On my recent visit to the Metropolitan Museum in New York, I discovered these spectacular Sol LeWitt Drawings. I love their larger than life scale, plus they make a great backdrop for a selfie or a family portrait. Can you imagine a family Christmas Card or wedding announcement  in front of one of these 1970’s Op Art (Optical Art) drawings, you’d either be the coolest, or wackiest, people  in your suburban neighborhood. Since black and white motif’s seem to be making a strong comeback I’d say you’d be extraordinarily cutting edge.

A seminal practitioner of Conceptual Art, LeWitt emphasized the creative idea that generates a work of art, as opposed to the work’s material existence. For each work of art that becomes physical,’he wrote, there are many variations that do not. As a painter and wall muralist myself, I completely understand this sentiment. I begin with inspiration, research, drawings and sketches, and then the actual work of art. I’ve been very proud of some of the murals that I’ve created in my career, and have always been sad to see them go. But, wall murals aren’t meant to last forever, especially in the confines of a residential interior. Trends change, or residents change, which ultimately leads to a gallon of KILZ paint and primer being layered over the mural. If faced with the choice, I prefer to be the one welding the brush and primer… being both creator and destroyer of the art.

This installation, Wall Drawing #370,  is on view until January 3, 2016  in the Lila Acheson Wallace Wing, first floor, Gallery 399, Metropolitan Museum.

Moments in a Stream features seven stainless steel sculptures by Amsterdam based German artist Ewerdt Hilgemann, along Park Avenue between 52nd and 67th streets. Presented by The Sculpture Committee of The Fund for Park Avenue and the Public Art Program of the City of New York’s Department of Parks & Recreation, this installation is not permanent. It is in fact, part of a continuing process of beautification that was put in motion by Margaret Proctor who was a resident of Park Avenue for her entire adult life. One of the country’s foremost advocate for urban beautification, she believed that her fellow citizens should share the responsibility for beautifying their city. The planting and maintenance of the Park Avenue malls has been the responsibility of The Fund for Park Avenue since 1980. The fund is supported by the buildings that face the avenue and also includes contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.

I will admit that I happened upon these magnificent sculptures by chance. I decided to take a walk from the Upper Eastside down Park Avenue to The Waldorf Astoria for an evening ‘beverage’ at dusk, and knew I’d stumbled upon something remarkable when I saw them. I dodged traffic to step into the street and grab these photos… don’t worry, it was a Sunday evening, so traffic was lighter than usual. I’ve always been a fan of stainless steel and how it reflects light. Therefore, I simply had to have some photos of these imploded cubes that look as if they’re dancing in the median.

Hilgemann’s process starts by fabricating perfect geometrically pure stainless steel forms, which are meticulously welded and polished to a satin gloss. After the pieces are complete, the artist slowly pulls the air out with a vacuum pump, collapsing the forms into their final shape.  To me the implosion represents the inward spiral of energy to reach the core and mystery of matter, the ultimate beauty of creation, says Hilgemann. I for one would love to see these pieces somewhere in Southern California, be it Los Angeles or Palm Springs… better yet, lets bring them to Larchmont Boulevard! I’ve been saying as much to the LBA (Larchmont Boulevard Association) for several years now. Public art is such a brilliant way to bring new visitors into a neighborhood, while simultaneously  reinvigorating  the local economy. It makes everyone feel good and adds to our sense of civic pride.