JMG Artblog

Philadelphia's Murals

More Philadelphia Murals And The Art They Tell
by Janice Golden, Robin Rice, David Graham, Jack Ramsdale and Natalie Pompilio

 "More Philadelphia Murals And The Art They Tell is as inspirational as it is beautiful, but is ultimately important in recounting the lives of the artists and residents whose lives are transformed by the simple stroke of a paintbrush."
—The Philadelphia Tribune

The Philadelphia Inquirer had an interesting article in its Friday, December 8, 2006 edition describing the attraction of Philadelphia's 2,600+ murals. The Mural Arts Program was set up in 1984 as part of the Philadelphia Anti-Grafitti Network. The murals have been succesful in creating a sense of community in areas of they city where they are painted. The author, Kristin Granero, writes "The first step in understanding the murals' impact is to spend some time, even part of a Saturday or Sunday, checking them out." I agree wholeheartedly.

Additional information about Philadelphia's Mural Arts:
Mural Arts Program
More Philadelphia Murals And The Stories They Tell
Philadelphia Mural Art
Philadelphia NIS Muralbase
GoPhila.com Info
Wikipedia: Philadelphia Anti-Grafitti Network
University of Pennsylvania Almanac
Philadelphia Inquirer: Palette of Creativity Puts Mural In Prison
Temple Times
Community Arts Network: Mural Arts Program
Eisenhower Fellowships

Download by clicking here a Walking Tour and Driving Tour of the Philadelphia Mural Arts.

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Black Cubes: Italian Philosopher Sells Art

An interesting and unusual email arrived recently. An Italian philosopher/artist is making 999 Black Wooden Cubes with a piece of art (that is a surprise) and selling them on his web site. The strange part of this is that he states that if one opens the box the meaning of the art will be lost.

Weird. But interesting. Check it out at The Black Cubes.

For some additional insight to this project check out OneThousandPaintings.com.

Works in Progress: Jefferson Green

I have had a few people ask what I am working on these days. The photos above show several of my works in progress in various mediums (acrylic, charcoal, watercolor). I have been taking drawing and painting classes since I moved to Philadelphia at the Wayne Art Center and the Mainline Art Center. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my classes but I think the drawing class by Karen Fogarty (Wayne Art Center) has been the one where I have learned the most.

Atlanta: Visual Arts

I have been in Atlanta this weekend and found a great site called Arts in Atlanta. It is an index of various arts related organizations, galleries and museums that will help you plan a fun day or weekend. Also, check out:
Creative Loafing
The View from the Edge of the Universe

MOMA Atrium

DSCF5321, originally uploaded by jmgphoto.

I was trying out the flickr web photo service and uploading some of my photo when I saw this photograph I took of the atrium in the remodeled MOMA (Museum of Modern Art in New York City) a few months ago. It reminded me of how enjoyable and thought provoking the museum is. For a few more shots of the museum check out my MOMA photoblog.

Pollock, Miro, Rothko, Matisse, Picasso, Chagall, Cezanne, O'Keefe, Mondrian, Kandinsky and on and on. The works in the MOMA are incredible.

Note: The painting on the wall of the photograph shown here is a Monet.

The Gates: VR Panorama by Elizabeth Gentile

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Artwork by Hans Nyberg, Panorama.dk

Hans Nyberg, Virtual Reality ("VR") Artist and publisher of Panoramas.dk web site, emailed me and asked me to check out the VR Panorama of The Gates In Central Park by Elizabeth Gentile. Note: Be sure and wait a moment for the VR Panorama to load and start its 360 degree panorama rotation.
 

I did and was amazed. Definitely check out Ms. Gentiles work and you will get a view of Christo and Jean-Claude's art in Central Park that will make you think you are there. Combine this VR panorama with Josse Ford's description of the opening day for the next best thing if you couldn't make it.

If the VR Art is of interest read the interview of Hans Nyberg by Michelle Bienias of VRMAG and then go to Hans Nyberg's website Panoramas.dk. In developing his web site Mr. Nyberg states, "My intention with this site is to make immersive panoramic images also called VR Photography more known among the general public."

First Hand Account of The Gates

For a interesting and informative first hand account of the unfurling of Christo and Jean-Claude's $21 million Central Park art project read Josse Ford's comments and thoughts on her Art, Journeys and Conversation blog. To see what the day was like visit her "The Gates" photo album.

Christo and Jean-Claude: Gates Unfurled

Christo and Jean-Claude unveiled their $21 million art project called "The Gates" today in Central Park, New York City. 7,500 gates filled 23 miles of Central Parks 56 miles of parkways. Read about the day at The Observers web site.

"gates44" by eatsdirt

Art News On the Net

Artdaily.com is a site that I just came across and like very much. The web site claims to be the first art newspaper on the net. Artdaily.com is loaded with interesting news for a variety of topics in the art world. It is definitely worth a look.

Magnificent!

A friend sent me this photo of a recent work. I like it alot. No. I love it! Something in the composition makes me want to keep looking and thinking. Painting gives us the chance to see the world in a different light. The reason I have to come to love art so much is that it gives you a view into another's world. Enjoy.