The Dallas Theater Center’s New Season

When Kevin Moriarty announced the Dallas Theater Center’s new season last night, he had everybody riveted with his plans. So far, he’s been doing everything right. He’s been all over town going to theaters and talking to people since he got here in September, and it shows. One big surprise was his praise of Paul Baker, whom he actually visited on his ranch several weeks ago. Baker’s difficult parting from the DTC (which he founded) has been an unresolved problem.

Then came the announcement of the season itself, which contained more surprises. Here’s the list, with an interview after the jump.

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RE: Rene Moreno

Tim Rogers was noble enough to apologize to Mr. Moreno on behalf of the magazine, not because any offense was meant — it assuredly was not — but because offense was taken. I wrote the story, so the criticism of its language (in the many comments on his post) rightly falls on me.

The words and phrases in question occur in a story whose whole point is the bearing of Mr. Moreno’s accident on the way he plays the lead role in Richard III — the relation between his life and his art. I hope that his objections to my story, as well as this exchange on FrontBurner, will correct my insensitivities and omissions in that regard and add further understanding to his accomplishment. The play opens tonight. I suggest that you get a ticket soon.

Watch Michael Hogue Paint

I’ve long been a fan of Hogue’s work. He’s a DMN staff illustrator. So I dug this time lapse video of him at work. Worth a viewing if you have a few.

Klimt at the Cleaners

At left is a photo of the poster of The Kiss by Gustav Klimt on the side of the Custom Cleaners at Mockingbird and Abrams. Why is it newsworthy? It isn’t. But I’ve driven past the thing on my way to work countless times and always wondered if the words at the bottom explained why it’s there. I stopped by this morning. They don’t. If you click to enlarge, you’ll see the paragraph just gives a brief Klimt bio and that “If you search the internet for his name you will find over 235,000 sites.” I called Custom Cleaners to find out more about the poster. The woman who answered seemed thoroughly confused and didn’t know what I was talking about. I’d like to think it’s the work of a sophisticated, well-meaning graffiti artist looking to increase the art history knowledge of the general public. But I could be wrong.

Star Wars Geeks, Art Lovers Unite

On Saturday, you should join me at Conduit Gallery. Why? Besides for a chance to make awkward conversation with a scruffy, bearded, awesome guy, you can check out French photographer Cedric Delsaux’s fascinating series Star Wars on Earth. In it, from what I gather, Delsaux takes resin Star Wars statues, places them throughout Paris, and photographs the result (like the one pictured here), creating something that should hit your sweet spot whether you’re a fan of Star Wars, art, or–like me–both. Plus, Conduit will also have exhibits by Vincent Falsetta and Justin Quinn. (The opening reception is on March 29, and starts at 5:30 p.m.)

Artful Noise

This weekend is the last chance to see Phil Collins: the world won’t listen at the Dallas Museum of Art. In case you don’t recall, the installation is a series of videos of Smiths fans singing their favorite songs from the album of the same name, karaoke style. Of course, since it’s art, it’s much more complicated than that. Art critic (and long ago FrontBurnerer) Christina Rees explains. (Link tip to Holly, who points out that tonight is the last free night to see it.)

A Chance to Give Some Great Art a Good Home (For the Right Price)

Approximately 200 pieces from the personal art collection of the late, great Ray Nasher, who died a year ago this Sunday, will be going up for auction in May at Sotheby’s New York. A few of the prominent pieces to be sold include Picasso’s Le Baiser (estimated to sell for between $10 and $15 million) and L’Atelier (expected to fetch $6 to $8 million), as well as a rare series of Jasper Johns prints. Nasher’s entire collection—including those works on display at the Nasher Sculpture Center—is valued at more than $350 million.

I was lucky enough to get to interview Mr. Nasher in September 2006 at his home, for a piece that appeared in D CEO. He was so proud to show off each of the incredible pieces he kept at his residence, and talk about what each one meant to him and his late wife, Patsy. He credited his passion to his parents, who exposed him to music and art in his hometown of Boston, where, at the Boston Museum of Fine Art, he fell in love with Van Gogh’s Postman as a child. “Art has made life just so much more meaningful,” he said. “We just wanted to have in our home pieces that we loved and lived with and liked to get up every morning and enjoy. … [but] you’re selfish if you don’t utilize your art properly, because it’s something for everyone to share.” When asked how many pieces he owned in all, he replied, “Six hundred or something? I don’t know. I’m not sure. I don’t know numbers. It’s quality that counts.”

