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No.3 Magazine Preview

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No.3

NYC PREMIERE ISSUE 2011

A R T D E S I G N F A S H I O N C U L T U R E

MODA WWW.MODAPITTSBURGH.COM

ONLINE STORE COMING SOON

The armory Show

Piers 92 & 94

New York City March 3–6 2011 thearmoryshow.com

Gabriel Kuri Sin título / Untitled (“A 84”), 2007, Turn stubs on vintage magazine page, 13 x 10.5 in, 33 x 26.7 cm courtesy of the artist & Sadie Coles HQ, London • Galería Kurimanzutto, Mexico City • Franco Noero, Turin • Esther Schipper, Berlin

18 ART

GALLERY NEWS

Sperone Westwater Makes Moving Debut

BY NANCY JEFFRIES IMAGES NIGEL YOUNG FOSTER + PARTNERS

Galleries abound in New York City, but Sperone Westwater, which opened in September 2010, is making its mark with a roster of international artists and an architecturally unique space on New York City’s Bowery. It has showcased works by Argentinean artist, Guillermo Kuitca, and Bruce Nauman, and opened a new installation by German sculptor and painter, Heinz Mack, January 7 through February 25, 2011.

22 ART

Seth Price at Friedrich Petzel Gallery

BY LYNN MALISZEWSKI

Seth Price (b. 1973) challenges notions of cultural resonance in modern America. Reflections on culture often consider trends, the strength of an idea beyond fleeting movements of brilliance. Price, on the other hand, devalues such passive trust in the past. He depreciates culture, almost demeans it, by insisting that it can, should, and does change. His own words and images, in addition to material donated by artists like Martha Rosler and Joan Jonas, are sacrificed as grounds for these ideological experiments. Redistribution (2007 - present), being shown at Friedrich Petzel from January 7th through February 19, 2011, is a video manipulation of Price’s lecture at the Guggenheim in 2007. His words are spliced and warped, fusing academic insights about his work with delightful passages of nonsense. Price’s piece reaches beyond the actuality of the event and formulates alternate truths.

Price acknowledges culture’s tight tether to the past even amidst the evolving value systems of the present. He taps into juvenile nostalgia by manipulating somewhat dated techniques like plastic-mold making and acid-wash graphics. His work absorbs symbolic slang, ranging from text to images like envelopes or rope that are weighted with layers of meaning. The works are disciplined yet active, defined yet open for suggestions. His insistence on refining culture, according to abrupt contextual interruptions, is admirable and exhausting. He generates a labyrinth of timestamps leaning toward extremes that graciously offer moments of neutrality and refurbished culture footnotes. His open-ended and superficially apathetic works create new links to the future, a “currency of loins and coins” that preserves what it destroys.

BY ADRIAN HARRIS

Artist Irvin Morazan grew up in El Salvador, and now calls New York his home. His fascination with Central American deities, culture and ancestry are a common element throughout his work. “I believe that we are all heavily rooted to our ancestors,” Morazan explains, “therefore I feel my work is an extension to what they started; I’m just doing it in the 21st century.”

Morazan’s solo exhibition, Temple of the Bearded Man opened January 7th at the DCKT Contemporary Gallery in the East Village. Photography, collage and sculptures are on display, as well as a live procession performance from Morazan--this time playing particularly on the contemporary reference of El Cayote, described as an “enactment of mobility, flux and continuity.”

His work is a mix of Pre-Columbian mythologies, juxtaposed to modern day elements. Abstract qualities, traditions and rights of passage, slammed with contemporary products, thoughts and cultures which create a sometimes humorous, highly visual, and slightly gruesome creation. The large, over-scale headdresses are used to “mimic and distort, and blur boundaries of culture and stereotypes.”

“During the Maya peak, the pyramids were covered in dried blood,” Morazan says. “The Shamans had their hair dread-locked with dried blood from all the sacrifices. The shamans were the artists, mathematicians, writers, astronomers, the literates, architects, and spiritual guides.” It is clear that Morazan finds deep interest in the history of this time, and it has driven his career as an artist. “I feel that aesthetically I can channel these influences in a contemporary way.”

PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC WOLFE

SWANKY DIGGS,

INDEED

THE ACE HOTEL, 16 W. 29TH ST.

BY KAREN HOLLY BERLINER IMAGES DOUGLAS LYLE THOMPSON

If these walls could talk, they’d have quite a mouthful to tell.

Back in the turn of the 20th century, the famed entrepreneurs Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen were neighbors; ‘Diamond Jim’ Brady was a regular guest; visionary painter Harry Smith lived there. Enough said. Back then it was the Hotel Breslin. Now it’s the Ace.

Originally erected in 1904, the building has been updated to suit a new city and a new style. Design firm Roman & Williams stepped into the past to seamlessly modernize this property, creating a contemporary version via an eclectic collection of lighting and finishes from eras old and new.

The space features chalkboard paint on the walls, murals by emerging artists and a brick face with a mansard roof, which all center around an attractive and detailed lobby. Original coffered ceilings, strong moldings, massive columns, airy skylights, and mosaic floors inlaid with a Greek key pattern finish the look. The hotel’s intimate interior continues to entice, offering a sea of comfy sofas occupied by a coffee-buzzed crowd that is busy typing on laptops or people meeting up for a casual drink at the lobby bar.

40 TRAVEL

In step with the trend of New York’s eclectic artisan coffee shops, Stumptown Coffee Roasters has set up shop inside the hotel —in a space that feels like a French café transplanted in Midtown Manhattan. The finished product: Nothing short of a hipster haven.

