Current Obsession: Post Office Meets Museum

The US Post office just came out with a series 20th Century Abstract Expressionist stamps by artists like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko. These 44 cent stamps are $4.40 for a sheet of 10, which is displayed on a sheet like art hanging on a wall. 

Check out the stamps here

April 1st - Jules Balincourt Exhibition Opening at Deitch Projects

On Thursday, April 1st from 6 - 8pm, The Deitch Projects will be opening "Premonitions," a solo exhibition of contemporary artist, Jules Balincourt.  Fifteen new paintings - ranging from notebook to mural size, wil be on display.  This will be his most comprehensive and diverse exhibition to date, with text, abstrative and figurative pieces with themes ranging from cyberspace to Obama's America. Starting his art career at 27, Jules is a quickly rising art star, gaining recognition from leaders in the industry.

This opening is going to be packed but may be one of your last opportunities to attend an exhibition at the Deitch Projects, which will be closing soon.  Jeffrey Deitch has become the new Director of the MoCA in Los Angeles, making him the first gallery owner in history to run an American Museum.

"Premonitions" Opening
Thursday, April 1st
18 Wooster Street
(between Grand and Canal)
6:00 - 8:00 pm
FREE

NY International Auto Show April 2nd - 11th

Most New Yorkers don't need a car, but that doesn't mean that we can't appreciate them! My personal favorite is the 2010 Mercedes SLS (pictured) which has doors that lift up, just like the Back To The Future car, but without the flux capacitator and "OUTATIME" license plate.


The 2010 New York International Auto Show will showcase some of the hottest concept and production cars ever seen. Many of the vehicles will be cutting-edge innovative design studies, some just a few steps away from production, but all provide a window on the future of automobile design and technology.  More than 43 vehicle manufacturers will feature over 1000 new cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs.

New York International Auto Show
Date: April 2nd  - 11th
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
ickets: $14.00

Location: Jacob Javits Convention Center
655 W 34th St (West Side Highway)

Saturday Night 4/3 - Brooklyn Bowl NEON INDIAN

Saturday night, NEON INDIAN, one of the best DJs that played recently at SXSW, will be DJing at Brooklyn Bowl.  We'll head out there around 8:00 pm, grab dinner at Brooklyn Bowl (restaurant is Blue Ribbon, yum!), bowl and see the show at 12:30.  Let's meet at the subway station on the southwest corner of Union Square  (outside) at 8pm. Please RSVP to me at laura.lachman@gmail.com by Friday and let me know how many people you will be bringing.

Film Review - Bill Cunningham New York

*photo courtesy of The Sartorialist

Last night at MoMA, the New Directors/New Films Festival premiered "Bill Cunningham New York," a documentary about the beloved street style photographer. Anyone who reads the New York Times "Sunday Styles" section or works in the vicinity of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street knows Bill Cunningham. He is something of an enigma, an 81 year old man who rides his Schwinn bike around Manhattan in the relentless pursuit of snapping photos of fashion trends on the street. What is so fascinating about him, is that he is completely unmaterialistic and undiscriminating, but with a true eye and appreciation of beauty. Although his personal life is quite lonely and simple, it is overshadowed by the pure love of his art, taking photos. His genius artistic eye is admired and respected by the fashion industry and often that transcends that fashion magazines (Anna Wintour actually says this in the film). I never really understood the true genius of this man, before seeing this documentary, which captures his quirky, eccentric spirit. Everyone in the audience was smiling and laughing the entire time.

 The most amusing part of the movie is when he in Paris waiting to get into a show. A pretentious PR girl at the door overlooks him as he politely attempts to gain entrance, wearing his signature blue jacket, covered by a rain poncho which looks like a garbage bag. From out of nowhere, a man swoops in and claims "Excuse me, this is the most important person in the world." He is quickly rushed to the front row and furiously takes photos of the models and attendees, with a look of pure euphoria on his face.
I am eagerly anticipating the release of this film in the independent theatres, although I think that it will be limited to distribution in New York City due to the specific nature of its subject.

Grade: A

Ticket Alert - FRIDAY!!! La Roux at Terminal 5 on June 7th

TICKET ALERT      TICKET ALERT      TICKET ALERT           

I can’t get that song "In for the Kill" out of my head! La Roux's voice and beats are seriously entrancing. She is a strange androgynous creature with a falsetto feminine voice. 

I'm going in for the Kill

I'm doing it for a thrill

Oh I'm hoping you'll understand

And not let go of my hand

What is she talking about? I don't really care - she is so badass! I'm jamming on the subway and people are looking at me like I'm possessed.

La Roux is playing at Terminal 5 on June 7th, and tickets go on sale on Friday at noon.  Tickets sold out last time within minutes, so set your alarm and mark your calendar. I know it's a little far in advance, but what's the worst that happens? You can't go and sell them for twice the cost on Craigslist (again, I do not support scalping).

