Dirty Fingers: Banned IPhone Apps & I Dream of Jeannie

I was reading a review on the 2010 Whitney Biennial in the New York Times and a sidebar ad caught my eye about a "Sexy IPhone apps banned" article (also in the Times) in the Technology section. One of the banned Apple IPhone apps called "Dirty Fingers" features a young sexy girl clad in a bikini that has glass cleaner in her hands so it appears that she's inside your IPhone cleaning your screen. I thought this was such a bizarre concept, sort of an "I Dream of Jeannie" redux. If this was in the 2010 Whitney Biennial on a pedestal people would probably be amused...

The 2010 Whitney Biennial: What's it all about?

My mind is still wondering what the current 2010 Whitney Biennial is all about. The opening night's continuous rainfall didn't stop the masses of art enthusiasts that were curious to see what curators, Francesco Bonami and Gary Carrion-Murayari are presenting as the artists of the moment. There are many standouts including Tauba Auerbach, the Bruce High Quality Foundation, George Condo, Suzan Frecon, Kate Gilmore, Josephine Meckseper, Aurel Schmidt, Charles Ray, Piotr Uklanski, Pae White, Leslie Vance and Robert Williams to name just a few. After spending several hours viewing the 2010 Whitney Biennial I ventured upstairs to the 5th floor to see the stellar display of artists from past Whitney Biennials, Collecting Biennials and I wondered what would last the test of time from the current 2010 exhibition. I look forward to returning to the Biennial to get a better grasp on what the curators deem important in their selections. I also look forward to the Bruce High Quality Foundation's answer to the Biennial, The Brucennial 2010:Miseducation opening in Soho this week. Image: Bruce High Quality Foundation, We Love America and America Loves Us, Photo: Renee Riccardo.

Antelope Canyon and other Slot Canyons

I saw a report this morning on Slot Canyons of the American Southwest and I was blown away by their beauty and mystical presence. Here is an image of the famous Antelope Canyon in Arizona. They seem like they are natural inspirations for the work of James Turrell and Anthony McCall.

Spencer Tunick extends an invitation to his fan, Lady Gaga

Today when I read an early report that Lady Gaga had done her thesis about my friend, Spencer Tunick a few years ago I knew that it would please him. A few minutes later I read in another paper that Spencer has taken the opportunity to invite her to participate in his upcoming installation at the Sydney Opera House. We shall see if she accepts. I think she should hire him to direct her next video...Top image: Lady Gaga. Bottom image: Spencer Tunick, Dusseldorf 4 (Museum Kunst Palast), 2006

Sally Wu: Art + Craft fashion show at Chambers Fine Art

Sally Wu, fashion designer, curator and producer launched her amazing first Fall fashion line, Art + Craft to a very satisfied intimate audience. The models strutted their curves diagonally down the exhibition, Yin Xiuzhen at Chambers Fine Art's new location on West 19th Street, Chelsea's new row of stunning gallery and residential spaces. Photo: Renee Riccardo

Miroslav Tichy, the Original D.I.Y. photographer at the International Center of Photography

Looking forward to seeing the recently opened exhibition of the eccentric Czech photographer, Miroslav Tichy in his first American museum show at the International Center of Photography. Over 80 years old, he has gained international recognition only within the past 5 years for his voyeuristic photographs of women taken with a handmade camera made of cardboard and thread spools. The filthy and torn photographs were rescued by a neighbor after they'd been left to decay. Also on view, Twilight Visions: Surrealism, Photography, and Paris and Atget, Archivist of Paris.

Keith Haring, David LaChapelle, the Brants, Daphne Guinness at Tony Shafrazi Gallery

Had a wonderful time running around Chelsea on yet another blustery winter's day with my Belgian friend, Barbara running in and out of galleries to see shows and to keep warm. Visited the Patti Smith and Steven Sebring show at Robert Miller Gallery again and Patti was there and said "Hello" with that famous smile of hers when I opened the door. Then we walked over to the opening day of the Keith Haring 20th Anniversary show at Tony Shafrazi Gallery and ran in to none other than Naomi Campbell, David LaChapelle, Daphne Guinness, Peter Brant and his two children, Peter Jr. and Harry. David LaChapelle was very gracious telling us stories of his memories of his friend, Keith Haring and what a thoughtful and giving artist he was. David (who's film Rize is incredible) took the opportunity to photograph Peter's beautiful children with his good friend and muse, Daphne Guinness with the Haring works and 80's music playing in the background. I took some pics with my phone to record the moment of the brilliant photographer and director finding his inspiration for the day...Photos above: Renee Riccardo