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SPRING/SUMMER SPRING 2020
LUXURY MAGAZINE
Gothic Americana
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CONTENTS SPRING 2020 FASHION
16 20 24 26 30 34 36 30 32
BEAUTY/PROVOCATIVE/SKIN AVALON PHILIPS JEAN CHOU KRYSTAL JOY BROWN FOTOGRAFISK NY SPACE OUT NYC THE BOHEMIANS URBAN DREAMS FASHION PARADOX
COVER
44 JULIE MINTZ
HEALTH 54 56 60 60 64
DR. JANETTE NESHEIWAT DR. LEV KALIKA JEN SELTER NIKKI WALTER MACEOO
BEAUTY 66 BARBA
PROFILE 23 Hot Summer Cool Suits
68 SIR GARY KONG 70 THOMAS J. HENRY
CONTENTS 77
SPRING 2020
ENTERTAINMENNT
72 EINSTEIN’S DESK 74 WOLF. A STORY OF HATE
TASTE
76 MARIEBELLE NY 78 BAKE BACK AMERICA
JETSET
80 LE MÉRIDIEN DANIA BEACH HOTEL & RESORT
ARTFORM
86 BILLY ZANE 94 JUAN GARAIZABAL 100 JUSTMAD 104 SOTHEBY’S INSTITUTE OF ART 110 TATYANA MURRAY 116 SHELTERING IN TIPS
SOCIAL
118 VENICE SOCIETY SCENE 120 NEW YORK PARTY SCENE
Publisher Chase Backer Editor-in-Chief Adam Kluger
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Cover Editor Adam Kluger Features Contributor Jadan Horyn Luxury Editor Stephanie L. Howitt Editor at Large | Art, Culture & Fashion Rachel Vancelette
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
“We become brave by doing brave acts.” - Aristotle Every day in Manhattan there is the haunting wail of the ambulance siren announcing another covid-19 patient being rushed by first responders to overworked NYC hospitals where brave healthcare workers risk their lives to try to save other New Yorkers. Right now humanity is engaged in an epic struggle to survive a merciless enemy. Right now there is fear of the unknown and fear of what we do know. But as the pressure mounts and the current reality forces the world to shelter-in there are still those among us who feel the pull to be brave for others. To provide hope. The heroes, the parents, the families, the workers—all of us are finding new ways to adapt and help carry the load, to check in on friends and neighbors and to engage in small acts of kindness to let everyone we come into contact with, while social distancing, know that somehow we will all get through this. This unique issue of Metropolitan Magazine focuses on some folks who are trying hard to make a difference like Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, an emergency and family doctor who offers tips to follow CDC Guidelines and stay safe during this unprecedented time. Cover girl Julie Mintz shares the soul of an artist who has turned her struggles with isolation into beautiful music while photographer Jill Lotenberg offers us a new perspective on New York City during our most difficult challenge. New Yorkers are staying inside these days but that doesn’t mean we are giving up. We know the rest of the country and the world are watching and rooting for us as we listen to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo provide regular updates from the battlefront. Every night at 7pm a noise can be heard from open windows in skyscrapers and apartment buildings across the island of Manhattan - wild cheers, pots being banged, whistles and cars honking... a cacophony of appreciation across our city to serenade our healthcare and first responder heroes battling in the trenches... telling them thank you for being brave and thank you for giving all of us hope for a better tomorrow. Stay safe and stay strong!
Chase Backer Publisher, Metropolitan/25A
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EDITOR’S NOTE
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen” - Winston Churchill New York City is under siege by an invisible enemy, a global pandemic that threatens all of humanity. We are now the epicenter of a global health crisis. As I write this, more than one-third of all the people on this planet are sheltering in, while some of the true, unsung heroes of society, the doctors and nurses, risk their lives daily in emergency rooms in an attempt to save others. Beyond the essential work of scientists and medical minds to combat this pandemic, we need everybody to band together to stop this disaster and save lives. We each need to take personal responsibility right now to adhere strictly to all CDC/W.H.O. directives. Listen to our health leaders. We each need to observe social distancing, sneeze into tissues, wash our hands all the time. Sanitize surfaces and stay inside to help stop the spread. None of us can afford to be careless, oblivious or live in a state of denial. Time has run out. We each need to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Despite physical separation, we still need each other more than ever. We all need to work together as a team. Stay connected. Communicate. Use advanced technology to raise spirits, share vital health information daily and preach common sense. So that each of us can do our part to help save lives and “flatten the curve.” We can do it...all of us. Each of us. We are in a war. No one is truly safe. We are all exposed. Individuals. Families. Friends. Cities. Countries. Governments. We need to accept and understand the current reality and adapt our behaviors immediately and follow the new rules to save ourselves, our loved ones, our friends, our neighbors, our cities, countries, our world. A team is only as strong as its weakest link. If your current actions are endangering yourself or others... stop it! Please. We need to love each other and find our better angels. We need to stay strong and understand we are all soldiers in the same army fighting a common enemy now. We need to be vigilant and smart all the time. This is our new daily priority and responsibility and G-d willing it will eventually be our salvation. Stay safe. Stay strong. Be smart. Let’s defeat this enemy together.
Adam Kluger Editor in Chief, Metropolitan Magazine/25A
Adirondack Lake By Patricia Pedraza
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BEAUTY PROVOCATIVE SKIN By Luciana Pampalone
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Avalon Philips Model - Avalon Phillips | Wolff Management Creative director-Aaron White | Wolff Management Photographe-Davino aka David Morgan Shibari artist -Jeff Taylor
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Jean Chou Photographer - David White Wardrobe- Maggie Norris Couture Styled by - Cynthia Altoriso Hair - Hadiiya Barbel Make Up - Legend
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Krystal Joy Brown ACTRESS, WRITER, DIRECTOR
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here is nothing better than feeling the connection between an audience and the performer inside the sacred ground that is the theatre. In this fast pace, screen ridden world we are living in, the theatre forces us to put down our phones, sit next to a stranger, focus our attention on the humans before you and go on an emotional journey, together. It is so simple, so old-fashioned and still one of the most wonderful traditions we have as a human race. When I began taking over the role of Eliza in the mega-hit musical Hamilton, I was admittedly terrified. Even though it was my fifth Broadway show, it had been 4 years since my last role on Broadway (Diana Ross in Motown) and I was riddled with fears that I could never live up to the mammoth impact this show has made not only their audiences but the world at large. All the old familiar fears and nerves boiled up. But every time I thought the fear was going to paralyze me, I tried to ask myself, “is it my nerves or am I excited that I get to do what I love, in a show I love, playing a role I love”? Mental gymnastics is how the performer survives the constant unknown and high-pressure uncertainty of it all. On December 10th, 2019, my first show happened. I didn’t fall on my face, I didn’t stop the show because I forgot lyrics and the cast lead me and encouraged me like no other. I slide in, and it was a good fit, it felt meant to be. But what I remember most from that night was when I looked out into the sea of people while taking my first bow, I saw the tears in the eyes of the audience. Seeing them vulnerable and connected made me weep with joy and pride, right there, center stage. That moment made all the pushing through my fears, questioning my talent, ability and worth,
BY ELIZABETH ELSTON fade far, far away. I am here for this, these precious moments with these precious people. On Thursday March 11th, when we received the news that we were “closed for the next 30 days” due to the spread of COVID-19 by order of the NYC Mayor, I was bewildered. Just a few days prior, the company had begun having meetings about how to stay healthy and safe. They stopped having guests on stage and urged us not to sign autographs or take selfies at the stage door. I hated this. My favorite thing is meeting the audience after a show. We knew something was coming but none of us expected it so soon. Theatre people immediately flooded to social media to use their gifts and talents injecting people with positivity, music, and hope. All the while, secretly expressing to one another their confusion, fear and uncertainty about their incomes, health care benefits and job security. To say it has been tough to understand navigating this time is a massive understatement. Actors Equity Association (the theatre actor’s union) negotiated with the Broadway League (the theatre owners and producers union) for most Broadway performers and touring companies to receive 1-2.5 weeks of minimum contract pay but after that, we are all instructed to go on unemployment. Suddenly jobless, I couldn’t help but be frustrated by all the unknowns, the lack of information and a cohesive plan from the federal government and what this meant financially for me and my fellow theatre friends. In some ways, Broadway and the theatre community as a whole was the first thing to be hit by the shutting down of the country. Many shows have already closed due to the pandemic and some will never survive this shutdown. (Note to self: theatre is not recession-
proof and certainly not pandemic-proof). The artist maybe more equipped to handle this time of the nation shutting down. We often have periods were we are unemployed and looking for work, that can be weeks, months, even years. But this situation is painful for the performer in so many more ways. Of course, the financial stress is one thing but let’s be real, you don’t go for a life in the theatre because you want to become a millionaire. You do it because you love it. Most of us live gig to gig, paycheck to paycheck and we don’t complain because we feel like we are the lucky ones, we are ones living our dreams and you can’t put a price on that. Last week, I was asked by Maria Cuomo-Cole to do a PSA for her bother, Governor Cuomo about the importance of staying home and staying safe. I have recently begun working with Mrs. Cuomo-Cole with her organization HelpUSA that focuses on fighting domestic abuse, the homeless crisis and families in need. Every day I hear about friends and loved ones dealing with infections of COVID-19, some who are pulling through and some we have been lost to the disease. It was an honor to do something, anything in a small way to show people this is serious. I made a short, light-hearted video that features me doing things around my small apartment to stay sane and was shocked at the speed it reached over 100k views when Tweeted by the governor. My favorite comment was, “Another multi-millionaire in their fancy apartments telling us to stay home”. I laughed out loud, “a millionaire? Ha! Not even close”, as I returned to attempting to file my unemployment claim on the overworked ny.gov unemployment website.
