Celebrating Community
Netflix says that at least 45 million people saw Bird Box in its first week. If they’re not lying, they’re criminals–they just confessed to wasting the equivalent of 146 human lifetimes. In a just world, I wouldn’t even review this movie–it’s just a A Quiet Place knock-off, like those Transmorphers straight-to-DVD movies that only get made to grift gift-shopping grandmas. […]
Say hello to Pioneer Works 2019 residents Now in its seventh year, Pioneer Works continues to find trend-defying artists. We wanted to forecast a few artists we’re especially excited to see and hear from. The music residents range from the classic virtuoso of Yumi Kurosawa to the powerhouse vocals of Quenton Stuckey. The visual residents show socially engaged artwork with […]
To get into Bitches Talkin, the collaborative exhibition at Black Ball Projects by Eileen Quinlan and Tamar Halper (ET, collectively), you have to call Joe, who’s glad to answer any questions you have, he’ll just be behind the wall over there. It seems fitting that one has to contend with this strange combination of absence and presence just to enter […]
The first shots were fired the day Millie was born. “You’ve finally got yourself a beauty,” was the word in the Kaplan’s Brooklyn neighborhood, where older sister Ruth would be known solely for her intellect. As grown women during the Second World War, the two main characters in The Wartime Sisters (St. Martin’s Press; January 22, 2019; hardcover), prove that […]
Of the very few bookstores in Red Hook, Pioneer Books stands out for its smart curation and clear visibility along Van Brunt. Here are a few titles currently stocked at the humble storefront that we couldn’t help reviewing. Pioneer Books hosts regular events and book clubs. Check out their website, swing by 289 Van Brunt St, or call (718) 596-3001 […]
In retrospect, it was inevitable: Facebook now streams original content that is actually good. Nearly 70 percent of Americans have a Facebook account, and the whole platform is made to like, watch, and share “content.” With the fog light of hindsight, it’s amazing that Facebook didn’t capitalize on their captive audience sooner. Amazon and Netflix both set sail with scripted […]
Jan 2 Start 2019 right with a visit to Peninsula Gallery. Curator Johnny Mullen has put together a smart exhibition of upcoming artists. “Strange Form of Life” features Lars Fisk, Clare Grill, E Hause, Matt Kleberg, Jim Lee, Meg Lipke, and Graham Wilson. Open weekends 1-7pm. Through Feb 3. 352 Van Brunt St. And while you’re in the vicinity, Pioneer […]
2018 has proven itself to be a monumental year, reeking of political devastation far more significant than ever deemed possible. Yet in light of these events, there has been an unmistakable amount of positivity surrounding a particular political figure. On Nov. 23, former First Lady Michelle Obama released her first book, “Becoming.” The memoir is a coming-of-age story about Michelle’s […]
Brooklyn Heights artist Samantha Dion Baker published her first book last August. She is a BASIS Independent Brooklyn parent, and has been holding student workshops there. “Draw Your Day: An Inspiring Guide to Keeping a Sketch Journal” is an instructive guide that delves into Baker’s creative process and provides ways to develop and master a […]
There are three quiet plotlines in HBO’s formally exuberant if politically acquiescent documentary “The Price of Everything.” It opens to a fast-talking auctioneer at Sotheby’s, seamlessly reaching one million dollars for a painting, wielding “masterpiece” around as to indicate a prime cut steak. There are quick defenses of the art market: commercial value means these pieces will survive; art and […]