. In the context of the near-collapse of our contemporary socio-political reality, these works quietly promote an economy of means, re-use, transparency, and the power and beauty of bare essentials.

A monographic catalogue published with JRP-Ringier accompanies the exhibition and includes an introduction by the curator, an essay by French curator François Quintin, and an interview with the artist by Dia Art Foundation Director Philippe Vergne. Over the past few years, Sibony’s work has become increasingly visible in prominent group exhibitions such as the 2006 Whitney Biennial, and the New Museum’s inaugural exhibitionUnmonumental, underlining the contemporary relevance of his practice. The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis is the first to recognize Gedi Sibony in a significant one-person museum exhibition.

Leave it to St. Louis to discover and promote one of America's up and coming contemporary artist. If you currently find yourself too busy to swing by, fret none. The new exhibit will be in residence from January 23rd thru April 19th. You have plenty of time to check it out. For more information and or direction to the Contemporary Art Museum go to www.contemporarystl.org.

Style on,

DSly the Style Guy

PHOTO CREDIT:

NAUMAN

Double Poke in the Eye II, 1985. Neon tubing mounted on aluminum monolith, 24 x 36 x 9 ¼ inches, edition of 40. Collection of Lois and Steve Eisen. © 2008 Bruce Nauman / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

Failing to Levitate in My Studio, 1966. Black and white photograph,20 x 24 inches. Courtesy of the artist. © 2008 Bruce Nauman / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.


SIBONY

Its Origins Justify its Oranges, 2008
Wood, colored lights
85 x 64 x 11 inches
Courtesy of the artist and Greene Naftali Gallery, New York.

Bhangra, Bollywood & Bar Italia 

Last weekend I was invited to a cultural event that I would of never expected to find in St. Louis. Every few months the Network of Indian Professional host a Bhangra Party. This one took place in the heart of the CWE at Bar Italia. Hundreds of multicultural kiddos packed the Luna Bar at Bar Italia and dance the dance of the bhangra until 1am.

Now, i'm sure you are asking ...what is a bhangra party? According to the people I asked, Bhangra was first started during the Vaisakhi festival celebrations of the Punjabi Sikhs, and found its way to the performance stage after the division of the Punjab. The Punjabi dance performed at this time in ecstasy with the beat of Dhol came to be known as Bhangra. The tradition spread slowly to other parts of the region and developed into a unique folk dance form. Bhangra has come of age and is now performed at every major celebration and in clubs, etc. The music will for sure get your booty shaking and your hands a-waving. you can also find a lot of Bhangra music in modern day Bollywood films. 

Bhangra parties and many other events are put on by The Network Of Indian Professionals (NetIP) which is a non-profit, non-partisan, volunteer-based organization committed to identifying and celebrating the diversity of South Asians in America by promoting professional development; encouraging community service activities; raising awareness of the South Asian culture; and providing forums for the discussion of important societal issues.

NetIP's energy and diversity are best illustrated by their "resume" of past events. they have partnered with various St. Louis organizations during the last 5 years including the International Institute of St. Louis, the River City Professionals, St. Louis Cares/United Way, Missouri School for the Blind, Metropolis St. Louis, and ASHA St. Louis. for more information on this and all their up coming events head over to their website www.netipstl.org. 

Trust in the DSly... if you are tired of the same-ol-same-ol get involved with NetIP. One can never have enough cultural in their lives!

Style On,

DSly the Style Guy

HOTEL INDIGO

It is a new year and it's time for a new look at the old Best Western Hotel in the CWE. Local Roberts Companies purchased the property in '07 and quickly went to work renovating this lodging staple in the heart of the CWE and Forest Park. Built in the late 1950s as the famed Bel Air Hotel, this building has been serving up the "Mod" / "Pop Art" architecture for some time. In the 1980s Best Western Hotels took it over complete with their own make over. Today the Roberts Companies collaborated with Hotel Indigo Group to create a fun boutique hotel experience for the modern traveler. This is totally a departure from your normal travel hotel.

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Hotel Indigo is known as the industry's first branded boutique hotel, artfully combining the conveniences and consistencies of a brand hotel with the design cache and service personality of a boutique. Vernetta Kinchen (General Manager) says "The soul of the brand's retail inspired concept is renewal - thoughtful changes that are made throughout the year to keep the hotel fresh, similar to the way retailers change their window displays. Public spaces are transformed seasonally through changing art work, music, flora, murals and directional signage."

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All guest rooms feature an oversized bed with throw pillows, plush duvet, an over stuffed club chair and ottoman, hardwood flooring with area rugs, signature murals and European inspired showers. The entire place is design around the "Golden Theory." Developed by Fibonacci, it is a design theory based on math and nature. The brand's logo... a "Conch Shell" best visually represents this this idea of design. Fibonacci figured out that all elements of design and architecture throughout nature can be broke down to the number 1.618. It could also be called the mathematical "Pi" found in nature. believe it or not, this style of design along with the bright color choices really can energize your travel experience at the Hotel Indigo!