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Hamilton, without a doubt will be back. It is such a powerful story. It is one of resilience, adaption, passion, reinvention, heart, legacy and love. It is the quintessential “American Musical” because it encompasses all the things I truly believe this country, (idealistically speaking) wants to, and could be. It will be the medicine that audiences need -after getting over the fear of being closer together than six feet subsides. I do not doubt that this too shall pass and we will be stronger in the end for it. Joining Hamilton and the faith that Lin-Manuel, Tommy Kail and Alex Lacamoire have in me, even when I didn’t have it in myself, has reignited something in me and grown me as an artist. I am eternally grateful to them and everyone who believes
in me more than words could ever express. This show has even sparked new pride in my waning sentiment in my country. I miss my job, my colleagues, our audience. I think the thing getting me through this is that I know we are all in it together. We are all figuring it out stepby-step and hopeful for the day we return to normal. But my hope is bigger than that. I hope that this time of self-reflection makes all of us look at our lives, our employers, our leaders, the systems we have in place to help us through the unknown and unexpected and see what is working and what needs to be fixed. I hope it reminds people that we need each other. That we are more alike than different. That more than a capitalistic country, we are a society full of
people trying to attain our basic rights and if we are lucky, the opportunity to strive to fulfill our dreams. That is why the theatre will come back strong. It is these traditions that bind us a community, as a country, here and globally. It is art that explores our humanity and uniquely shows us ourselves. After however many months of quarantine and social distancing, we will all need the theatre to remind us of our humanity. Hamilton will be there, and for that, I am lucky. To see how Krystal is riding out the quarantine with her new puppy Ajay, find her on Twitter & IG @KrystalJoyBrown
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Ellen von Unwerth, Bathtub, Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss (for Vogue US),1996 Š Ellen von Unwerth
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The Bohemians B Y L U C I A N A PA M PA L O N E
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URBAN DREAMS FILIPINO FASHION DESIGNER OZ GO TAKES YOU ONE STEP CLOSER TO GIRL BOSS STATUS THROUGH EFFORTLESS POWER-DRESSING FASHION DESIGNER: OZ GO CREATIVE PRODUCER: MARANE A. PLAZA ASSISTANT PRODUCER: PAULYN ROSS A. CASTRO PHOTOGRAPHER: ROJ MIGUEL HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST: JOSEPH MADRID MODELS: ATHENA LEE & GAYLE PANAJON
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FASHION PARADOX WHIMSICAL YET EDGY, DARK YET SPARKLING, STRONG YET DELICATE. FILIPINO FASHION DESIGNER SIDNEY PEREZ SIO SHOWS YOU WHY YOU SHOULD INJECT CONTRASTING TEXTURES IN YOUR ENSEMBLE FOR THAT LEVELLED UP FASHION PRESENCE. FASHION DESIGNER: SIDNEY PEREZ SIO CREATIVE PRODUCER: MARANE A. PLAZA ASSISTANT PRODUCER: PAULYN ROSS A. CASTRO PHOTOGRAPHER: ROJ MIGUEL HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST: JOSEPH MADRID MODELS: ATHENA LEE & GAYLE PANAJON
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Gown - Celestino Corset and belt - 0770 Shoes - amsolemates
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Julie Mintz Gothic Americana BY ADAM KLUGER PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL DAVID ADAMS / MICHAELDAVIDADAMS.COM ST Y L IST: J O NZU M AK E- U P: V I KTO R I J A B OW E R S H AIR : L I NH NG U Y EN VID EO : V I Z I O N A I R V I S UA L S P R : M AT T HEW D I L LO N / M D P R M ED I A .CO M LO C AT IO N : D R EA M HOT EL NYC D OW NTOW N
How are you managing the current situation? Maybe it’s the lifestyle of an artist, but I have always spent a lot of time on my own, quietly writing and playing music at home. As a shy person by nature, I actually prefer the creative part of working alone on music as opposed to the public performance part. All that to say that I’m managing the social distancing and isolation just fine. Of course, I feel concern, sadness (and gratitude!) when I think of all the doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, and essential workers in so many
fields who are risking their lives to take care of us so we can stay home and safe. Staying home, working on music and practicing my (not-great) cooking skills is such a privilege not to be taken for granted. Tell us about your cool new music video for your rendition of Country Roads. The music video for my cover of “Country Roads, Take Me Home” takes the viewer into Virtual Reality 360, riding along with me on a deserted country road, taking in the
scenery with 360-degree views. I had plans to release a new, original song this month, but our Los Angeles “Safer-At-Home” order came right as we were to go into the studio to record with a live band. Having to shelve that song for the time being got me thinking about something I could release that could somehow be a source of comfort during this time. I feel like the familiarity of a beloved cover song can be a nice gateway to get to know an artist, and so John Denver’s “Country Roads, Take Me Home” immediately came
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to mind. We shot the VR 360 music video with just me and the director, Oden Roberts, long before Covid-19 became a global pandemic and social isolation was in place. We simply thought it would be fitting to have me driving a sunny yellow vintage El Camino down a country road with beautiful light in the sky. The director also did a cool camera trick to make it appear as though I’m riding in the car driven by no one—or a ghost perhaps. But what we never could have predicted was that when we released the music video, everyone would be stuck at home, some people without any sort of soothing view. So the thing I love most about this video is that you can watch it on your phone, spin around 360 degrees and feel like you are really immersed in the wide-open expanse of nature. Any musical inspirations? Dolly Parton, Moby? Who else? I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, listening to classic country, so that music is in my blood. I loved the old school country queens like Dolly Parton, as you mentioned, plus Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and June Carter Cash. Some modern artists that I find really inspirational are the ones I mentioned before like Patty Griffin and Brandi Carlisle plus women outside of the country genre such as Lana Del Rey and Feist. And then, of course, Moby has been my reallife mentor and inspiration in terms of showing how to be truly creative and innovative without concern for the outcome. He has taught me about making music simply for the love of it.
Who do you get compared to? My vibrato has been compared to Emmylou Harris which is a huge compliment. I’ve also had several people tell me I sound like Olivia Newton-John and I never mind a comparison to Sandy from “Grease”!
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Jacket - Valentino from saks fur salon Dress - Alex Vinash
Fashion has always been a huge source of self-expression and joy for me - By Julie Mintz
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How would you describe yourself as a musical artist? I describe my music as Gothic Americana. It’s a niche genre for sure, but it perfectly encapsulates the kind of music I make. I am heavily influenced by folk, country, gospel, and roots sounds and themes. And I think the gothic description shows that the ideas I am exploring in my songwriting is of a darker nature. Stuck at home like all of us what are you doing? Writing songs? I have to admit it took me about a full quarantine week just to get out of sloth-mode. I live alone, so I would just start working from bed as soon as I woke up and never ended up getting out of my pajamas until it was time for a shower or bath at night. I realized pretty quickly that made me feel bad, so I’m trying to at least change from PJs to workout clothes upon waking. I
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can’t say that has completely motivated me to do daily at-home workouts like I see so many people doing—still need to work on that! But I have been on a few long walks on my street. I live on Mulholland Drive which stretches all the way across Los Angeles to the ocean, so I have endless road and pretty views. The rest of the time I’ve just been chilling, working on music, cooking, and am taking 2 online courses—a Breathwork course called “Grounded Soul” at www.pushingbeauty.com and “The Science of Well-Being” which is an online Yale University course offered through http://www.coursera. com So far, I am not battling intense loneliness yet; or more intense than normal, I should say. A lot of my songs are about loneliness and looking for belonging and love so that it always something I’ve grappled with. And that topic seems even more acute as so many people are
being forced to relinquish their distractions and face what is left there for them. Who is Julie Mintz? I grew up in South Texas in a big Jewish family. I always had the soul of an artist in terms of dancing ballet, playing piano, singing in choir, and doing school plays. But I never envisioned myself as a singer/songwriter. I come from a very academic family, and they would’ve loved for me to be a doctor. I graduated early from college with a degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, but I realized I was too sensitive to do that work and gravitated back toward playing music as I had when I was a child. I am that same person I always was with a science-mind, an artistic heart, and a flair for the dramatic. I’m now just using music to work through my emotional struggles and inner-world.
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Please discuss your sense of Style & Fashion Fashion has always been a huge source of selfexpression and joy for me. I’ve always loved getting dressed up to match the theme of my daily activity! All the more reason I should get out of my pajamas during self-quarantine, I am realizing! Growing up in Texas, my mom would get dressed up and do her hair and makeup every single day before my siblings and I were even awake. I have strong memories of her picking me up from school in the ’80s with perfect hair and rhinestone-studded jumpsuits with shoulders pads. She has always been the most stylish person I know, and I definitely inherited her love for fashion. I love planning my outfits and hair to visually accompany my music as much as I love creating songs. Even for this shoot, for example, I had a vision of doing big Texas hair a la Dolly Parton and being styled like a sort of modern country Barbie. Do you have a special health regimen? My health regimen is not quite as ingrained as my sense of style, unfortunately. I was a cheerleader in high school (which is gospel in Texas), so I was always healthy and fit. Side note: While I was a cheerleader, my after-school job was working in a funeral home. I could often be found driving
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the hearse, still in my cheerleading uniform. So, I guess I’ve always been all-American but with a dark gothic side. Anyway, as an adult, I’ve had to find new ways to try to enjoy exercising. I like a technique called P.Volve which I have always done online even before the quarantine. It’s sort of a combination of ballet and physical therapy. I’ve also recently gotten into Megaformer pilates. That is one thing I’m looking forward to getting back to when life returns to normal. I do best with fitness when I have a class in the outside world to show up to. Left on my own, I’m happy to just play guitar, watch movies, and binge Westworld. Any fun hobbies? As for hobbies, a few of my favorites are gardening, reading, and learning anything new. I have an organic vegetable garden in my backyard which has proven to be especially nice in terms of not having to venture out to the grocery store quite as often right now. I also spend a lot of time constantly learning. I’ve taken 5 novel writing courses at UCLA which I have loved. Any thoughts on the possible future of the music industry? I may be overly optimistic, but I don’t think the future of music is as grim as the end of all concerts. I hope that in 18 months we will be far enough
past the pandemic that it will be safe for people to convene again. And I think people will always have the desire to gather and be moved by music collectively. But in the meantime, I think it’s really cool and inventive that I can watch so many of my favorite artists from the comfort of my own home. A shut-in’s dream! A lot of people are live-streaming now to inspire and entertain. I am really impressed by the hustle of people like Miley Cyrus doing a daily “talk show” and Diplo doing IG live DJ sets nearly every night. I’m not at the point where I feel like adding my voice to the live-stream cacophony just yet. I’ve always been shy of being the center of attention, even when I’m literally the lead singer on stage. So I’m just taking this time to be quietly creative, and leave the fanfare for the true heroes right now: medical staff and essential workers. Shout out to my younger brother, Josh Mintz, who dons a hazmat suit every day to intubate patients in ICU in Miami and my dad, Michael Mintz, who is still at the hospital in his mid-70’s performing cancer surgeries. They represent the best of the women and men in our society who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe and healthy, now and always.
