All posts by romicortier@yahoo.com

Art

Paris Photo LA

May 8, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Paris Photo LA just wrapped at the Paramount Studios backlot. It ran from May 1 – 3, 2015, and included 80 galleries and art book dealers from 17 countries world – wide. Paris Photo LA is the US edition of the world’s most celebrated art fair for works created in the photographic medium. Paramount Studios was the ideal setting to explore how artist have been, and continue to use photography and moving images in their work, during the 20th and 21st centuries.

That aside… who doesn’t love going onto the studio backlot, the glamours birth place of Hollywoods Golden Era. After 20 years of living here, it’s still so exciting to walk through the sound stages, rich in television and film history, marveling at the continued ‘magic in the making’. In the late 1990’s I would go to weekly tapings of client Sharon Lawrence’s TV sitcom Fired Up on Stage 29 or Stage 30. It’s so exciting to be a part of someone’s entourage, and of course it’s great for business! At one point I was doing the hair of nearly a dozen people from the production side of the show, as well as the stars cuts and colors who was graciously singing my praises to everyone.

Stage 29, Paramount Studios Backlot, Photo Romi Cortier

Therefore, I suppose nostalgia was the real motivating factor for me to attend the Paris Photo LA exhibit. I’m more drawn to paintings than photography. That said, I certainly had some wow moments during the exhibit. My absolute favorite pieces were the copper photogravure printing plates at the Bruce Kapson Gallery. There were nearly a dozen of them, priced in the tens of thousands of dollars range each. Breathtaking in their detail, they were created by Edward S. Curtis from 1900 – 1914 for The North American Indian series. Even the text on the copper plates was etched in reverse. I only wish my little iphone were able to truly capture the rich detail of the plates. (Follow this link to learn more about the gallery and see the images created by the plates)

Conceptually, the idea of turning vacant storefronts on the New York and Chicago Backlots into actual art galleries, is beyond brilliant. People were sitting on the perches of the steps, eating dishes from the food trucks, while milling from ‘gallery to gallery’ as if we were all extra’s in some sort of blockbuster film. It had the truest sense of community with just a tinge of excitement… because what better place to see actual celebrities than the Paramount Studio backlot. (Yes I saw one but we won’t name names – cough cough Desperately Seeking Susan #Not Madonna)

Paramount Studios Backlot, Paris Photo LA, Photo Romi Cortier

I hope you’ll be able to attend next years Paris Photo LA. And in the mean time, please enjoy one of my favorite clips from Fired up: a musical dream sequence that has Ms. Lawrence singing and dancing her way into our hearts.

Art

LBJ Presidential Library Murals by Naomi Savage

May 1, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Lyndon Baines Johnson Mural, LBJ Presidential Library, Austin, Texas, Photo Romi Cortier — LBJ Mural by Naomi Savage, Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library, Austin, Texas, Photo Romi Cortier

The fifty-foot long mural by Naomi Savage in the Great Hall of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library is quite stunning. It features five panels of deeply etched magnesium plates, each ten feet across and eight feet high. Her photographic engravings depict LBJ with Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and lastly by himself as President of the United States.

I was thrilled to learn that Savage was the niece of famed photographer Man Ray. He encouraged her to try anything – there was nothing you were told not to do, except spill the chemicals. She pioneered the use of photographic engravings for which she is best known, and had her first exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in 1952. She came up with the idea after combining painting with photography. The actual metal photographic plate itself is the art, described as a kind of topographic photograph with forms in three dimensions and with a variety of metallic surfaces and tones.

As you exit the galleries of the library into the Great Hall, the glow of the murals slowly capture your attention. At first glance you’re not sure what you’re seeing. Then you’re drawn in by the texture, yet simultaneously forced to step back to take in the grandness of the piece . With so much amazing texture, it’s very difficult not to walk up to the mural and run your hands over it… it begs to be touched. Yes, I behaved myself. But I did take a selfie in front of it to give it a sense of scale… ok, who am I kidding. I’m just a totally nerdy narcissist. The next time you’re in Austin, Texas, be sure and check out the LBJ Presidential Library.

Romi Cortier in front of the Naomi Savage Mural, LBJ Presidential Library, Austin, Texas

Architecture, Art

Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library

April 28, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

I love the Great Hall of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library. It’s ceremonial staircase ascends into a four-story glass encased view of the archives collection, which emanates a lustrous red glow throughout the entire space. Mirroring the archives on the opposite wall is a nearly four-story Presidential Seal, beautifully etched into the travertine wall. The feeling of the overall space is both elegant and restrained. Another design feature that I love are the photographic Presidential portraits lining the walls, with their respective first ladies beneath them. If you look closely at the photo below, they’ve left space for the next President on the far right. I’m wondering what the protocol will be in the event the Hillary Rodham-Clinton is elected our next President… will they place former President Bill Clinton beneath her portrait? I guess time will tell.

LBJ Presidential Portraits, LBJ Presidential Library, Austin, Texas, Photo Romi Cortier

The monolithic ten-story LBJ Presidential Library and Museum was completed in 1971 by architect Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill. This is one of 13 Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration… that’s two down and 11 to go! I know it sounds kinda nerdy, but there’s something so rewarding about walking through these time capsules that include tv-shows and other elements of the era, to help add perspective to the time in which the Presidents governed.

This particular library tours starts with a very poignant look at the events that thrust LBJ into the Presidential seat… the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The photo below shows then Vice President Lyndon Johnson and Lady Bird Johnson comforting First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy aboard Air Force One after the assassination.

Lady Bird Johnson, Lyndon Johnson and Jacqueline Kennedy aboard Air Force One.

