New York .... in a new year
I went to New York to see Der Rosenkavalier with Susan Graham and Renee Fleming at Lincoln Center's Metropolitan Opera). Well worth the trip because the performance was fantastic. I did not look forward to New York in January but how lucky I was. It was actually warmer there (and very sunny) than London. This street scene demonstrates how sunny and bright it was.
Museums
The American Museum of Natural History's publicity for its for Silk Road exhibition made it seem interesting. Actually I thought it was a waste of time and money. Lots of text to read and some of the artefacts were reproductions .. not really what I expect from a major Manhattan museum. It seemed that the same information could have been presented as a video or book. The museum visit was saved by ceramics in the Mexican collection .. especially these Colima figures - Meso American versions of The Thinker.
I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art specifically to see Breugel's The Harvesters. The the broad band of wheat in the middle of the composition almost acts like an arrow which directs your eye to the workers. But the great find for me was the Portrait of a Man by Velazquez .. such a simple portrait compared to some of his more florid work. There is debate about whether it is a self portrait (not sure why, seems to be one).
I went to the Brooklyn Museum for a photographic exhibition (Who Shot
Rock and Roll) which got good reviews in the New Yorker magazine. Photos of rock stars both on stage and backstage, among their audiences, or sometimes appearing to cower from people. My favourites were an early shot of Madonna (by Diana Arbus) and a young Elvis; they were notable for the fact that even before each of them had developed their 'look' .. they had a certain magnetism.
I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art specifically to see Breugel's The Harvesters. The the broad band of wheat in the middle of the composition almost acts like an arrow which directs your eye to the workers. But the great find for me was the Portrait of a Man by Velazquez .. such a simple portrait compared to some of his more florid work. There is debate about whether it is a self portrait (not sure why, seems to be one).
I went to the Brooklyn Museum for a photographic exhibition (Who Shot
Rock and Roll) which got good reviews in the New Yorker magazine. Photos of rock stars both on stage and backstage, among their audiences, or sometimes appearing to cower from people. My favourites were an early shot of Madonna (by Diana Arbus) and a young Elvis; they were notable for the fact that even before each of them had developed their 'look' .. they had a certain magnetism.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden (in winter)
I also went to Brooklyn Botanic Garden. I like the contrast betwwen the current frozen state of the Japanese Garden and my summertime visit there (click here to see the garden in summer).
New York institutions in flux
Two New York institutions are undergoing change. The first, Lincoln Center, is still in the midst of a major upgrading which has involved both exterior and interior refurbishment. This include improved pedestrian access and the installation of a new fountain (not operating while I was there). These are not all simply cosmetic. The refurbishment of the David Rubenstein Atrium (entrances on Broadway, 9th Avenue and 62 Street) is major. A few years ago this 'public space' had a slightly sad air about it because it was frequented by street people (don't get me wrong, nice enough people, but a bit down and out). It now has a small cafe and the Ticket Office for cut price tickets to Lincoln Center events. A climbing wall has been converted to a vertical garden (alas, I did not have my camera).
The other NY institution is Julius, the oldest gay bar in Greenwich Village. It has remained unchanged for decades ; the shambolic character of the place is part of its attraction. It caters to a regular crowd of mature (old and ancient) gay men but all are welcome and not all customers are necessarly men or gay. Change has been in the wind since the previous owner of the bar died last summer. There were worries that the bar might be totally gutted or have a change of use, but first impressions are that such changes that are being made are not jarring. I was there when the kitchen sink was removed and this photo shows that it was probably due for replacement. There is new lighting above the bar .. subtle and could be considered 'designer' .. but happily they are not aligned as precisely as they would be if a designer were at work. Changes include the 'new improved' price list which has put my Myers rum up to $9 (a $2 increase) but until my bank manager says NO, I'll still be going there. Several people think I should be in an institution ; if so, I'll go for this one. But if you'd like some other opinions on the bar, click here for some reviews
The other NY institution is Julius, the oldest gay bar in Greenwich Village. It has remained unchanged for decades ; the shambolic character of the place is part of its attraction. It caters to a regular crowd of mature (old and ancient) gay men but all are welcome and not all customers are necessarly men or gay. Change has been in the wind since the previous owner of the bar died last summer. There were worries that the bar might be totally gutted or have a change of use, but first impressions are that such changes that are being made are not jarring. I was there when the kitchen sink was removed and this photo shows that it was probably due for replacement. There is new lighting above the bar .. subtle and could be considered 'designer' .. but happily they are not aligned as precisely as they would be if a designer were at work. Changes include the 'new improved' price list which has put my Myers rum up to $9 (a $2 increase) but until my bank manager says NO, I'll still be going there. Several people think I should be in an institution ; if so, I'll go for this one. But if you'd like some other opinions on the bar, click here for some reviews
Photo gallery
To see a full version of the slide show, double click on the image to the right.
The fine print
For more information .. links to Websites:
American Natural History Museum
Metropolitan Musuem of Art
The Harvesters
Velazquez Rediscovered
Chinese Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
Lincoln Center
David Rubenstein Atrium
Julius
Julius (reviews)
American Natural History Museum
Metropolitan Musuem of Art
The Harvesters
Velazquez Rediscovered
Chinese Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
Lincoln Center
David Rubenstein Atrium
Julius
Julius (reviews)