Gown - Alex vinash Top underneath - Celestino Corset - Alexandra fuks Hat - halo Mimi Shoes - Sarah Palmer
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Dr. Janette Nesheiwat HOW TO DEAL WITH THE PANDEMIC BY ADAM KLUGER What advice do you have for New Yorkers on staying safe during this pandemic? Follow the recommended guidelines, as minor steps can be life changing. Right now, the biggest defense we have against this virus is to practice physical/social distancing. The virus cannot spread if nobody is out there to spread it. This is critical. Yes, hand washing and wearing a mask will help, but the most effective solutions are to avoid large crowds, keep 6-10 feet away from others, and stay at home for now until these guidelines are lifted. How confident are you that we will be able to survive and/or eventually defeat COVID-19? 54 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
Are there any drugs or treatments that are available now that look promising? Is a vaccine likely? How Long will it take? Remember that anyone is at risk, and that anyone can develop serious life threatening complications. I have had young patients become hospitalized, and have sent seniors home with mild disease. What should we all be prepared for going forward? Moving forward, take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, and eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables—which are loaded with antioxidants to help thwart infection/
inflammation. Don’t smoke, and avoid excess alcohol. We will ever be able to go back to the ways things were before COVID-19 or is this the new normal? Once a vaccine will be available, it can potentially save your life. In the future, I hope we have FDA approved, effective medications. As of now, there are medications and vaccines under trial. There is hope; We will conquer this together, and our country will normalize. Although it will take time, it’s important that, for now, we put in our all to fight this virus by follow guidelines—if not for yourself, for your neighbor.
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Dr. Lev Kalika OWNER OF NEW YORK DYNAMIC NEUROMUSCULAR REHABILITATION & PHYSICAL THERAPY IN NEW YORK CITY HOW TECHNOLOGY WILL SHAPE PATIENT CARE BY SCOT T KILE Your rehabilitation/PT clinic is known for its technology treatments from augmented reality to artificial intelligence. Why did you choose to have a clinic rooted in technology? I didn’t. It just came as an experience with gait analysis and diagnostic ultrasonography. With those treatments, patients would have symptomatic improvements, but either their
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movements didn’t change or their structural pathology would remain the same on imaging. Meaning, symptomatic improvement does not equate to the cause of the pathology being eliminated. This led me to the conclusion that there must be more precise ways to test human movement and to give feedback. I started to
study biomechanics at the same time these technologies were developing. Since I already had a very solid foundation in functional movement sciences from some of the best in the world, I was able to figure out how to make physical therapy and rehabilitation objective. Because the truth is, PT and rehab are not objective on the large scale. I wanted to be able to objectify, register and reassess
the movement so I could have objective multimodal and comparative diagnoses between the field of radiology and motion analysis. It took me 12 years to become an expert in diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasonography, rehabilitative sonography, fascial sonography and motion and gait analysis. What are some newer types of tech treatments that are improving the health of people today? A good example is the field of oncology. At large we haven’t made a breakthrough in curing cancer, but we are saving many more lives because technology allows for earlier diagnosis, better staging and more precise intervention. How are technology treatments more effective than non-tech treatments? Can you give an example? I think we are at the beginning of the next tech era. Before the 90s, doctors were only clinical and had great clinical skills. That was very valuable. Then a new wave of technology came in the 90s, and we shifted 360 degrees to be relying on the machinery. This did impress patients, but there was a downside to the new technology: doctors became lazy and lost the most precocious skills of clinical diagnosis. Many things went wrong and are still wrong, but I believe this is coming to an end. Doctors will gain back the clinical skills, and this new era of technology will be more objective as the technology is progressing medicine to a new level. One example: we have been doing rotator cuff surgery for 40 years with no advancements - they were always tricky! Only until last year, due to development in resolution, we realized that what we thought was a rotator cuff tendon was only 50% of the actual tendon, while the other 50% is the capsule of a joint. Other examples of technology treatments that are more effective than non-technology treatments: ultrasound guided dry needling vs blind dry needling; ultrasound guided joint injection vs blind joint injections; the whole field of neurological physical therapy has been at large moving toward technology, which is next-level for the field. In addition to technology treatments, how else is technology shaping patient care? I see a big future in wearable technologies. This field is developing very fast. These technologies can show us what is happening in real time and we can trace the behavior, which allows us to observe dynamics of care.
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How much of the health/medical industry is not run by technology? Do you see this changing? If so, how? There will always be some parts of medical care based on human interaction; however, in the future, more and more medical treatments will be dependent on technology. But let’s be realistic, no machine at this time can substitute human interaction and replace the human brain. The interaction is very important because patients are human, not machines, and they get better by human interaction. But what will be improved is that technology will be able to detect if pain is better whether because there is real change in movement behavior or there is a placebo effect from human interaction. I have been employing therapists for twenty years and I have observed that patients may feel better while they are attached to a kind and caring therapist, even though that therapist might not
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have delivered the best or the most appropriate care. For example, I’ve had cases where the motion analysis showed no real improvement in a patient who had a strong bond to their therapist, and as soon as the patient got out of care of that particular therapist, the symptoms returned. This is where I see a big problem with physiotherapy right now - there are a lot of placebo effects. At New York Dynamic Neuromuscular Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy, we have acquired a reputation of treating and diagnosing what other doctors and therapists fail to treat and diagnose. For every patient who did not improve under their previous PT’s care, I ask what their previous treatment was like. Every time, they describe a very cookie cutter approach; but yet, the patients will always say, “Oh, but my PT was so nice”. A nice therapist is always important, but niceness does not ensure excellent craft in medicine. Without great skill, patients will not be cured. It is both the skill and compassion that makes a great therapist.
Do you think people are trusting technology treatments more or less now? Why do you think that is? I think it depends on the individual. The younger generation appreciates technology more. Also, not all technologies are effective or productive; therefore, people are sometimes skeptical about new technologies, unless they can see the face value. What kinds of tech treatments do you anticipate in the future that do not exist yet? In the near future, I think there will be more availability and integration of the technology that we have now. In about 10-15 years, medicine is going to catch up to physiotherapy. There will be things like non-invasive transcranial brain stimulation to target specific neurons responsible for key muscle groups or particular fibers.
HEALTH
JEN SELTER
TIPS TO WORKOUT AT HOME BY JEN SELTER 1. Find some common household items that you can incorporate into your workout EXAMPLES: Cans of beans-> Great for shoulder presses / shoulder raises Towel -> can be used for ‘sliders’ on your feet and/or hands Pillows-> you can use pillows as barriers to hop over
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Couch-> use your couch to do elevated pushups and tricep dips Stairs-> Use your stair case to do step ups or ‘box jumps’ 2. Get yourself a workout buddy Facetime or zoom your workout buddy and create a schedule that works for both of you so you can hold each other accountable to
weekly workouts together! 3. Utilize some of the great online programming and apps available right now. I have a few at home workout programs on the fit plan app which you can also get a free week trial https://www.fitplanapp.com/ trainers/jen-selter
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HEALTH
Nikki Walter CREATING THE MODEL FOR A LIFE OF FITNESS BY ANN GRENIER
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itness model, sponsored athlete, and personal trainer Nikki Walter has a strong passion for health and wellness. Nikki is a TEAM Bodybuilding.com athlete and fitness model, who travels the country with her daughter Addison, to help change people’s lives through speaking engagements, workshops, their website efforts, and their company, Clean Eating Parties. Growing up in a small town in South Dakota, Nikki first started on her journey in healthy living when she discovered her love for running during junior high school. She later became a cheerleader while also attending ballet classes.
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During this time Nikki learned the importance of strength and conditioning; and knew her goal one day was to compete in and win fitness competitions. Nikki Walter’s life has not been short on hardships. The first came at the end of Nikki’s junior year in March of 1997 when her father tragically lost his life in a car accident. Nikki decided to pursue a degree at a state college to stay close to her two younger sisters and mother. She later pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fitness Management at Northern State University. During that time Nikki started teaching group fitness classes, and co-founded
The Northern Highlights Dance team, which took time to grow, and still exists today as a university club, offering all students including international students an opportunity to dance on the team. After graduating, Nikki moved to Minneapolis Minnesota to work for Medtronic Wellness Centers, but declined a job offer to get married back in South Dakota. Her second major hardship was the loss of her 35-yearold husband to leukemia, when their daughter Addison was just five years old. With the help and love of her family and dear friends, every challenge she faced only served her to become stronger.
Following the loss of her husband, and after years of working for the Chamber of Commerce, Nikki finally decided to pursue her goals and compete in fitness competitions. Since then, Nikki has become a six -time NPC first-place finisher, and competed at the Mr. Olympia in the Flex Bikini Model Search, has qualified to compete for the NPC Masters Nationals in 2018. She was selected as one of the Top 10 finalists in the U.S. for Bodybuilding.com Spokesmodel in 2014, earning her a photoshoot with Ironman Magazine and a spot on the International TEAM Bodybuilding.com. She has appeared at The Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia as a spokesmodel for Bodybuilding.com. In 2015,
Nikki was featured on the site as Bodyspace Member of the Month. Nikki’s passion and knowledge has been recognized with her being published and featured in publications including Oxygen Magazine, TRAIN For Her Magazine, FHM Magazine, Natural Muscle Magazine, The Today Show, Talking Live with Dr. Robi Ludwig Times Square, What Women Want with Judy Goss Radio Talk Show. Nikki is also a Health and Wellness columnist who has been featured bodybuilding.com, PopSugar.com, ApartmentTherapy.com, active.com, sheknows. com, bestlife.com, thriveglobal.com, more.com, adaptive.com theinsider.com, and the dailymail. co.uk to name a few.