Notes From Maastricht

I just received word that The Magic Flame by Jackson Pollock (pictured left) sold for $8 million while an untitled painting by Willem de Kooning went for $5 million. Both to private collectors. Last notes, news, and observations from TEFAF after the jump. (more…)

Strong Sales At TEFAF Defy Talk Of Market Downturn

That’s the headline coming out of Maastricht, Holland after one week of sales at TEFAF, the largest art and antiquities sale in the world. I’ll dole out specific significant sales throughout the day, but I just received word that the private preview, which was a fabulous people watching fest, set the tone for this year’s fair with a record 9,435 visitors, an increase of 10% on 2007. This invitation only event was not just a social gathering; a number of exhibitors, particularly in antiquities and the modern art section, reported their busiest ever opening. Trading continued at a brisk pace throughout the opening day (Friday, March 7th ) and the first weekend. The visitors figure for the first three days was 25,000 visitors, an increase of around 7 %. TEFAF continues until Sunday. Perhaps the success is due to the flowers—this year, instead of tulips, the halls were lined with spectacular displays of 175,000 anemones. That has to be as valid a qualifier as anything in the art world, right?

Basquiat Painting Still For Sale

MAASTRICHT, HOLLAND—Ahoy, FrontBurnervian art lovers. Last night I celebrated the close of the first day of TEFAF with 149 of my newest best friends in the international media at a dinner in the Fort Sint Pieter which is located about 50 feet above sea level  in the nosebleed section of Maastricht. All of the “critics” at my table were buzzing with reports of the day: one reporter witnessed a $500,000 earring sale at Graff Diamonds (the gal wore them out) while another didn’t get the price of a rare teapot transaction that was, according to her, “at least a couple of million as it was a one-of-a-kind.” (Whatever, if I had a million dollars, I’d buy you a teapot.) But before dinner I slinked back into the exposition to see if “Red Skull,” the battle scarred Basquiat was still up for sale. It was and this time I had my trusty little pocket camera. Above left is the complete painting; to the right,  a close up of the notch taken out when the painting fell. Somewhere in rock n’ roll hevean Jean-Michel is undoubtedly having a good laugh.  Meanwhile, in Maastricht, the show goes on.

Basquiat Painting Suffers Major Damage

MAASTRICHT, HOLLAND — This afternoon I was minding my own business, browsing past at least $1 billion worth of art, when I happened upon three gallery dealers in a tizzy. Seems I’d just missed a tragic accident by 30 seconds. According to the guy I overheard, probably talking to his insurance company, some dandy had just tripped and fallen shoulder first into Red Skull, a painting by wacko smack freak Jean-Michel Basquiat. (Great movie.) I found myself standing next to them as they picked up the huge painting and gazed down on the floor at scattered chips of paint. Nightmare. Minutes later, I met Robert Hall, a gregarious guy who deals Chinese snuff bottles. Hall is also the snuff bottle curator (my term, obviously I’m rusty on art terminology) at The Crow Collection of Asian Art in Big D. And he’ll be here (there) in a couple of weeks to call on the museum. Other news: the organizers are aware that the world is watching the business of TEFAF this year. The fair is the first test of demand from buyers and an indicator of concern about a shrinking economy. Last year they sold $500 million worth of art. Well, somebody may not write a check for $30 million this week for a Van Gogh painting, but the fine jewelry showcases were an absolute glittery perfume-scented mosh pit of Eurowealth. I still have white spots in my eyes from the dazzle of the ginormous diamonds. Mind boggling. I’m speechless. (I know, close to perfect.) Tra la.

Greetings From Maastricht!

MAASTRICHT, HOLLAND — Ahoy, FrontBurnervians. I’m coming to you live from TEFAF, the world-renowned art and antiques fair held in Holland. I arrived here at the showcase early this morning before the doors opened for a VIP reception and had free reign of this huge exhibition/sale and watched the dealers as they set up. Miro, Henry Moore, Rembrandt are on the wall; Martha Stewart and Camilla Parker Bowles are in the Hall. I hear through the chardonnayvine that the Howard Rachofskys from Dallas are somewhere close by. I’ve just finished feasting my eyes on a $30 million Van Gough (The Child with an Orange) that has not been on the market for almost a century, a watch designed by Andy Warhol, and Vincent van Gogh sur son lit de mort, a rare etching made from the drawing of VG on his deathbed by Dr. Paul Fedinand Gachet. Spooky and intense, and a bargain at $25,000 euros. Or, as the dealer said to me, “the price of the greatest rarity.” Overheard before the doors opened: “I’ve been trying to work a million dollar deal with him and I can’t reach him on the phone” and “For the next two hours I am only interested in making money…the rest of the art world can f***k off.” But my favorite came from some dandy British collector in yellow silk pants, purple blazer, and neon green eyeglasses. He took a platter of Dover sole from a server, pushed a hair off his forehead and said, “Dear, how many Warhols do we have? Perhaps today we can pick up one or two more.” Hmm, they’re playing my tune. Gotta zoeken.

