TEFAF is finally back for an in-person event in New York this May. The international art fair opens May 6 in the Park Avenue Armory. 91 galleries from 14 countries are presented in this edition. The invitation-only preview opening night is a benefit for the Memorial Sloan Kettering.
Venezia Biennale 2022
The 59th edition of the Venezia Biennale is finally here. It's headed by Cecilia Alemani. The theme of the show is "The Milk of Dreams." Here are my highlights of the exhibition. For the first time in its 127-year history the majority of the artists are women. The Russian Pavilion is closed this year, while Ukraine occupies a prominent spot. Finally, the U.S. Pavilion is transformed into a West African palace. Chicago-based artist Simone Leigh is the winner of Golden Lion for the Best Participant Award. Due to the limited time, I only saw the Giardini, hopefully, I will re-visit this summer to see the Arsenale part. The exhibition runs till November 27, 2022.
Megan Kwasniak| Border Volunteer
The war in Ukraine is still going on. While most of us in America try to help with whatever we can, some decide to go to the border. I recently spoke with such a volunteer. Megan Kwasniak, an E.R. physician of Polish descent, just returned from Polish-Ukrainian border. Take a listen.
Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary Show 2022
At the opening night of the Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary Show, British photographer Harry Benson was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. At 92, Benson is full of wit and humor. His career spans over 60 years, from refugee camps in Africa to royals and presidents, but perhaps his most recognizable photographs are of the Beatles. Nowadays, he lives in Florida with his wife Gigi and two dogs. "The first thing I'll do is when I get home I'll show it to my dogs," he said accepting his award. The show collaborated with Holden Luntz Gallery to exhibit some of Benson's most prominent works. Jodi Luntz shared with me the backstory of the iconic photograph "The Pillow Fight" at George V hotel in Paris.
Anti-War Rally | New York
Due the current situation in Ukraine, anti-war rallies are held in multiple cities, including New York. It’s mainly a grassroots movement, organized through social media. I met a few protesters, who are creative professionals, at these rallies. They are collecting donations to help Ukraine.
Greaves Productions 