Nikki’s daughter Addison is also very much involved in the Health and Wellness lifestyle. Following in the mother’s footsteps, Addison has her own mission: To fight childhood obesity. Addison wants to educate kids as well as parents on living a health lifestyle with her “Kids Kitchen with Addie” clips on Instagram and YouTube. She is sponsored by Fitbook Jr. and Shields of Strength. Besides traveling to speak at events, educate people in healthy living, the mother/daughter duo has started a health movement called #ruralfit. For more information, visit nikkiwalter.com. Addison Walter: @kidskitchenwithaddie Spring 2020 | 63
HEALTH
MACEOO MAKING AND DONATING LIFE-SAVING FACE MASKS
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s fashion brands face uncertainty from closed brick and mortar retail to disrupted supply chains, leading menswear brand MACEOO has risen to the challenge of forging ahead to the “new normal” by making a difference and creating life-saving face masks. MACEOO designer Mehdi Raad recounts, “As we were all sitting on the couch and watching the devastating news of the pandemic, I realized that instead of giving in to hopelessness, we could make a difference instead.” Since the CDC recommendation of using face masks for the general public, the brand dedicated their manufacturing capabilities to making a line of reversible face masks and donating an equal number of masks for each order sold to various first responder personnel. And since the supply of
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BY SCOT T KILE medical grade masks for health professionals is in critically low supply, it is highly recommended for everyone to get their own fabric masks to prevent COVID 19 from spreading. And Mehdi reports the overwhelming response, “We’ve been contacted by local hospitals and fire and police stations and we’ve been distributing them across various first responders with more than 68,000 masks and counting.” MACEOO has a range of attractively designed and meticulously crafted gender-neutral face masks that feature exclusive signature prints on luxury Italian fabrics with reversible design patterns at 2 masks for $19. All masks are manufactured in Las Vegas, NV, washable, and ships within 3 to 7 days. According to guidelines, individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before putting on the mask. Cover the nose and mouth with
the mask and make sure there are no gaps on the sides. Avoid touching the mask while using it especially the exposed side. Remove your mask from the bands without touching the front of the mask. And finally make sure they are washed after every use. Maceoo face masks are available online at Maceoo.com ABOUT Founded by Mehdi Raad, MACEOO is the first fashion house to mathematically engineer precise design, fit, and comfort through an innovative algebraic algorithm based upon data from 30 million North American men, ensures a fit that feels custom-tailored. Designed in Paris, made with innovative Italian fabrics, and using the strongest thread in the world, made in Germany, this leading menswear line is inspired by the idyllic West Coast YOLO lifestyle.
ART BY TIFFANY DELISIO Spring 2020 | 65
BEAUTY fashion
Barba NEW YORK MEN’S GROOMING BOUTIQUE
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PHOTOGRAPH, GRAMMY AND TONY AWARD WINNER BILLY P ORTER © BARBA
ne of the less discussed challenges of the lockdown following the COVID-19 outbreak has been that individuals all over are finding themselves in dire need of a haircut with spouses, partners, parents and children are suddenly being drafted as amateur barbers and stylists – with potentially catastrophic (stylistic) results. To help remedy the situation and deliver some much-needed relief, New York City’s Up-Scale men’s grooming boutique Barba, in partnership with agency, Terri & Sandy has launched the Quarancuts Virtual Hair School. Each day, Barba’s Owner and Master Stylist, Xavier Cruz, will guide student “stylists” through the techniques of men’s haircuts online using Zoom. Anyone interested in taking the
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“course” can Direct Message (DM) Barba on Instagram, with all Quarancuts sessions airing simultaneously on IGTV so that friends, family and the wider community can get in on the lesson. Every ground-breaking initiative must have a first star and the first amateur stylist to attend Quarancuts was Grammy-winning singer, Tonywinning actor, and renowned style icon Billy Porter, who enlisted to cut his husband Adam Smith’s hair. The Billy Porter kick-off IGTV Episode at the Quarancuts Virtual Hair School can be viewed here. Of his first Quarancuts experience Billy Porter said, “My nerves faded away with Xavier’s guidance. Humbling and Fabulous!” His husband Adam added, “Xavier saved the day teaching my husband how to give me a
desperately needed trim” Xavier Cruz of Barba says, “Without a doubt, these are hard times, but not all is lost. Quarancuts puts us closer together. We created this program to not only make us feel great over our appearance, but to also have fun. We will certainly have some good laughs during our sessions.” Digital and social content for the Quarancuts Virtual Hair School will be broadcast across social media on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, as well as on Barba’s website www. barbamgb.com. About Barba Men’s Grooming Boutique For years boutiques and barbershops have coexisted, separate entities serving different clients. Barba has united these two different services in a single place, offering high-end boutique services and more modestly priced
traditional barbering under a single roof, led by Xavier Cruz. This men’s Grooming Boutique is provided by a highly experienced and wellregarded, staff, including the owner-founder of Xavier Cruz Salon and Xac Anthony Salon & Spa. About Xavier Cruz With over 30 years in the beauty industry, it’s no secret Xavier Cruz has established himself as one of the best in the business. The New York City native’s career began at the age of 14. A three-year apprenticeship at Hairplay on Staten Island led him to trade school where he received his license by age 17. After nine years honing his craft while traveling the country for Revlon, he opened The Xavier Cruz Salon in 1997. The sophisticated salon developed a reputation for chic, trendsetting work, and was one of the first businesses that helped revitalize Chelsea’s now-thriving 9th Avenue. Xavier can give a mean head of highlights, but here are some of his career highlights: His work has appeared in high-profile fashion magazines including GQ, Elle, Vogue, Men’s Fitness, Allure, and Refinery 29. As well as Oprah, People, OK! and InTouch magazine. Designed the “Coop” haircut popularized by Anderson Cooper in the ‘90s, and styled an army of Eminem lookalikes for the MTV Video Music Awards. Made it big on Broadway, styling for hit shows including Hairspray, The Boy from Oz, The Vagina Monologues, and Metamorphoses. Created hairstyles for designer Trish Wescoat Pound’s models for Fashion Week, leading to appearances in Time Out New York and InStyle magazine. After opening The Xac Anthony Salon & Spa in 2004, Cruz was the celebrity guest stylist for Nickelodeon’s Go Healthy Challenge, and the salon was a location for the feature film Violet Tendencies. Barba 235 West 19th Street, New York, NY 10011 For more information, please visit www. barbamgb.com or call (212) 675-2010 Follow Barba on social media at: Facebook: barbamgb| Instagram: @barbamgb Spring 2020 | 67
profile
Sir Gary Kong PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL HERO FOUNDATION, DONATES 52,000 MASKS TO NEW YORK CITY HOSPITALS, GOVERNMENT WORKERS AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
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he Global Hero Foundation, a privately funded organization with a mission of helping ordinary people do extraordinary things by providing financial support, medical supplies, payment of medical bills, and travel expenses for those tasked with assisting others whenever and wherever disaster or crisis occurs, has secured and donated 52,000 medical masks to area hospitals, city workers and community organizations. The Global Hero Foundation was founded in 2019 to help those battling the coronavirus in Wuhan, China. It is now committed to helping America by collecting and distributing supplies and equipment until the pandemic passes. Said Sir Gary Kong, President of the Global Hero Foundation, Classic New York Beer and The 1 Wine, “Doctors, Nurses, Medical Professionals, First Responders and members of point of contact organizations are on the front line whenever there is a crisis. While we are all quarantined in our homes, these men and women show up to work every day to wage war against the coronavirus pandemic. The Global Hero Foundation wants to show our appreciation by providing them with equipment they need to stay safe.” Today, the Global Hero Foundation will deliver 8,000 masks and 800 N95 masks to NYU Langone Hospital, 500 surgical masks to United Parcel Service and 500 surgical masks to NYC Sanitation. Another 500 masks will be delivered to business owners deemed essential by New York State. Yesterday the organization delivered 40,000 masks plus 800 N95 masks to Staten Island University Hospital, Richmond University Medical Center, Detectives Endowment Association, 1199SEIU, Amalgamated Transit
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BY CHRIS CAYO Union (ATU), Crossroads Unlimited Inc., Catholic Charities of SI, AHRC, A Very Special Place, Eger Nursing Home, Harbor House, Silver Lake Nursing Home, Community Resources, Heartshare, Staten Island Care Center, On Your Mark, Eden ll, SIDDSO, Richmond Care Center, Carmel Richmond Nursing Home, New Vanderbilt Nursing Home, Stella Orton Home Care, Richmond Home Needs Services and Meals on Wheels. In receiving the masks, Borough President Oddo, Congressman Max Rose, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Senator Diane Savino, Senator Andrew Lanza, Assemblyman Michael Cusick, Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblyman Mike Reilly, Assemblyman Charles Fall, Councilman Steven Matteo, Councilman Joe Borelli, and Councilwoman Debi Rose issued the following statement, “We are joining together to thank the Global Hero Foundation for coming forward at this time of need. Sir Gary Kong reminds us that ‘as New Yorkers and Americans, it is our “duty” to come together in times of need. and distress.’ The charitable donation of 40,000 surgical masks and 740 N95 masks will immediately help safeguard those on the front lines of this imminent crisis. We are working closely with medical personnel in our hospitals and nursing homes to meet their needs. Additionally, we want to be sure that bus drivers who are transporting essential personnel to and from their jobs have the much needed protection, as they drive to their mandated routes.” Last month the President of Global Hero foundation, Sir Gary Kong, personally paid for and secured a private 747 Jet to carry over 26,808 pounds (40 pallets) of masks, hand sanitizer and supplies for the Red Cross Society of China, Fujian Branch to be distributed throughout nine provinces across the country to help protect the people and
contain the virus, and to help eliminate the spread to other countries. Said Billie Mitchell, Co-Founder of the Global Hero Foundation and CEO of Classic New York Beer and The 1 Wine, “We started the Global Hero Foundation to demonstrate that, as a community, we can overcome anything if we all work together. We must all lead by example and that is what Gary and I are trying to accomplish.We hope others will follow our lead, because, no matter where you come from or where you are in the world right now, we are all in this world together.” Sir Gary Kong continued, “In times of crisis it is important for us to pull together in whatever way we can. As an American who immigrated from China at age 16, I am asking my fellow Chinese Americans across the country to donate medical supplies to their local hospitals, government agencies and community organizations so that our front line workers can be protected while they labor on our behalf. With a little effort, we can all do our part to beat the coronavirus in America and throughout the world.” Sir, Gary Kong is the owner of Classic New York beer and The 1 Wine. He sits as co-chair for the Sino American Commerce Association and legal consultant of Fu Jian American Association. Billie Mitchell, serves as CEO of The 1 Wine & Classic New York Beer as well as co-founder of the Global Hero Foundation. Ying Zhu is Co-Founder of the Global Hero Foundation. About Sir Gary Sze Kong - Sir Gary Sze Kong, J.D. is the owner of Classic New York Beer and 1 Wine. He is a self-made real estate mogul and philanthropist who has dedicated his life to creating a better future for various individuals and organizations around the globe. He was born in Fujian, China and
