Scene from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
The last fair I hit up during NY Art Week was the motherload of them all – The Armory Show. For those who don’t know, The Armory Show is kinda-sorta a big deal in the fine art scene.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
This was also the very last large scale event I attended before NYC was gripped with the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Like everyone else, I’m on edge. Here’s some observations about the art fairs attended in regards to Covid19. Tiny precautions were taken at VOLTA NY, no precautions were seen at all during Art On Paper, and there were a few attendees who wore protective gear at The Armory Show. Some were seen wearing the disposable surgical masks. One stylist lady had on both googles and the blue disposable mask, complete with high heels.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
The tone at The Armory Show was slightly quieter, maybe a little sober. It was on a Saturday night, but absolutely more serious and upscale than the other two fairs combined.
Meet my Betsey Johnson backpack. I’ve named it Bobby Matsumoto. Photo taken at The Armory Show, March 2020.
At one part I did participate in a photographer’s project. Stepped into a booth, where the photographer was taking Polaroids of fair attendees. He kept the one he took of me. Never had a chance to see it, because the Polaroid was still being developed. The guy did take one pic of my backpack, at my request. That photo he wasn’t too keen to keep, so it’s my memento of The Armory Show.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Becoming tired, I decided this would be my last art fair that weekend. Without further ado, here’s the rest of the photos from The Armory Show 2020.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo.
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele WitchipooScenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele WitchipooScenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Scenes from The Armory Show, March 2020. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Hope you enjoyed this post. This wraps up the three part series.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit New York hardcore, there was NY Art Week 2020. Again, I had my VIP pass. It seemed like a good idea at the time – but worrying about Covid-19 has got me on edge. I suppose NY Art Week was NYC’s last hurrah before Coronavirus gripped the big apple. In the meantime, enjoy both these photos and videos from Art On Paper 2020.
Art On Paper 2020. Peter Blake, artist. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. March 2020.
Do have to say, Art On Paper‘s 2020 fair was on point. Of the four years I’ve been attending Art On Paper, this one was the best yet. There were fresh showings of art not seen before. The vibe was definitely party mode. The crowd did not wear any preventive masks, wore gloves, nor was there any hand santizers to be found. (There was some santizer seen on a few table over at VOLTA) Social distancing was not yet put into effect.
From Art On Paper 2020 opening party.
Thought I saw legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen walk by. Turns out, he had one of his most iconic photographs on display. It was Deborah Harry, on silkscreen, limited edition of ten prints available. Printed by Gary Lichtenstein, with sparking diamond dust added.
Bob Gruen’s iconic photograph of Deborah Harry/Blondie. Limited edition print with diamond dust. As seen at Art On Paper 2020.
The Bob Gruen print was on display over at the Alpha 137 Gallery. When I was snapping a pic of the photograph, the gallery took a photo of me. It ended up on their Instagram account.
Me at Art On Paper, March 2020.
NY Art Week 2020 coverage will wrap up with the next post: The Armory Show.
So Brooklyn Open Studios just passed – and I was very lucky to be part of a group show, if you read the post prior to this. Now there’s going to be the first annual Ridgewood Open Studios. While Ridgewood, Queens is close to the Bushwick, Brooklyn border, it was about time for Ridgewood to stand out on its own. You can check out the website here.
Flyer for Ridgewood Open Studios, Oct. 4 – 9th, 2019.
Yours truly will have a painting up in a group art exhibit created just for Ridgewood Open Studios, at Lorimoto Gallery. You can also follow them on Instagram.
You can read an article about the upcoming event here.
Pardon the short notice. If you’re in the NYC area, particularly Bushwick, Brooklyn, then check out the monthly Trans-Cen-Der events at Brooklyn Fire Proof. Artists of all mediums and media show slides of their work. Then give a quick talk. I’m among one of the five artists this round. Admission is free, but seating is limited. The event runs from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Trans-Cen-Der is hosted and co-curated by artist Tim Gowan.