Click below link to buy tickets and for more information:

http://www.terminal5nyc.com/event/4451

Bill Cunningham Documentary - ND/NF Film Festival

There's something about photographer Bill Cunningham that everyone loves. Maybe it's that he reminds me of my grandfather... Maybe it's that he rides his Schwinn bike around New York City...Maybe it's that he is observant in his pursuit of trends through his photographer for the New York Times Style section "On The Street."


Tickets for "Bill Cunningham New York," a documentary on the photographer, who is entering in his ninth decade of capturing the trends of the street, are now on sale for two shows at MOMA next week on Wednesday, March 24th at 7:30pm and 9:30 pm for the New Directors/New Films Festival. Tickets for the 7:30pm show are sold out but tickets for the 9:30 pm show are still available - they are $14.00 each.


http://ticketing.filmlinc.com/single/SelectSeating.aspx?p=19482

Super Diamond Show

When I closed my eyes it was as if I was really seeing Neil Diamond in concert, but when I opened them, I realized it was even better. It was SUPER DIAMOND!!!

On Friday March 5th, NY Culture Addict went to see the renowned Neil Diamond tribute band at Highline Ballroom.  We laughed, we danced, we cried (okay, not really) to "Forever In Blue Jeans" and "Coming to America." The lead singer was decked out in gold sequins and othe band members were rocking the studded pants and sunglasses at night. That's Hot!

By the end of the show all hell was breaking loose, people were making out, hugging strangers and bonding over their love of Neil Diamond.

Afterward, a bunch of us over to Abe & Arthurs to snack on mini burgers and mac and cheese.

Thanks to everyone for turning out!

NY Culture Addict Outing: BB King Gospel Brunch - THIS SUNDAY!

Hallelujah! Can I hear a Hallelujah!


BB King's famous Sunday Gospel Grunch features a scrumptious sould food brunch buffet to fill a hole in your sould and a gospel performanc by the renowned Harlem Gospel Choic that will have you dancing on the stage.


Join us this Sunday, March20th from 1 - 2:30pm at:


BB King Blues Club & Grill
237 West 42nd Street


RSVP by TODAY to laura.lachman@gmail.com


$41 per person includes the buffet, show ticket and gratuity. Beverages will be an additional cost.


Click below to make your payment.

Ticket Alert - FRIDAY!!!! Passion Pit at Governor's Island on 6/30

TICKET ALERT   TICKET ALERT    TICKET ALERT  TICKET ALERT

Didn't get tickets to the Passion Pit show on 6/29 because it's sold out? Don't fret. They just added another show on Governor's Island on 6/30. Tickets are $32.50 in advance and a $5 ferry ride and go on sale on Friday at noon. Passion Pit's music is totally addictive and they are amazing in concert. So put it on your calendar reminder and buy your tickets on Friday! Doors open at 7pm, but that means they will really go on at. Tokyo Police club will be opening for them. The tickets for the Brooklyn show sold out in 24 hours.

Think it's too far in advance and have a fear of commitment? Just buy them. You can most definitely sell them and make a profit (although I don't support ticket scalping). I'm telling you, this band is worth it!

Art Opening - Polaroid Composites by Patrick Winfield

Patrick Winfield creates dynamic visual stories by creating one large piece of art with individual polaroids. His common themes are landscapes and figure studies. He gives new meaning to "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts."

Check out his exhibit  "I Put My Computer To Sleep and This is What it Dreamt"  at

Urban Homes 325 West 16th Street
Opening reception  on March 18th 5:30 - 8:30pm. 

*Double model on chest, 2007 - polaroid Spectra film on board - h:20 w:30 inches

*beaver pond, 2007 - polaroid 600 film on board - h:20 w:21 inches

* Photos courtesy of COLOURlovers

Film Review - Ghost Writer

From the title, I incorrectly deduced that this Roman Polanski directed film was of the horror genre, but in actuality it is political thriller/mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. Ewan McGregor plays "The Ghost Writer," hired to edit the former Prime Minister, Adam Lang's( Pierce Brosnan) memoirs, after the previous writer was mysteriously murdered. In a twist, Adam Lang is being investigated for sanctioning, kidnapping and torturing terror suspects. The Ghost begins to uncover secrets hidden in the manuscript and photos left by his predecessor linking Lang to the CIA. Adam Lang's depressed wife (Olivia Williams) and attractive assistant (Kim Cattrall) make for interesting tension and jealousy.
While watching "Ghost Writer," set in Martha's Vineyard, one can't help but to wonder...how did Roman Polanski produce this film in the United States? Is there a parallel between his life and Adam Lang's, both unable to return their home countries? Who murdered the previous ghost writer and what secrets is the former Prime Minister (Pierce does not look like an "Adam") hiding? Why is Adam's wife such an unhappy and aggressive lady? And why is Kim Cattrall talking with that terrible accent, is she British or just an uptight snotty woman?

Overall it was a well made film, with intriguing characters that cleverly builds suspense throughout, with a surprise ending.

Grade: B+