attended school in Hong Kong until the age of 16, when he immigrated to Guatemala on a visa with the hope of reaching America. Sir Gary Sze Kong was on his own in Guatemala at the age of 16 and his path to the United States was laden with roadblocks. Faced with the choice of going back to his life of poverty in China or a dangerous trek to the United States, Sir Gary Sze Kong made the decision to swim through hazardous waters to get to Mexico. Once in Mexico, he found passage to America and took a job as a dishwasher. He was homeless, alone and still poor but he knew that through hard work and purposeful devotion he could turn his life around in America. He immersed himself in his
new environment, learning the language and diligently saving every penny he could until, at age 18, he purchased his first property. He enrolled in the New York University Stern School of Business, earning a Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws, and ultimately a Juris Doctor from the Law School of Southwest International University. Sir Gary Sze Kong is the embodiment of the phrase, “living the American Dream�. He is an American citizen and businessman who has dedicated his life to giving back to others. He employs hundreds of people through his many businesses and donates much of his wealth to help those in need. He has an affinity for helping oppressed women obtain equal rights and works
closely with the First Lady of Mongolia through the Vajra Dharma King Peace foundation. Throughout his life, Sir Gary Sze Kong has never forgotten where he came from and continues to be appreciative of the opportunity his adopted country - America - has given him. For more information about the Global Hero Foundation visit: www.globalherofoundation.org For more information about Classic New York Beer visit: www.classicnewyorkbeer.nyc For more information about The 1 Wine visit: www. the1wine.com
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profile
Leading Texas Lawyer
Thomas J. Henry BRINGING RELIEF TO POST-EARTHQUAKE SOUTHERN PUERTO RICO BY HARRY BRADS PHOTO BY GABRIELA GARCIA
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homas J. Henry, Attorney and Founder of Texas based leading law Firm Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys visited the town of Guayanilla in South Puerto Rico and made a donation of 200 tents to assist in speed up the process of re-opening schools in the areas that have been most affected by the recent earthquake swarm comprising some eleven magnitude 5 quakes starting December 28, 2019 through January 2020. Since the beginning of his legal career and the inception of his law firm, Thomas J. Henry has supported national and international charitable causes with the underpinning desire to spread the benefits of his own success and philosophy that It is only through human interaction and helping others that we form a closer community, closer country, and closer world Students and teachers of the towns of Guรกnica, Guayanilla and Yauco will be able to use the 200 tents as classrooms equipped with tables, desks, and other necessary materials. In addition to Thomas J. Henry (Attorney and Founder of Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys), Nelson Torres (Mayor of Guayanilla), Cesar O. Gonzรกlez (Commissioner for Security and Emergency Management), Leyda E. Cruz Berrios (Special Assistant to the Secretary of Education), Adriรกn Rivera (Vice-President of Marketing and Sales for Coca-Cola Puerto Rico Bottlers) and John Sweeney (CEO of Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys), were all present at the press conference to offered additional information on the subject.
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It is expected that some schools will begin classes using this donation by Mr. Henry within weeks. Among the schools that will benefit from this donation include: Escuela Aristides Cales, la Escuela Elsa E. Cuoto Annoni, la Escuela Vocacional Luis Muñoz Marín, amongst others. “After hearing about the destroyed homes and families left without power or water, I wanted to do whatever I could to help,” Thomas J. Henry stated. He is also grateful for the collaboration with Coca-Cola Puerto Rico Bottlers and its president, Alberto de la Cruz, who helped in the process of enabling the logistics behind installing the donated tents with some 25 employees of Coca-Cola Puerto Rico Bottlers offered their help.
The personal initiative of Thomas J. Henry has transformed into a collaborative effort with the local Government, Community and the Department of Education coming together to help achieve a sense of normalcy for children in the midst of a disaster zone. Safe locations have been identified to install the tents, close to the community in order to help parents and students feel calm. Leyda E. Cruz Berrios (Special Assistant to the Secretary of Education) commented in the press conference, “We understand this effort is not just an effort of the Department of Education or the State, it is of a family called Puerto Rico. We all need help. This is why, when we heard about
Thomas J. Henry and Coca-Cola, we were filled with excitement. I remember when we finished setting up a tent in Guayanilla, in the Asunción School, the teachers began hugging and crying” About Thomas J. Henry Law Firm Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys is one of the largest plaintiffs’ firms in the country. The firm currently houses more than 175 attorneys and 350 supporting staff in six office locations across Texas in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Austin and Houston. For more information about Thomas J. Henry’s Personal Injury Law Firm, visit: thomasjhenrylaw. com.
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entertainment
Einstein’s Desk AN INTERVIEW WITH CO-AUTHORS DOMENIC MELILLO & DR. ROBERT MELILLO BY ADAM KLUGER Tell us about the origin of the idea for the novel Einstein’s Desk. Where did that originate? DJM: The idea sprang from the brain of my brother Dr. Robert Melillo. Aside from being a world renowned and recognized expert on the functioning of the human brain, he is also a huge Albert Einstein fan. Dr. Einstein has been an inspiration for him since he was a kid. So, much like Ian in the story, he read all that he could about Einstein growing up and was truly fascinated by the picture taken by Life Magazine of Einstein’s Desk and the rest of his office on the day he died. Rob was haunted by the question, did anybody really check what he was working on before he died? Was anything taken from his desk or office before the authorities got there? What if I could read everything that was there on that desk by enlarging the picture of the desk… stuff like that. That group of “what if” questions eventually blossomed into the concept for the book. Dr. Robert Melillo: The biggest what if was what if Einstein had actually figured out a Unified theory of the Universe and it was there on the desk. At the end of his life Einstein was trying to find a Universal theory to explain the whole universe. We are told that he never discovered it but what if he did, would he possibly have hid that information. The biggest implication of a Unified theory would be the answer to time travel, even Stephen Hawking in his last book admitted that according to Einstein’s theories of the universe time travel is possible. But if the answer to time travel had been discovered by Einstein he would also realize it would be the ultimate weapon in the wrong hands. So, would he have revealed the secret or would he have kept it hidden. This leads to many other “what ifs” and of course one of the main driving forces is power, money and war, and the implications of scientific discoveries that can be used or abused for military reasons. Really? All of this was inspired by that one picture DJM: Yes. The back-story of the picture is also intriguing . As it happened Ralph Morse a photographer for LIFE Magazine received a call from his editor that Einstein had died and he wanted pictures. So he drove down to Princeton, 72 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
New Jersey as fast as possible, but other members of the media had already been alerted by the time he arrived. Morse would later recall the situation by saying, “Einstein died at Princeton Hospital, so I headed there first. But it was chaos — journalists, photographers, onlookers. So I headed over to Einstein’s office at the Institute for Advanced Studies. On the way, I stopped and bought a case of scotch. I knew people might be reluctant to talk, but most people are happy to accept a bottle of booze, instead of money, in exchange for their help. So I get to the building, find the superintendent, give him a fifth of scotch and like that, he opens up the office.” When Morse walked into Einstein’s office, he snapped a photo of the desk where Albert Einstein had been working just hours before. Nobody knew it yet, but Einstein’s body would be cremated before anyone could capture a final photo of him. As a result, Morse’s photo of Einstein’s desk would soon become the final iconic image of the great scientist’s career. It fascinated many people not just my brother. Dr. Robert Melillo: Of course it is what and who the picture represents, Einstein was a fascinating man with an incredible story that most people don’t know. He had to overcome much adversity in his life including the fact that he seemed to start life with a learning disability of some sort. To me, the desk is the perfect example of a right brain genius, messy, disorganized but able to see through this mess to the whole truth, the big picture .Einstein figured out the biggest picture of all, the Universe. This picture speaks to the nature of genius which is something I have spent my career studying, understanding and helping others to tap into their genius. I have always said that almost all of the kids I have worked with with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia etc ,were also in other ways geniuses. The main character in the story, Ian Petrie is initially diagnosed as having Autism. He becomes obsessed with the picture but also with Einstein. How does that all fit into the story and how does it relate to Einstein? Dr. Robert Melillo: I became a Functional Neurologist because I wanted to help children and families who were struggling with Autism
Spectrum disorders. Growing up I had read that Einstein was very delayed in his speech as a child and that he struggled in school. In reading all that was written about his struggles, I realized that today, he would have been diagnosed as being on the spectrum. He might never have been given the chance to succeed if he had been treated as doctors in general treat so many autistic children today. Drugs would have dulled his senses and he may never have had the opportunity to express his creativity and genius. That is what I know! That many of the children diagnosed as on the spectrum are GENIUSES! They need help in unlocking their potential. That is who Ian is in the book. Diagnosed as autistic with an Einstein level intellect, he just needed the help of Dr. Mills to be able to unlock the potential. He then goes on to great things and tries to emulate his hero, Dr. Einstein. As a kid I always wondered about the comment that “there is a thin line between genius and insanity” ,that always bothered me. I loved to read stories of great people that accomplished great things in their lives .But in most cases their lives were also filled with some sort of mental or emotional issues that led to tragedy. I wondered why they couldn’t have just been geniuses and lived a happy life ? This imbalance between our strengths and weaknesses is at the core of who we are, and what my research has shown is that at the core of many of these neurological issues is an imbalance of natural traits that may give people unique strengths and abilities but along with those abilities come very strong weaknesses. Usually, the strengths may outweigh the weaknesses but in some people with unusual strengths and weaknesses the weaknesses can win out .This is the core nature of autism and almost all other mental health issues. Very few people understand this and I wanted to take what I have learned and put it into a form that everyone could understand. I want to raise awareness of issues like autism, and help the kids to be understood. To help everyone understand that these children are not broken and that they have many amazing gifts . Amazon, Walmart.com and Barnes&Noble.com
“"If you enjoy stretching your mind into the "what if..." realm, you'll love the Melillo brothers' book, Einstein's Desk. Their research into the science of the brain is fascinating. Einstein's theory regarding light, time, and energy is intriguing. Mix all these scientific facts (and more) with a suspenseful tale about a boy on a quest to solve the unsolvable, and you have an incredible recipe for a blockbuster book!" Spring 2020 | 73