This is extremely short notice. This Tuesday, July 30th, 2019, I will be giving a small talk about my illustrations and artwork at the monthly Trans-Cen-Der. The event runs from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. The location is at Brooklyn Fire Proof in Bushwick, Brooklyn NY. There will be four other artists as well, working in all mediums. Admission is free but seating is limited.
Monthly Trans-Cen-Der artist event/lecture at Brooklyn Fire Proof, in Bushwick, Brooklyn NY.
This Saturday will be a busy day. During the day I’ll have a table at the Trashland Zinefest II, located at The Footlight in Ridgewood, Queens NY. Admission is free, the event runs from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. I’ll be selling my comics, greeting cards and other items.
Poster for the Trashland Zinefair II, taking place at The Footlight NYC. Located in Ridgewood, Queens NY. Event August 3rd, 2019.
At Trashland Zinefest II, copies of my latest comic The Temptation of Squeaky will be on sale. Drop by my table and buy your own copy.
The Temptation of Squeaky. Latest comic from artist and writer Michele Witchipoo, on WitchesBrewPress. 2019.
On Saturday evening, I will be attending the MF Gallery opening party for their Rocky Horror Picture Show art exhibit. Opening party is from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Costumes and Rocky Horror cosplay is encouraged. There will be a screening of the classic cut film as well.
MF Gallery’s flyer for The Rocky Horror Picture Show art exhibit. Opening party Sat. Aug. 3rd, 2019 in Brookyn, NY.
Below is the painting I did for the Rocky Horror art exhibit. It’s classic Dr. Frank-N-Futer. The mediums were acrylic paint and glitter, inside a refurbished vintage wooden frame.
Painting of Dr. Frank-N-Futer, main protagonist of the classic cult film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Mediums: acrylic paint and glitter, inside a refurbished vintage wooden frame. Painting by Michele Witchipoo, July 2019. Painting for sale.
If you’re local in the NYC area, then come down to at least one of these events.
A few weeks ago, I checked out the Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibit over at The Brant Foundation. Admission was complimentary, but access was already booked up. Luckily I was able to score a ticket.
I’m supposed to post a more detailed review on another blog. In the meantime, here’s a look. The show itself covers a variety of his work. For those who don’t know, the artist dated a pre-fame Madonna.
So this has been the third year I’ve attended the Art On Paper fair. Last week was the annual NYC Art Week, where you can catch events like VOLTA, Scope, SPRING/BREAK and of course, The Armory Show. Went to The Armory and VOLTA back in 2016. Haven’t had a chance to go back since. In fact, it hurt when I had to turn down passes for The Armory Show in 2017, due to schedule conflicts. However, I’ve been able to manage going to Art On Paper.
Me at VOLTA, March 6, 2016 during NYC Art Week. Before dying my hair blue.
It’s easier to obtain passes for Art On Paper than to the other events for NYC Art Week. It should be noted that this year’s NYC Art Week had a rough start. Armory changed venues, VOLTA plans up in the air.
Art On Paper went on as planned. Finally in 2019, I finally attended one of those VIP opening parties. Upon arrival was a band playing music, but the large scale installation behind them caught my attention. Titled Manifestation 4, artist Samuelle Green created this cave constructed from pages from discarded paperbacks and wire. You were able to walk through this cave located near the event entrance.
samuelle green art installation, art on paper 2019. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
samuelle green art installation, art on paper 2019. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
samuelle green art installation, art on paper 2019. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
samuelle green art installation, art on paper 2019. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
There were some repeats from the previous two years I’ve attended Art On Paper. Mainly focused on the newer exhibits, as seen below.
After the VIP party, I went back to the fair on Sunday. That’s where I saw this woman walking around in a chain mail dress, with electrical flashing signs attached. You can either lock him up, or her up. Pick your choice. It was a pretty clever design.
Woman from Art On Paper 2019. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Woman from Art On Paper 2019. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Below are the rest of the photos taken from the fair:
Till nest year…and hopefully attend the other fairs in 2020.
It’s late but here goes. The days of March 8th to March 11th 2018 was NY Art Week. That’s when the big fine art/modern art fairs happen, such as The Armory Show, VOLTA NY and Art On Paper. Unfortunately I was only able to attend one fair, which was Art On Paper. This was my second time returning to the event.