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Opening Spring '09, Hotel indigo is a place sure to change the the travel landscape in the CWE. All of its 127 guest rooms are seasonal priced and are complete with the modern hotel amenities. Next time you have a guest in town or are traveling in the St. Louis area and want a stylish boutique hotel experience, book your stay at the HOTEL INDIGO!

Reservation can be made at www.hotelindigo.com or call them direct at 314 421 4900

Style On,

DSly the Style Guy

ERNEY'S 32

Grab your most stylish skull caps, scarves and gloves and head on over to the hottest, or shall I say coolest, new watering hole on the Manchester strip. Erney's 32 is the most voguish place to get your vodka on. It is the first place in St. Louis to house the famed VODBOX, a glass walk-in cooler kept at 32 degrees or below, exclusively for premium vodka tastings. Erney's carries over 80 Vodkas for your distinguished palette.

We all know that my goal is to educate St. Louis on the latest and greatest in fashion, style and design. Erney's 32 will not disappoint. Owner Mark Erney brought on-board famed luxury interior designer Jimmy Jamieson to create a space that is sure to please. Walking in, you will be transported to a Miami meets a modern day retro club. Most of the walls are covered in white drapery and backed by LED lighting which changes color to the beat of the music. I spoke with designer Jimmy Jamieson about his concept for this rockin' establishment. "Good design is a perfect balance between natural and synthetic elements"-says Jimmy. This is ever apparent with the found tree trunk tables on which to rest your cocktail while you get your dance on.

Yes, I said dance... Erney's 32 is not only a Vodka bar, their second room is a thumpin' and pumpin' video dance club. Resident DJ Josh Waters will have you moving and shaking your money maker until 3 a.m. On Thursday nights, you can request your favorite dance beats to bust-a-move. Look out for this summer when their equally posh patio will be opened for those sultry and sexy al fresco nights. Erney's 32 is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to the public. The other nights are reserved for private parties. Trust and believe they are booking up fast. However, it is NOT too late to get your holiday party booked for 2008. They are also in the works for a New Year's Eve / Grand Opening Extravaganza complete with red carpet flair.

No establishment would be complete without a signature something, and in the case of Erney's 32, it is their signature Double Espresso Martini. Made with Van Gogh Espresso Vodka, Cream de Coco and a dash of Van Gogh Banana Vodka, and always served in a frozen martini glass. YUM!

If you're looking for a great place with a unique, modern and fun environment to get yo' drink and dance on, Erney's 32 is the place to be!

Erney's 32

4200 Manchester Avenue

314 652 7195

Dance, Meet, Party, Be Happy

DSly the Style Guy

Well my little fashionistas, tis the shopping season! This also marks the start of my next few segments on great boutiques for you to spend spend spend. Sure, we can ALL go to the mall. I for one have no need to fight the crowds only to wait in check out lines and save maybe 10% on an item. Another reason I opt to shop local boutiques, because in an economy such as we are in... why would I want my hard earned cash to go to some company in San Fran, or other cities. When you buy stuff at the big box mall stores, your money is taken out of the St. Louis market and benefits those in other markets. When you shop local your money stays here and is spent here. That should totally prompt you to shop local. Anyhow, on with the show.

BOUTIQUE OF THE WEEK::IVE HILL!

A new and ohhh so fabu boutique has just opened its door in the CWE area. IVY HILL! Owner Hillary Dutcher has just return to St. Louis after developing her unique fashion sense in Boston. With much encouragement from friends and family, she decided to use her vision of fashion and see where it takes her. It lead her to 304 North Euclid in the heart of the best boutique shopping in St. Louis... AKA the CWE! Opened for about a month, Ivy Hill is chalked full of great gifts ideas for any woman you may know. Nick and Nack, Brick and Brack abound throughout the country kitch store. Don't let the laid back environment fool you. Ivy Hill's inventory is fashion forward chic. I probed Hillary for her must have great gift items during the holiday season.

Featured above is the steal of the century. The Malia recycled racing bag wallets! All of the are priced at $50.00 or less. 

Another stylish gift for the trendy at heart are these "Pistachio by Marisa Danielle" headbands. Made from vintage fabrics and adorned by vintage brooches! All can be found priced at $100.00 or less. 

Remember, gifting is the tricky attempt of shopping for someone with the idea of buying them something they might like. Style is always a hard thing to gift to someone. I always suggest buying something cute, little and unique for the holiday season. It reflects more personally to both the giver and the receiver. 

Don't forget that if you have a dying fashion question you can always comment in my Fashion Feedback column and I will help in solving your fashion query!

Happy Holidays

DSly the Style Guy!

IVY HILL:: 304 North Euclid Ave, Saint Louis, MO, 63108,:: 314 367 7004