entertainment
Wolf. A Story of Hate INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR ELLA SCHEINWALD BY ADAM KLUGER
Why was it so important for you to tell this story? I wanted my children to read it and know who their grandfather was, what he endured, and get a sense of his strength and fragility at the same time. There were thousands of small corporate-owned camps turned into death camps. No one speaks of them, even though 74 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
thousands were murdered there every day, even though they constituted the manpower for these manufacturing firms. I felt that today’s toxic environment of polarization, which is sometimes incited by leadership, causes a continuation of anti-Semitism, so that hate persists, and becomes “normalized.” I wanted to change the collective narrative of
the false idea that Jews went to slaughter like cattle, when in fact, it is those who followed the murderous regime who followed their leaders like cattle and cooperated fully with genocide. What kind of man was your father? Kind, generous, smart, sensitive, strong and fragile at the same time. He felt like he was a
murdered person throughout his life like he did not survive, had guilt and missed his family. He felt betrayed and abandoned by leadership. Despite his success, it was often hard for him to really feel happy. Why do you think he was able to survive against such incredible odds? Part of the answer is described in the book. According to him, he survived because he understood the languages in which orders were given and because he could disappear in the crowds so to speak. He was also a talented worker, and in one of the camps was thought by a German guard to be German (given the German-sounding last name) which helped him temporarily. He had friends and they helped each other if they could. Plus pure luck. This is an extremely harrowing Holocaust memoir. How hard was it for you to tell this story? It was quite a challenge. Writing each line, each page took a huge mental and emotional effort, sometimes I had to stop after a few lines to regain my internal self-composure. Each line defined my own life and made me “re-breathe” everything I lived with. This story shaped my life and worldview. What do you hope readers will learn from Wolf: A Story of Hate? I hope there is a heightened sense of understanding and empathy for people who have suffered or continue to suffer. I hope it will help start real, open dialogues on how hate corrodes every society it touches and that it keeps society vigilant as to the leadership it chooses because leadership has a major role in setting the tone of hateful behavior in society. I want to change the narrative of the “cattle” mentality as noted earlier. How important is it for Americans to remember the lessons of the Holocaust? It is important not just for Americans, but for all societies to not just remember the Holocaust, but also to make sure such atrocities never happen again. Sadly, in some countries, human exploitation is happening today, and mass murder is taking place. We all need to expect the world community to take strong and immediate action when such horrors happen. Much education needs to take place, and decent, moral leadership must be demanded. We see stories about the rise of anti-Semitism in America and around the world. There
are Holocaust deniers and even countries like Iran blaming Jews for Covid19. How dangerous are these trends? I don’t think it’s a trend, I think it’s a narrative that we should reject, our leadership should reject and sanction it, and any decent human being should loudly condemn it. We should speak up against anyone who dares express anti-Semitism until we change the collective narrative of hate. We should have regulation making it a serious crime to deny the Holocaust in America or to use “freedom of speech” to terrorize, humiliate, harass or express hate against Jews. As for Iran, or other such countries, it is a cultural issue going beyond anti-Semitism, because in these societies that are tribal-based, hate and conflict have been going on for hundreds of years. See how Muslims are killing Muslims in Syria, and no one blinks. The world community, via the pathetic UN, should reject and sanction countries like Iran when they call for the destruction of Israel or express anti-Semitic sentiments. Of course, that will never happen because the UN is itself anti-Semitic, and a useless and parasitic organization. The USA should show more leadership and determination in the fight against anti-Semitism. What should American Jews know about your book? I hope they read it and understand it is all true, and that it is sadly, scarily relevant and timely today. They should take it as a warning for the future and what can happen in “cultured” societies. That one story should be multiplied by millions who were exterminated and/or used as slave labor in camps owned by companies that were in bed with the Nazi regime. Part of the story is not just about how the German people and soldiers embraced the concept of The Final Solution, the extermination of all Jews, but about the failure of so many others to rise up and stop it. There were so many other countries and entities that could have taken action to stop these atrocities - but did nothing. That’s why I emphasize that Jews never went to slaughter like cattle. It is the Germans, Austrians, Hungarians, Ukrainians, of course, Poles, Romanians, and many others who went like cattle, following a murderous regime which they embraced, making them murderers as well. Entire populations, millions and millions, through their inaction, allowed and enabled this atrocity and
some even participated happily in this orgy of death and murders. How important was it for your father to return home and erect a memorial for all the Jewish families that were killed and destroyed by such hatred? It became very urgent for him to do. It was part of a vision he had in the camps. They were helpless. All they could do was create memorials, and tell their stories so that they are never forgotten. Part of the revenge was that people would hear what happened to them, and believe them. As you know, that memorial was desecrated with the inscription “the holocaust never happnd (sic) smiley face. Anti-Semitism is still very much alive and well in Poland today, and some Jews who went back to reclaim their homes or assets, or simply look for surviving family members after the war were murdered by Poles. Final thoughts on the lessons within this book? Anti-Semitism has taken on a political face now, and we should be aware that many expressions of anti-Zionism are simply anti-Jewish sentiments. Many try to re-write history, like the Polish government, which unlike the Germans, take no responsibility for the murders of millions of Polish Jews, even though they directly and enthusiastically cooperated with the Nazis, with few exceptions. Recently, a member of the Polish parliament said pogroms and killings of Jews were good for us (I paraphrase) because it fortified us as a people. I suppose what kills you makes you stronger. Poland in my view is still heavily anti-Semitic today, its soil is soaked in Jewish blood. Also, “cultured” countries like France cooperated with the Nazis. We should never forget, never forgive, and never release them and their future generations of responsibility. If my children and I have to live with the pain as second and third-generation Holocaust survivors, so should they assume the responsibility of repairing the damage done by their parents and grandparents. How can people purchase your book and/or reach out to you to arrange ways for you to tell this important story and educate people about anti-Semitism and current labor camps still in existence around the world? The book is sold on Amazon (e-book and paperback) and is also at Barnes & Noble. I can be reached via my website at ellascheinwald.com or email me directly ellascheinwaldauthor@gmail.com Spring 2020 | 75
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MarieBelle NY 2020 EASTER CHOCOLATE COLLECTION
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ith flowers in bloom, eggs are hidden around the house, and the smell of sweet treats in the air only means Easter is around the corner! Celebrate this wonderful Spring holiday with sweet Easter gifts from MarieBelle New York that will make all your loved one’s smile. From kids to adults, almost everyone’s favorite part of Easter are the delicious seasonal chocolate treats and gifts. MarieBelle New York is renowned for its signature collections and their Easter collection is continues the tradition of producing elegant gourmet chocolates. Easter Ganache Collection Crafted with the finest single-origin chocolate and eclectic ingredients, using artisanal techniques are MarieBelle’s signature Ganache. Specially made for your loved ones, or as a corporate gift, MarieBelle New York offers customizable chocolates with logos or any design you desire. Their Easter Ganache Collection evokes the spirit of spring and are ideal for Easter packaged in blue boxes with green ribbons. Each box contains an assortment of MarieBelle signature hand-made Easter-themed ganaches made with origin Honduran Chocolate, featuring a variety of Spring flavors. Easter Eggs Set No Easter is complete without the traditional Easter Egg. Perfect for indulging MarieBelle’s large chocolate
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BY ELIZABETH ELSTON Easter Eggs come in a variety of chocolate flavors including milk, dark, and white chocolate, filled with mini eggs inside. The beautifully wrapped eggs are nestled in MarieBelle’s signature blue box accented with a spring motif of butterflies and green ribbon trim, a perfect addition to their seasonal favorites. Small Easter Eggs Set Share that Spring feeling with their beautiful assortment of Small Chocolate Easter Eggs! Ideal for snacking, these charming miniature chocolate eggs comes in milk and dark chocolate. Nestled in their own cream box and accented with a spring motif, raffia trim and a blue lace with floral decorations, these mini eggs bring the nature spirit of the Spring season to life. Double Easter Bunnies Box There is nothing more traditional for Spring than the beloved Easter Bunny! Ready to jump right into your Easter Basket, this pair of milk and dark chocolate Easter bunnies gorgeously packaged in the Spring theme gift box or MarieBelle New York’s classic Lunch Box. Founder and CEO Maribel Lieberman passion began at eight-years-old when she would make sugar cookies and sell them to neighborhood children in Honduras. When she moved to the states, Maribel settled in New Orleans, where she lived for six years, working for a Japanese cosmetics company. Eventually, she moved to New York and experienced five successful years with her catering company, Maribel’s Gourmet Cuisine. She also started to mingle
with socialites such as the Christian Dior leadership and Bill Clinton. When speaking on her beginnings into the chocolate industry, Lieberman states, “I really wanted to open a gourmet market to give a face to my catering business. I wanted to represent ingredients from every country. That was my vision, but it wasn’t in the budget. So, I chose just one ingredient: chocolate.” She continues, “I realized that chocolate and cocoa are from my country and from America. I was excited; I was destined to bring credit to my country, rather than credit going to places like Belgium and France.” Upon starting her business, The Honduran Chocolate Queen would import African cocoa from Europe but quickly became aware of the slavery associated with the cocoa industry there and opted for Latin-American cocoa. For almost two decades, MarieBelle New York has been tantalizing both the eyes and the palate with sophisticated chocolate expressions. Whether it is the signature, artisanal ganache, the lavish truffles and bars, or the incomparable Aztec Hot Chocolate (featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things) – the name MarieBelle is synonymous with everything that is refined, beautifully designed and decadent. There are two locations in New York; their flagship store in SoHo is on 484 Broome Street and their latest is in the Kitano Hotel, with locations in Japan as well. The brand is also available at Luxury retailers all over the US. mariebelle.com
DIANA DEVENDORF RICE D i a n a D e ve n d o r f Ri c e i s pl e a s e d to b e re p re s e n ti n g S o t h eb y ’s In te r n a ti o n a l Re a l t y u n d e r t h e me n to r s h i p of S ta n Po n te, S e n i o r G l oba l Re a l E sta te Adv i s o r, a n d o n e of Ma n h a tta n ’s m o st re s p e cte d a g e n t s.