The on-site restaurant, the Breslin Bar and Dining Room, resembles a room from the Titanic. Its vibe is drawn from casual dining spots of the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the U.S. and Europe. Crafted by The Spotted Pig’s Ken Friedman and Chef April Bloomfield, the duo created a similar English pub-style atmosphere. The bar is open every day until 4 a.m.

Beyond the lobby, the hotel offers 260 rooms, some equipped with vintage refrigerators that provide “real food” to mimic the feel of staying at a friend’s place.

The hotel also has locations in Portland, Seattle and Palm Springs.

THE HOTEL VALLEY HO

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

BY EMMETT ZITELLI

Rising out of the dry, parched, rugged desert floor of Scottsdale, AZ is the Hotel Valley Ho. A majestic relic of a time reminiscent of fedoras and glam, this jewel is a landmark for both visitors and locals. A favorite hideaway of actors, musicians and athletes back in 1956 when it first opened its doors, Hotel Valley Ho quickly became known as a retreat for the Hollywood elite, including Bing Crosby, Zsa Zsa Gabor and Tony Curtis.

Its design is the classic elegance of mid-century modern, and its hospitality is warm, downhome Southwestern. The ownership group has poured $89 million into upgrading the hotel facade, renovating the interior spaces, and preserving its designation on the Historic Hotels of America registry.

MOONLIGHT HEAD PRIVATE LODGES

WATTLE HILL VICTORIA

BY KAREN HOLLY BERLINER

Many people dream of awakening to a stunning coastline outside their window. At Victoria, Australia-based Moonlight Head Private Lodges, that dream can come true —but what’s inside is equally enticing.

The hotel is situated along the majestic Southern coast of Australia. Surrounded by serene farmland, Great Ocean Road’s beautiful beaches and towering green-covered cliffs, the location offers the perfect fusion of adventure and tranquility.

The lodges are designed by Australia’s awardwinning architect Glenn Murcutt. Though the town’s scenery will capture your attention, his designs will captivate your senses as well. Three structures each face a different aspect of the landscape: ocean, cliffs and greenery. The rooms feature a sleek, modern stone design, welcoming plenty of sunshine and moonlight for serene mornings and evenings between your outdoor excursions.

48 TRAVEL

Hotel staff will gladly assist you in planning days of local hiking, fishing and other excursions. The hotel itself offers motorbikes, activities for kids and a communal kitchen for your convenience. Experienced chefs are also on board to provide you with wonderful local fare and hand-selected wines as you unwind from your daily endeavors.

Moonlight Head Private Lodges offer the ultimate in enlightened luxury. Surround yourself with beauty that is sure to soothe your senses while enjoying the lavish retreat.

50 LIVE URBAN

SURF’S

SATURDAYS SURF NYC is Manhattan’s one-stop destination for surf gear and cool clothing that reflects a casual lifestyle.

BY REGINA MOLARO IMAGE BY DOUGLAS LYLE THOMPSON

“We opened Saturdays Surf NYC to create a space for the New York City surfer or anyone who loves the lifestyle,” says Josh Rosen, co-owner of Saturdays Surf NYC. “There are 9 million people on this island and zero surf shops. It just made sense to open one geared to a more modern New York City crowd. Our customers are made up of all kinds of people from the hardcore surfer to the person coming to get a coffee and a t-shirt.”

The hip shop truly offers something for everyone, from fins and wetsuits to tote bags, sunglasses, towels and more. For those who don’t surf, there’s a cool selection of photo books, artwork, Levi’s flannels and jackets, as well as stylish sweaters, sneakers, skateboards and beyond.

Saturdays Surf NYC created its own capsule collection in the spring of 2010. Spring 2011 will feature an expanded range of styles and categories. T-shirts will start at $30; trunk prices will start at $65; wovens will start at $130.

“Our clothing line comes from our lives,” says Rosen. “We live and work in New York City, and we also surf and explore the world outside of the city as much as possible. Our clothing line has to represent that. We make classic pieces that would not be out of place in 1960 Malibu or the Lower East Side.” What is Saturdays Surf NYC’s goal? “To create a new American menswear standard,” answers Rosen. “We will always have surf trunks in the line, but it will grow to have a full range of categories.”

SURF’S UP 31 CROSBY STREET NEW YORK www.saturdaysnyc.com

THE FUTURE OF

PREFAB

v100 Modbox

BY MURRYE BERNARD IMAGES STUDIO 8 ANDREW URBAN

The economic downturn coupled with environmental concerns has inspired spaceefficient design. The v100 Modbox provides a modern and attractive way to function small—as in 100 square-feet. The prefabricated live/work units are energy-efficient, flexible and very low maintenance.

www.v100modbox.com

Former restauranteur and songwriter Vincenz Saccento knows a thing or two about operating in small spaces, having previously designed the V2 Flat prefab unit. He is co-founder of the Phoenix-based company that manufactures the Modbox, which he likens to a MacBook in terms of sleekness and functionality. According to Saccento, the Modbox—which he emphasizes is not a modified shipping container—can be assembled by anyone, anywhere, and in only two days. It arrives by truck fully-furnished and requires no nails or screws for assembly. No painting is necessary, either. The base unit, which consists of a lightweight

aluminum frame and cladding, measures 10-feet cubed. Within this tiny footprint fits a kitchen and living room, and a second box can be attached via a glass-faced breezeway to provide space for a bedroom and bath. Though quarters are tight, inhabitants don’t have to sacrifice luxury; high-end touches include a Tempur- Pedic sofa bed, flat-screen TV, walnut millwork, Fagor refrigerator and induction cooktops, and a Duravit sink designed by Philippe Starck. All materials are either recycled or recyclable and are VOC-free, as the units are designed in line with LEED Platinum standards.