Along the way there was a life-size Marge Simpson seen in Lower Manhattan. Throwing in a cute photo of a dog riding the subway. Why? Sometimes I like animals over humans.
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
You’ll have to pardon me. Usually I take notes, but this year was a bit distracted. Some of the art seen was repeats of last year. The surprising part was not so much political art displayed as opposed from last year. Not to say there wasn’t any.
Art On Paper 2018. Kim-Trump paddles. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Halfway through the event, I met a lady carrying around matchboxes. These were refashioned as art items. Jennifer Robin Arnold (her name) told me during the summer she sells them in Coney Island, Brooklyn. She was kind enough to give me the matchbox with the 1970s porn flavor.
Art On Paper 2018. Jennifer Robin ArnoldPhoto by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Jennifer Robin Arnold’s matchbox art. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Jennifer Robin Arnold’s matchbox art. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Again they had the overpriced concession stand. As much as that alcoholic coconut drink was tempting, I wasn’t about to fork over $14.00. Ditto for the Sixpoint beer for $7.00 when I could get it cheaper at a Brooklyn dive bar. However, there was ton of art to be seen.
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Art On Paper 2018. Lower East Side Girls Club. Photo by Michele Witchipoo
Slowly catching up to where I left off, before a series of events occurred. In the middle of all the chaos, a friend gave me her VIP pass to Art On Paper during NYC Art Week. Also could’ve gone to Volta NY, but what great timing. Having to turn those passes down really bummed me out.
Anyway. Enjoyed Art On Paper more than originally thought. My apologies also extend to losing the credits to who did what in these photos.
Entrance/Exit to Art On Paper. Photo by Michele Witchipoo. March 2017.
The event was a combination of both old and new, established and rising. In various booths there were some social commentary. Some anti-Trump pieces, as you will see in this post.
From Art On Paper. March 2017.
From Art On Paper. March 2017.
From Art On Paper. March 2017.
Nothing inspires artists like political dissent.
Anti-Trump from Art On Paper. March 2017.
Anti-Trump from Art On Paper. March 2017.
Anti-Trump from Art On Paper. March 2017.
Of course, among all the political statements, don’t forget to get your top dollar refreshments. This drink in the photo below costs $14. Now excuse me as I roll my eyes.
Art On Paper. March 2017
Art On Paper. March 2017
Art On Paper. March 2017
Replica of a book/music shelf. Art On Paper. March 2017.
Replica of a book/music shelf. Art On Paper. March 2017.
Art On Paper. March 2017
Eventually stumbled upon work by the established, such as Warhol and Picasso. When I glanced at this portrait of Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Warhol was a teen hero of mine. Right before entering high school, I was fascinated with Warhol and his entire Factory scene. As a 14 year old Boy George clone, I read that Edie Sedgwick biography as if it was the bible. Memories. Not so much into Warhol anymore but still appreciate what he did.
When I was 16, I spotted Warhol walking on third avenue, east 50s, in Manhattan. Near my old high school. He knew I recognized him, so he quickly turned the corner. Okay, so it didn’t help that my hair was thisbig. After my Boy George phase, I went completely into copying Siouxsie’s look. He died later that year.
Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Art On Paper. March 2017.
Here’s some Picasso for you.
Picasso, Art On Paper. March 2017.
Picasso, Art On Paper. March 2017.
Picasso, Art On Paper. March 2017.
Picasso, Art On Paper. March 2017.
Another Warhol portrait. Art On Paper. March 2017.
Art On Paper. March 2017
Art On Paper. March 2017
Art On Paper. March 2017
Art On Paper. March 2017
Art On Paper. March 2017
Art On Paper. March 2017
Art On Paper. March 2017
Art On Paper. March 2017
Art On Paper. March 2017
Art On Paper. March 2017
Art On Paper. March 2017
What amazed me was seeing the fine art trend of applying glitter. I’ve been using glitter in my own paintings for years. Here’s some examples.
Glitter painting. Art On Paper. March 2017
Glitter painting. Art On Paper. March 2017
Glitter painting. Art On Paper. March 2017
Hopefully next year things will be better, so I can attend more shows during NYC Art Week.