35 West 15th Street, Apt 9C 4 br, 4 ba, 1 hf ba | Property ID: 99FJWJ | $5,875,000
200 East 66th Street, Apt E2101 4 br, 4 ba | Property ID: VQGRZF | $12,950,000
65 Central Park West, Apt 15A 3 br, 2 ba | Property ID: 864F4G | $2,250,000
2 Park Place, Apt 45A 3 br, 2 ba, 1 hf ba | Property ID: LDW5NQ | $6,295,000 *Listings provided courtesy of Stan Ponte
Diana Devendorf Rice Licensed Salesperson | 212.606.7602 diana.rice@sothebyshomes.com East Side Manhattan Brokerage | 650 Madison Avenue | New York, NY 10022 | 212.606.7660 © Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. This material is based upon information which we consider reliable but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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Bake Back America BY BRIANNA SUBIN
I
have created bakebackamerica.com to inspire individuals all over the country to give back to their local first responders, essential workers and people in need. This site is a forum to encourage people to bake as well as other giving options if baking isn’t possible. We have delivered over 600 meals plus baked goods in the past week as well as providing 100s of face masks, beaded bracelets and cards . Hopefully, by this weekend this concept will reach many states across the country. The recipients have been so appreciative!!
On my site there are safety links as well as photos and testimonials.
This horrific virus has made me truly appreciate and recognize the need to give back and I look forward to continuing bakebackamerica.com once we get past this virus.
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JamesAllen.com
jetset
Le Méridien Dania Beach Hotel & Resort LUXURY & SOPHISTICATED DESIGN BY ELIZABETH DARWEN
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e Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc., along with national real estate developer Charles S. Cohen today announce the opening of Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport. Taking cues from the brand’s mid-century design aesthetic, the comprehensive multi-million dollar, top-to-bottom conversion of the property brings to life Le Méridien’s distinctive French heritage and the allure of the Côte d’Azur to South Florida. “With a nostalgic nod to the glamour of the French Riviera in the 1960s, Le Méridien inspires travelers to explore the world in style, savour the good life and enjoy experiences that offer something more than meets the eye,” said George Fleck, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing & Management. “The debut of this hotel is part of the brand’s significant growth strategy and further reinforces our brand’s commitment to ensuring that guests experience destinations around the globe through the lens of its European spirit”
Š2019 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated.
Custom solutions for better living G R E ENVAL E
25 Northern Blvd
516.334.0077 californiaclosets.com
@caliclosetsnyc
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Located just steps from the city’s famed The Design Center of the Americas, the 12-story hotel, designed by David Ashen of dash design, features 245 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites. Throughout the exterior and interior of the hotel guests will find references to the sky and sea with design details such as a grand oculus in the lobby that frames the sky to pay homage the glamorous era of air travel, allowing guests to stargaze and view planes passing over. The guestrooms are minimal and modern in design with touches of blue and grey to reflect the destination, features custom-made headboards with mappings of the city inlaid into the wood veneer, and local photography captured by Elizabeth Gill Lui that celebrates the diverse architecture and environment of Fort Lauderdale. “It was a true pleasure for us to partner with real estate developer Charles S. Cohen and Le 84 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
Méridien Hotels & Resorts,” says David Ashen, the founder of dash design, the interior design and brand consulting firm for Le Méridien. “The design we created supported the tenets of Le Méridien brand as well as the lifestyle that is emblematic for South Florida, both for its residents and visitors. Every detail was thought out: form, function, as well as beauty. The concept sets a standard that we are proud to have contributed.” Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in five culinary outlets throughout the hotel including the brands signature Latitude/Longitude Bar serving light fare at Le Méridien Hub and Cabana, as well as Toro Latin Kitchen, serving up a South American menu, La Bibloteca de Tequila which is an exclusive tequila bar and lounge, Constellation Café serving daily French fare, and the hotel’s outdoor bar offering Caribbean-style fare poolside.
For meetings and events, the hotel offers 25,000 square feet of state-of-the-art flexible meeting space within a prime location, in the epicenter of South Florida. Conveniently located minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Fort Lauderdale Everglades Cruise Port, the new hotel also neighbors Las Olas Boulevard, downtown Fort Lauderdale and the evolving Dania Pointe. Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport will also offer guests a sensorial environment through the brand’s signature scent, which was developed with MALIN+GOETZ. Aptly named LM002 for airplane tail numbers, the alluring scent will be featured in the public spaces, as it is at all of Le Méridien’s properties globally. Paying homage to its French roots, the brand also has a signature soundtrack that will
fill the Hub and public spaces, curated by French Bossa Nova band Nouvelle Vague. “Being able to bring the Le Méridien brand to South Florida has been an exciting venture,” said Mr. Charles S. Cohen, “We’ve curated a team of esteemed professionals to bring the brand’s French flair to life while paying homage to the maritime spirit of Fort Lauderdale. The hotel’s designcentric appeal stands at the forefront – a visual story beautifully told by David Ashen with dash design, and the Pentagram team – and will be complemented by elevated dining experiences, innovative meetings and event spaces, and unrivaled service.” In addition, Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport will offer guests a variety of amenities including a signature Club Lounge with views of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, a fully equipped state-ofthe-art 1,200-square-foot Fitness Center and Yoga Room, an 82-foot zero-entry pool and an outdoor terrace called the “Water Club.” The Hub will serve custom-brewed, barista-crafted coffee beverages as part of the brand’s collaboration with illy coffee for guests to sip and savour. For further information please visit www.lemeridien.marriott.com. Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts Born in 1960s Paris during an era of glamorous travel, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts continues to celebrate cultures around the world through the distinctly European spirit of savouring the good life. With more than 100 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories, spanning from Mauritius to Monaco and from Santa Monica to Seoul, Le Méridien’s engaging mid-century designed spaces coupled with chic signature programmes put a playful twist on art, coffee, sparkling cocktails, summer and family and inspire creative-minded travelers to explore the world in style. Stay connected to Le Méridien on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Le Méridien is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com. Spring 2020 | 85
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QUICKFIRE ARTIST INTERVIEW
Billy Zane
ART + CREATIVITY: VILLA BEVERLY PARK ART TAKEOVER!
D
BY RACHEL VANCELET TE
riving up the winding road to Beverly Park one sunny afternoon between the famous Mulholland Drive and Sunset Boulevard, running late due to crazy traffic and zipping past security, I finally arrived at the front door of a beautifully manicured mansion (located across from Denzel Washington’s mega-mansion apparently) just in time to get a sneak peek at Billy Zane’s latest pop-up art exhibition. With a warm reception, the actor/ producer/artist extraordinaire Billy Zane greeted me with open arms as I slightly interrupted his process of relaxing, deep in contemplation, while leaning against the entry hallway close to his latest large-scale hanging artwork. The vast tapestry-like painting was swirling around the large corridor space and the dimensions and effect on the entire area was certainly quite a sight to see! Zane’s bright smile and a booming voice echoed through the mansion’s front hallways, while curator Stacy Engman slowly descended down the grand staircase in gorgeous vintage 1920’s style attire and large white fur to greet me with a warm hug. If felt as though I was in a movie within the first five minutes of my arrival! The duo had invited me personally for an insider first preview of their new pop-up project, a one-night exhibition hosted by her company Art Capsul. The new art residency, set in the
beautiful and high-end ultra-exclusive Beverly Park, is a brilliant concept and I knew that I simply had to find out what it was all about! The buzz of creative minds, art collaborations, and the noted Villa Beverly Park residency was a perfect storm of just what the art gods had ordered. The exclusive event was only for elite insiders, top international art collectors, and select Hollywood celebrity circles including many VIPs from the Frieze Art Fair. Many soon learned they required a special private invitation to enter the golden gates for the one-night fete in the exclusive zip code (90210) of Beverly Park. (Madonna’s publicist was the only one + Stacy and Billy who could provide a private invite!) The area’s famous residents over the years include Mark Wahlberg, Eddie Murphy, Magic Johnson, Rod Stewart, Brittany Spears and more. The gorgeous 17,000 square foot mansion (mostly empty with little furniture- just a piano, a few couches, and a grand, fabulous fireplace) was filled to the brim with Zane’s last years’ paintings, ranging from extremely large to small scale, from tapestries to wood-paneled paintings. Visitors could certainly feel the transformative energy of the artwork melding and heightening the effect of the architecture and the grand spaces as it overflowed into dozens of rooms. The inaugural event of Art-inResidency ArtCapsul Beverly Park swirled with rumors and buzz across town that week during Frieze LA, and people scrambled to capture an invitation to the exclusive event.
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Zane’s artwork has certainly been the talk of the town, as it appeared at Leonardo Di Caprio’s Foundation benefit in St. Tropez. It was said bidders went into a frenzy in the room, with one painting selling for over $100,000. This caught the eye of socialite and curator Stacey Engman who attended and then invited Zane to be her first artist in residence at Villa Beverly Park. The new Art Capsul Villa Beverly Park’s location includes over 17,000 square feet of space for special projects by invitation only and is known for previous involvement with Schaumberg-Lippe Castle, The Plaza Hotel NYC and other villas and estates worldwide. Billy Zane may be just the type of renaissance man the year 2020 needs! With multiple ventures and creative plans, the multi-dimensional actor/producer/artist is full of creative surprises. Often associated with his acclaimed work in cinema acting in such films as “The Titanic,” and with 154 credits, he is also known among friends for his deep devotion to the community, such as when his Pink Ash wine label raised money for the 2017 wildfires and the 2018 mudslide. Zane is making a titanic effort [pun intended] to gather the greatest minds and thinkers of our time to make universal change possible for global issues. Dedicated to creativity and with a strong commitment to process, he is truly an original. Zane’s sat down to discuss his two-year passion project for a powerful new think tank called “The Convergence Lab”. He candidly speaks to his personal process of making art during his travels, on location shoots, studio and at home. There is much to discover about the unique, complex and creative studio process of this artist. He made his first painting on the set of Titanic while on location in Mexico, which soon developed into his first solo exhibition titled “Killing with Love.” Bold, unapologetic, humble, and straight to the point, Zane thrives on the recurring contradicting influences that make him a top contemporary creative collaborator of today. An interviewer’s dream.
