Ravels in Review May Day!

It is the first of May, which means many beginnings, Spring, outdoor activities, my 26 day birthday countdown, and last but not least--that my parents are visiting me this weekend! Their visit came off to a good start, with the 10 course tasting menu at Degustation last night, or if not, they were too stuffed and pickled to complain. Despite vowing last night not to eat for the rest of the month (luckily last night was the last day of April), we have more eatings planned, some museum goings, and some theater. I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile what were we talking about this past week? Aside from a rather lame Monday, when I suffered from some of the less innocuous effects of summer, I talked about two gallery shows in Chelsea, Picasso at Gagosian being absolutely requisite (I hope to bring my mom tomorrow) and Louise Fishman being well-worth seeing, especially if you like textured, thickly-painted abstract canvases. I do. While you can't actually go see the recent installation in the atrium of the Guggenheim by Ann Hamilton, you can see my video of her Human Carriage and the applause it generates.

We've also had some fun discussing the huge, new ArtPrize being offered and the populist way it's being decided and a billboard takeover in New York City. This street warfare between advertisers and artists wasn't entirely successful; I hear that most of the billboards have already been reclaimed and painted over by companies.