This past weekend was the opening reception for the Made In Ridgewood exhibit, held at OUTPOST Artists Resources for Bushwick Open Studios 2016. There was a large turn out for the opening night. OUTPOST and Ridgewood Artists Coalition got together, gathering local artists from the Ridgewood,Queens area of NYC.
Reverend Mother by Michele Witchipoo as seen in the Made In Ridgewood (Ridgewood Artists Coalition) group art exhibit at OUTPOST Artists Resources for Bushwick Open Studios 2016. Pen and ink on illustration board.
My work was part of this group art show, debuting this new piece. There were various mediums and styles ranging from painting, sculpture, video, photography and interactive. Of course it helped that open bar was courtesy of Finback brewery, another local Ridgewood establishment. It should be noted that Finback makes some very good beers. So if craft beers are your thing, definitely check it out.
Artist: Michele Witchipoo
Artists: Kyle Andrew Phillips, Stephen Lewis, George Rosa, Allison Wade, Joshua Pelletier, Beata Zalewski, Isabelle Schneider
Artists: Vared Snear, Ethan Boisvert, Christina Massey Gabriela Rassi, Emily Heniz, Yasmeen Abdallah, Bill Bartholomew, James Valdez Osaku, Ida Gavois, Campy Dicks, Rebecca Rubenstein, Deanna Lee, Mengwen Cao, Sandra Koponen
Artists: Christina Massey Gabriela Rassi, Yasmeen Abdallah, Bill Bartholomew, James Valdez Osaku,
Artist: Danielle Draik
Artist: Tim Gowan
Artist: Allison Wade
Checking out a video at Art from the OUTPOST Artists Resources / Made In Ridgewood exhibit for Bushwick Open Studios 2016
Crowd at OUTPOST Artists Resources opening night for Made In Ridgewood exhibit for Bushwick Open Studios 2016
Artist: Sandra Koponen
Art from the OUTPOST Artists Resources / Made In Ridgewood exhibit for Bushwick Open Studios 2016
Artist: Pablo Garcia
Art from the OUTPOST Artists Resources / Made In Ridgewood exhibit for Bushwick Open Studios 2016
Artist: Campy Dicks
Crowd at OUTPOST Artists Resources opening night for Made In Ridgewood exhibit for Bushwick Open Studios 2016
Art from the OUTPOST Artists Resources / Made In Ridgewood exhibit for Bushwick Open Studios 2016
Artist: Stephen Lewis
Artist: Christina Massey
Artists were: Yasmeen Abdullah, Kate Bae, Bill Bartholomew, Ethan Boisvert, Michele Borg (Michele Witchipoo), Daniel Boventer, Mengwen Cao, Campy Dicks, Liliana Dirks-Goodman, Nathalie Di Sciascia, Elizabeth Donsky, Rachel Dove , Danielle Draik, Pablo García, Ida Gavois, Tim Gowan, Huisi He, Georgia Hinaris, Ji Hoon Kim , An Hu, Daniel Iliescu , Liz Johnson (Spadiode), Sandra Koponen, Molly Lambe , Connor Lawson, Deanna Lee, Stephen Lewis, Christina Massey, Varvara Mikushkina, David Nakabayashi, Sharilyn Neidhardt, James Peay, Joshua Pelletier, Kyle Andrew Phillips, Gabriela Rassi , Elizabeth Riley, George Rosa, Christopher Rose , Rebecca Rubinstein, Isabelle Schneider, Sara Schraeter, Farshid Shafiey, Vered Snear, Jeanette Spicer, Kelli Thompson, Jimmy Valdez Osaku, Allison Wade, Tyson Washburn, Chenli Ye, Beata Zalewski, Alex Drewchin, Greg Fox, Winslow Laroche, Jonah Rosenberg, Andrew Sutherland, Caterina Verde, David Wightman, Magin Schantz, and Libby Mislan.
If you missed the opening reception, you can still check the exhibit until October 15th.
Thanks to OUTPOST Artist Resources and Emily Heinz for putting this together.
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