Additionally, the LBJ Presidential Library has rotating exhibits. I feel fortunate to have been there on one of the last days of the Selma Exhibit: March to Freedom. The exhibit featured photos by renowned civil rights photographer James ‘Spider’ Martin as well as select photos from the April 2014 Civil Rights Summit at the LBJ Presidential Library.

March to Freedom, Selma exhibit at LBJ Presidential Library, Austin, Texas, Photo Romi Cortier

Earlier this year I attended a Los Angeles exhibition at the Fahey/Klein Gallery titled March to Freedom that also focused on the 50 year anniversary of the march to Selma. It included the photos of Stephen Somerstein, Flip Shculke, and Steve Schapiro. Happily photographers Steve Schapiro and Stephen Somerstein were able to attend the opening night gala. It’s so hard to believe that these gentlemen witnessed that remarkable journey, and I feel so honored to have met both of them. Little did I know at the time of this exhibit that I’d also be seeing the exhibit at LBJ… maybe there’s an order to the cosmos that remains unseen.

Romi Cortier with renowned Photographer Steve Schapiro, Fahey/Klein Gallery opening night 'March to Freedom' — Romi Cortier with renowned Photographer Steve Schapiro, Fahey/Klein Gallery opening night ‘March to Freedom’

Photographer Stephen Somerstein, Fahey/Klein Gallery, March to Freedom Exhibit.

Photographer Flip Shculke, Fahey/Klein Gallery, March to Freedom Exhibit

Photographer Steve Schapiro, Fahey/Klein Gallery, March to Freedom Exhibit

Learn more about the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library Here.

Decorative Arts

Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction

April 24, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Lot 285, Rene Lalique Vase, Bonhams 20th Century Decorative Arts, Photo Courtesy Bonhams — Lot 285, Rene Lalique Vase, Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction

Lot 300, A Pair of Jean Despres Silvered Metal Candlesticks, Bonhams 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction — Lot 300, A Pair of Jean Despres Silvered Metal Candlesticks, Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction

Lot 276, Rene Lalique Molded Vase, Bonhams 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction — Lot 276, Rene Lalique Molded Vase, Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction

Lot 299, A Pair of Jean Despres Silvered Metal Candelabra, Bonhams 20TH Century Decorative Arts, Photo Courtesy Bonhams — Lot 299, A Pair of Jean Despres Silvered Metal Candelabra, Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts Auciton

Lot 278, A Rene Lalique Opalescent Glass Vase: Ceylan, Bonhams 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction, Photo Courtesy Bonhams — Lot 278, A Rene Lalique Opalescent Glass Vase: Ceylan, Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction

Lot 330, A Karl Springer Shagreen Veneered and Bone Inlaid Chest, Bonhams 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction — Lot 330, A Karl Springer Shagreen Veneered and Bone Inlaid Chest, Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction

Lot 263, A Tiffany Studio Favrile Glass and Gilt Bronze Ten Light Lily Lamp, Bonhams 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction, Photo Courtesy Bonhams — Lot 263, A Tiffany Studio Favrile Glass and Gilt Bronze Ten Light Lily Lamp, Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction

Lot 249, Three Loetz Iridescent Glass Vases, Bonhams 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction — Lot 249, Three Loetz Iridescent Glass Vases, Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction

Lot 246, A Pair of Joan Busquets Modernismo Giltwood Fauteuils, Bonhams 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction — Lot 246, A Pair of Joan Busquets Modernismo Giltwood Fauteuils, Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction

Lot 349, Dale Chihuly, Five Piece Seaform set, 1993, Bonham's 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction — Lot 349, Dale Chihuly, Five Piece Seaform set, 1993, Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction

It’s time for one of my favorite auctions of the year, the Bonham’s 20th Century Decorative Arts Auction. It’s happening Wednesday April 29th at the Los Angeles location.

I’ve been to many of these auctions over the years, and there’s something for everyone. From early 20th century pottery to post modern furniture. Above is an assortment of some of my faves. I mean who doesn’t LOVE Lalique! And who can resist vintage iridescent glass or contemporary colorful Chihuly blown vessels. As you know, I’m not a curator, I’m just a guy who likes gorgeous things, sometimes obscure, and sometime not. Occasionally, my favorite auction items don’t even sell, which translates to items that you can pick up for a really great price!

Follow this link to learn more about these items or register to bid online: BONHAM’S

Architecture

The State Capitol Building in Austin Texas

April 21, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Capitol Building, Austin, Texas, Photo Romi Cortier

Stepping inside the State Capitol Building in Austin Texas is a little bit like stepping inside a massive tiered wedding cake. Layer upon layer of symmetrical white geometric patterns, defined by crisp gold lines with a splash of Tiffany Blue at the top. Architects refer to this classical architecture as Italian Renaissance Revival, an all-encompassing designation that covers many 19th century architectural revival styles. The idea behind classical architecture is to bring greater ‘order’ to architecture, resulting in strong symmetry and careful proportions, which grew out of scientific observations of nature and human anatomy.

Built in 1888, this is the third building to serve as Texas’s state capitol. The previous one built in 1853 on the same site, was destroyed by the great capitol fire of 1881. The unusual color of the exterior is due to the fact that the structure is covered in sunset red granite. The original building material was to be hill country limestone, however, the high iron content of the limestone led to rapid discoloration with rust stains. Good thing they figured that out before they built it, or it would have been a disaster of ‘Monumental’ proportions.

If you’re visiting Austin, or Waterloo as it used to be called, a trip to the state capitol is fairly easy. Sure, you’ll need to go through some metal detectors, but it’s not nearly as bad as the ones at the airport. I guarantee you’ll love standing in the heart of the rotunda on its terrazzo floor, looking up towards the lone star of Texas at the top of the dome. There’s nothing more rewarding than experiencing good architecture, and Austin’s Capitol Building is one of those grand experiences you won’t want to miss.

Where Art Inspires Beauty