Please Come to Maastricht

Ahoy, FrontBurnervians. I am heading to Holland next week and will be attending, TEFAF, the “World’s Leading Art and Antiques Show” in the charming town of Maastricht. Any of you know anyone from Dallas who will be tiptoeing through the tulips next week. I’ll buy you a cup of “coffee” here.

The Case of the (Accused) Picasso-Thieving Artist: At Last, Some Answers

I apologize in advance if you are tired of me telling you about Michael Jon Schofield, but I still say the whole thing is inherently interesting. I mean, it’s no Small-Town Sheriff Scandal Movie in the Making, but still interesting. To catch up: Schofield is a Newport Beach artist accused of stealing a Picasso drawing that he had used as collateral for a personal loan that he didn’t repay. He ended up being arrested in Dallas and then extradited to Orange County. I’m sure — assuming you’re still paying attention — you’re wondering why? how? Dallas? I spoke to a police officer who was familiar with the case to find some answers.

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Alleged Newport Beach Art Thief Nabbed in Dallas

Michael Jon Schofield is a California painter who was trying to scare up some cash to make a cable TV show about art. He used a Pablo Picasso sketch as a collateral for a personal loan. But, if I’m reading the story right, the sketch was a fake and his payback went sour. The more interesting tidbits (i.e. how the fake sketch was discovered to be fake, how Schofield ended up in Dallas, how the cops caught him, what the cable TV show about art was going to be called) are still tiny mysteries.

Center for the Performing Arts Aims Higher

Maybe the Center for the Performing Arts is getting a refund check from the gubment, too. They’ve raised so much money already ($277 million) that they’re upping their goal (to $338 million) to expand the project. What slow economy?

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New Trinity Trust Poster Fails to Inspire Roughly 2 out of 3 D Magazine Employees

A dozen or so posters just showed up in our offices, care of the Trinity Trust. You know my stance on that. I think they’re fighting the good fight, and so on. Which is why it pains me to say the following: this Trinity poster — designed by London artist Jenny Bowers to commemorate a conference last year and now available to you, the Trinity supporter, in limited numbers, for $15 — is ugly. To my eye, anyway. Gail, I’m sorry. A few of us editors stood around looking at our posters when we got them a few minutes ago, going, “Really? Seriously?” Looking for confirmation, I marched it back to our creative director. He dug it. (”I’ve seen too many drawing of plans for the river, so I like the child-like style.”) Another art director agreed. (”It’s airy, fun. Looks like Matisse on speed.”) A third art director, though, was on my side. (”No. Uh-uh.”)

But what do I know, right? Comments are open.

The Relentless Perfectionism of Stanley Marcus

If you think your boss is relentless, how about dealing with 292 personal memos from the head honcho in the span of a month? That was the experience of Thomas E. Alexander, who worked for retailing legend–and prolific memo writer–Stanley Marcus back in the day as Neiman Marcus’ executive vice president for marketing. Alexander, who’s written a new memoir about working for Mr. Stanley, was one of the guests last night at a private party for a new show of Marcus’ photographs at the Dallas Museum of Art. (more…)

Tut, Tut: Don’t Expect Iconic Death Mask

Surprisingly, that much-ballyhooed King Tut exhibition starting in October at the Dallas Museum of Art will not include the boy king’s famed gold death mask. (Egypt won’t let the big icon out of the country, apparently.) But, isn’t that sort of like putting on a Mary Kay Ash exhibit and leaving out the pink Cadillac?

Marty Walker Sends Note From Miami

Walker is showing at what is billed at “the most important art show in the United States.” She sends word:

Art Basel Miami is in full swing today. My gallery is showing at Aqua Art Fair in Wynwood. Steve Martin, who is quite an art collector, just came through the booth. He stopped and looked at Tom Orr’s sculpture. This is the first time for us to show our Dallas artists on an international level, so it is exciting to see people responding not only to Orr, but Frances Bagley, Ted Kincaid, Douglas Cartmel, and Kathy Webster. We are having a great time in Miami. Dallas has several CADD galleries present, which is great to see! (Conduit/Pan American at Red Dot, Road Agent at Aqua Hotel, Dunn and Brown at Art Miami.)

Where You Should Be on Sunday

Jason Roberts, one of the organizers and co-founders of Art Conspiracy, sent along word that Art Conspiracy III takes place at the Door in Deep Ellum this Sunday, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Art Conspiracy, a nonprofit organization, puts on the part rock show, part art auction, and overall cool gathering. Jason was kind enough to pass along some helpful links, like this one to Art Conspiracy’s main site and also this one to a video of last year’s event that took place at the Longhorn Ballroom (soundtrack provided by Roberts’ band, the Happy Bullets). But don’t go to Longhorn on Sunday. Go to the Door. It’ll be kewl.

