Comments (0) The Salon
Last night I was transported back to the 18th century. Sam Waksal (ex-chairman for the New York Council for the Humanities) had a cocktail, dinner, and salon with Andre Aciman (writer extraordinaire of ”Out of Egypt,” “Call Me By Your Name,” “8 Nights,” “False Papers,” and editor of the Proust Project, etc.) Several years ago I met Andre at one of Sam’s other salons. He complimented me on my scent (perfume) which he said was his favorite and that few women wear it. So we bonded instantly. Unfortunately, I forgot to wear it last night ( I was in the mood for a change). Andre took a whiff and disappointment washed over his face; “you’re wearing nothing,” he said. “Not true,” I responded, “just something else.” Feeling terrible his olfactory sense was not stimulated and that I let him down, I promised I would be wearing it the next time we met. Andre, of course, spoke about his writing, his process, the hows and the whys of his craft. Andre says he writes about paradoxes. Sam commented that true neuroses is called “oughtness,” I ought to be there not here, I ought to have done this and not that. To Which Andre added that he thinks most people are “messed up,” and so on. It was a stimulating evening and hope there will be more soon.
Met my friend and went to see the Willem de Kooning exhibit at the MOMA. I read that Anna Wintour doesn’t like adjectives, but I do and de Kooning’s show is not only overwhelming but bursting with exuberance, enthusiasm, and monumental talent. Willem de Kooning was prolific spending all of his time painting. You would think he would be veracious sexually but one wonders, with his tremendous productivity, where he had the time. Willem de Kooning said, “the reason for paint is skin,” and this is shown over and over and over again; one never tires of de Kooning’s skin.
Woman- Willem de Kooning
Just when I thought I was over fashion, I saw Daphne Guinness’ exhibit of her clothes at F.I.T. But first, before entering there was a brief film and interview on her. Waiting for a friend I viewed it four times and could have watched this mesmerizing creature even more. What is amazing to see is Daphne’s transformation from a wealthy bourgeoisie housewife to an artist and muse. While there are many who imitate her, Daphne’s extraordinary beauty and creativity is unique to her and everyone else seems to pale in comparison. The exhibit itself is well done, to see how someone who is fortunate enough to have the means to buy anything and is exposed to everything (high and low), makes the choices she makes with such cohesiveness and focus, clarity of vision, and such exquisite taste, is a delight. Thank you Daphne.
Daphne Guinness
On to Mary Boone to see Luis Gispert’s “deception.” Love when the concept of an exhibition encompasses social commentary with high art and humor. This exhibition has it all. I loved it!!
Luis Gispert
Thought I forgot a lot of my art history until I saw the “El Greco” exhibit at the MET (I love this museum). Viewing just a few paintings of his work I realized how far ahead he was compared to the other artists of his day. Precursor to impressionism, in fact, looking at one painting, I was reminded of Picasso, so I read the description which said when Picasso painted “The Young Ladies of Avignon,” he was influenced by El Greco’s work.
El Greco
Themocracy