Where’s the Glove?

Apologies to those expecting headlines that actually have descriptions of posts to follow, but some puns are too good to pass up. Like the one above. See, Jennifer Gooch, a grad student at Carnegie Mellon School of Art, has started a Web site called One Cold Hand? According to this not-terribly-dated AP story, Gooch was saddened by the number of unmatched gloves she saw on the streets of Pittsburgh. So she did something about it, putting the Web site up like fliers on telephone posts of found kittens. The site’s been live for about three weeks and hadn’t match a glove yet, but Gooch said that’s okay:

“It’s kind of whimsical and bittersweet,” Gooch said. “It makes you feel there’s this opportunity for benevolence.”

For whatever reason, I like the sound of that.

Chiptune Artist Paul Slocum Gets Virtual Ink

Wired is hyping the Blip Festival 2007, including profiles of many of the performers. Today’s profile is none other than Dallas’ 8-bit champ Paul Slocum. (I hope Wired corrects the “Dan” Slocum before I post this.) What I am talking about:

Focusing on the modern artistic exploration of primitive video game and home computer technology and featuring 40 musicians and visualists from around the world, the Blip Festival showcases artists adopting and repurposing familiar but forgotten hardware - such as the Commodore 64, the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Atari game console and home computer line, and the Nintendo Game Boy - exploring their untapped potential and unique aesthetic character.

Paul and Lauren Gray make up Tree Wave and run And/Or Gallery. He’s been on my radar for a while, as I’d been looking for an excuse to link to this. It’s a mesmerizing nerd-riffic art video thingy made from the old “Dodge ‘Em” video game that I hereby decree is awesome.

IM Just Saying: Brian Gibb

What’s this? It’s a new, semi-regular feature to FrontBurner. (”Semi-regular” meaning I just did one, would like to do another, have no idea when.) “IM Just Saying” is an interview done via IM, iChat, Adium, or similar software. It may have time relevance, it may not. This first one does. The subject is artist Brian Gibb. He’s half of (Best of Big D-awarded) Art Prostitute and runs The Public Trust, a gallery in Deep Ellum. It is at that gallery this Friday that he will have an opening reception for his exhibition, “Please Believe Me.” That’s a sample of his work at left — the script says, “away from her.” For more info on it and him and Apple computers, check out the interview after the jump.

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Nudes at the Nasher

Having sufficiently recovered from last night’s gluttonous consumption of Trinitinis, I made my way to the Nasher for the press preview of “Woman: The Art of Gaston Lachaise.” Acting chief curator Jed Morse began our tour of the exhibit with a brief introduction and got a giggle from the audience when he cracked a pun about the artist having to “flesh out” his work.

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Re: Teatro Frida

I know Frida Kahlo was a truly great artist and self-portraitist, Glenn. I just wish she’d done something about her eyebrows and mustache.

Calling All Competitive Hitchcockphiles

An FBvian who also happens to be a good pal, a former D Empire employee, and marketing maven at the Angelika in Plano sends along a haiku-riddled plea to the creative types out there. By way of introduction:

Say Hitchcocktober

To yourself, aloud

If you need a smile.

Her verse is referring to this, the theater’s weekly screenings of Hitchcock flicks during the month of October (you guessed it: Hitchcock + October = Hitchcocktober). But her appeal to the FB Nation is for entries into the Angelika’s Hitchcocktober contest. Jump for haiku No. 2 and more deets.
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Local Artist Puts Red Bull to Use

Who knew Red Bull has been showcasing the artistic talents of its imbibers since 1997? I didn’t. Red Bull: The Art of the Can is a recurring, traveling artistic competition, wherein sculptors and welders and caffeine addicts create cool, weird, and in between creations. As the PR email that’s been sitting in my inbox informs, Coppell’s Ivonne Acero, a self-described full-time mother of three and full-time emerging artist, has an entry titled Metalmorphosis that will be on view in Chicago November 9-18. Or, you can see it at left. Other entries, current and past (including last year’s showing in Dallas), can be found here.

Erick Swenson (For No Reason)

For some reason, Dallas artist Erick Swenson came to mind recently. I met Swenson almost a decade ago at the Expo Lounge and we had a rollicking good time (nullus). You may have met him, too, kind of, in the pages of D several years ago when we chose him as a part of the Cool Crowd. The image at left is called Untitled, and it’s but a sample of his haunting, amazing, beautiful work. To see a bit more of it, check out his Saatchi Gallery page or his exhibit at the Hammer Museum in LA or the James Cohan Gallery in NY that represents him. (Beware: The Saatchi Gallery site can suck you into a time-wasting vortex.) Erick, if you’re out there, let me buy you a beer. I need to learn some new dance moves.