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When did you start painting? I started painting in 1997 in Mexico on a film location purely for myself. Abstract Expressionism was what turned me on to the act of painting, not necessarily the result. I also liked what I was doing, and it was purely about just displaying large original Work. Do you live with the artwork you create? We’ve been roommates for years. My initial body of work was just for purely personal consumption. It was simply a bi-product of the love of creating. 90 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
It was not really for the intention of showing. It was just an expression I fell in love with. I started accumulating quite a bit of my own artwork and it was hanging everywhere. It was getting quite offensive. Did you ever intend to show the works to the public? No. My sister Lisa, Perhaps more as an intervention of an art hoarder than a purely generous promotional act, though she would beg to differ, bless her, had brought our friend Laurie Frank,
who had a renowned gallery at Bergamot Station, in Santa Monica called Frank Picture Gallery, whist I was away on a film location. Apparently, Laurie loved the paintings. Go figure. I had a show. How was the process for you for your first exhibition? I like working a little under pressure. I had enough pieces to put into three exhibitions, but I wanted to create some signature paintings under the new mandate. I like working under pressure. I think that I probably borrowed this preference
“modus operandi” controlled chaos. That said, the works are not tortured. They’re quite joyous. You mention you often create work on movie sets, outdoors and spontaneously, so is each artwork a diary or memory? Both, yet more place than time. The first ones I made at scale were in Mexico, I wanted the sun to scorch retract them, conform them, and crack them to make them feel as parched as the land I was working in for seven months. Do you name each work? Some. They’re not conceptual so I find it strange to limit the interpretation with a label. When I do name them….I prefer wait till the last minute, big surprise, usually walking the floor with a can of paint and a palette knife just before the doors open. What are some of your influences? There are two early influences. Mid-century Corporate and municipal art of Chicago’s downtown area and Lake Shore drive, frequently found in the forecourt and lobbies, throughout the city where I grew up. That was really my first encounter with abstraction. The second was the outdoor ceramics, sculpture garden and the collection within at the Foundation Maeght in St-Paul de Vence, France. Do you have a studio since you are often on location and traveling for your work? I do. I work outside and inside; like many California artists, we have the benefit of doing that. I prefer outdoors - Right now my studio is outside behind my friend’s optical shop. He provides all of the coolest eyewear for films and TV series. It’s a fantastic space that is sometimes used as an outdoor movie theater or a bandstand, pinball machine and home to a 57’ Plymouth station wagon with flat tires with flat tires and a dead battery. The whole set up has a fabulous authenticity pulled from the pages of the Mid Century Los Angeles Cool School. from my day job, and the cinema playbook... because if you are left to your own devices for too long, you undermine the spontaneity and the truth of the expression. I try to keep it fresh and hold on loosely. On set, I like the pressure of “you better know your lines.” or “we are losing our daylight.” The urgency had become very comfortable to me with working with the threat of time and the peril of failing myself or others. The pressure that I have to produce something worthy of the public in a ridiculous amount of time, all while not yourself too seriously, that is my
Do you have other artists do you admire? Sure. Rothko, Burre, Sargent contemporary James Mathers, Basquiat, Schnabel, I love his artwork and his films. I think he is a great director and a lovely man. The scale and technique, I really appreciated, such as the work he was doing in Montauk working on a basketball court. Jackson Pollack, the was moved across the canvas. Currently I’m crazy about an artist that was brought to my attention while in Athens recently, named George Vakirtzis. He painted all the movie posters and billboards of every major
film from Hollywood’s classic era. He was an amazing illustrator who was given free rein of interpretation. Do you have people for studio visits? I have people come to visit all the time. I like working with other artists, but I really like working with non-artists. I enjoy starting first-timers who are completely daunted by the idea of a blank vertical canvas and getting them painting on the ground with industrial materials. I have pushed all sorts of folks and like seeing them navigate a new found creative process. My favorite was this tightly wound, Milanese ex-banker who was called Doctor No, for his highly conservative approach to most things. I soon had him dumpster diving at Home renovation sites around Notting Hill for drywall and wooden pallets to paint on. He loved it and became quite good. You discuss the concept of “commitment to the task” in both your acting and creative studio practices, can you speak to these ideas and theories? As if a role, I asked, how does an accomplished painter…. paint? - the answer I felt was “with conviction.” Not a tentative stroke, you lean into it.... you commit and bang! It looks legit. When physics take over a splatter pattern from force, the hand behind is irrelevant or at least indistinguishable. I found “commitment to task” was the nature of the philosophy behind my artist statement of my first show, which was called “Killing with Love.” It was a description of a particular school of Japanese kendo I practiced for a period. The concept behind it is, is there is no defense. It was mind-blowing. You also don’t dishonor your opponent with a mincing cut or yourself with a block. It’s all attack. The concept of the defense is offensive, if not pointless as you shouldn’t be in the fight if not prepared to die. More practical with a roller or brush than a sword, but pretty full on conceptually. How do you think the art world and celebrity world embrace creativity? I subscribe to the organizing principle of service and the laws of attraction in most endeavors. I think it where you put your mind, all else follows— Creativity is beauty in my opinion, and Beauty is a commodity, so I suppose the answer is carefully as to not damage the merchandise. What would you say to a young artist today? To a young artist, I would say be ‘true to thy self.” If you are happy, don’t think you have to be unhappy to make good work. It’s a myth and has undermined many genuinely happy artists.
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You can still be punk rock. I use Bjork’s songs title from her debut album ‘Violently Happy’ to sometimes describe some pieces of mine. I also believe that these objects carry resonance and personally like to consider the functionality of art in the home of the collector. I pose the question about works made under the influence of angst and tweaked subsrtances and if they keep putting out that vibrational energy in a quantum field, wondering if I would want to live with work that was made in that manner of dissonance. Advice is ultimately ignored or should be. Can you speak about your new venture? I have honestly spent the better part of the last couple of years crystallizing something that has been brewing for a while. It’s a below radar, 360-degree consultancy and venture fund called The Convergence Lab that aligns the deep science of Caltech and their technology transfer department, elegant design of ArtsCenter of Pasadena and the best of narrative Hollywood storytelling. It is a plug and play concept that draws from the smartest and most talented people in the world from both the private and public sectors, with expertise in A.I., the space sciences, elegant designs, human interaction design, data visualization, product design, sustainable architecture, and Hollywood’s great storytelling. All disciplines are marshalled to address the most pressing issues facing us all, be it climate change, clean water, homelessness, Covid-19, public housing, transportation, and so on.. Do you think this will be part of your legacy? Creating toolsets, systems or efficiencies that can lead to enhancement of existing models and job creation through sustainability is key when looking for win-win solutions. approaching issues from a bipartisan and collaborative process. That is an art. I am humbled and blessed that I get to spend time with these deep thinkers. Do you also have a wine label? I painted a wine label for a vineyard in Santa Barbara called Paradise Springs Winery. An award-winning Rose named Pink Ash in fact. The wine scored a 93 out of 100 in Wine Enthusiasts magazine. We wanted to help following the devasting fires and mudslides in the area. I used mud and ash from the site of the worst hit areas to help create this imagery for the label. The rose raised money for the disaster victims, and I do say it is important
to combine genuine artists’ expression with thoughtful social impact messages, which is achieved with this label. How did you discover Billy’s artwork? Stacy Engman, Art Capsul: I first encountered I first encountered Billy’s work for the first time at the Leonardo Di Caprio Foundation gala in St. Tropez. That was my first exposure. I remember the hammer price for $100,000 grand and a lot of bidding in the room and a beautiful painting. I thought Beverly Park was perfect for spotlighting Billy for the Hollywood tie-in because he is one of the mavericks. There are very few of them, for instance, Sylvester Stallone, who is also here in Beverly Park. Additional neighbors include Brittany Spears and Denzel Washington; it is the perfect place for the continuation of art residency that can showcase a particular selection of contemporary artists. Historically, Art Capsul’s format has been that we work with artists individually creating amazing exhibitions within an artist and residency concept. When we launched at the Plaza Hotel in NYC, we featured Terrace Kohn and are showing a few pieces of his work here from the ongoing artist in residency with Billy as our spotlighted artist. As this is new to Beverly Park, I have reached out to a few Hollywood residents to invite them here as an artist studio, a place where they can make work, they can live, and it remains incredibly private. I love how peaceful it is here. This mansion is an excellent refuge for creative experiences. I feel this is a place that artists can be very serious about their artwork. As the residency remains interdisciplinary, we had Yoshiki’s $1m piano installed which an Elton John’s band member played at the opening night.
place in their life versus bright and light, and it comes out in the work. It is really fascinating. This residency is an ongoing series, keeping it pretty exclusive and a very select group of artists who are working very seriously on their pieces. The goal is to spotlight fabulous projects and different interactions. We are presenting the art royalty sunglasses, which are rosecolored glasses to tie in with Frieze Art Week with rubies like Judy Garland Hollywood. Billy Zane: I was listening to the Judy and Barbara positivity mash up in the car just the other day, one of my favorite duets merging “Forget your troubles come on get happy” and “Happy Days Are Here Again”, So good! Weblinks: Billy Zane Art: https://www.billyzaneart.com Billy Zane Instagram: https://www.instagram. com/billyzane/?hl=en Old Focals Eyewear: https://oldfocals.com/ shop/product-category/ old-focals-collection/ Pink Ash Rose: https://www.paradisespringsofsantabarbara. com/product/2018-PINK-ASH-ROSE Stacy Engman Art Royalty Glasses https://www.artsy.net/show/art-capsul-stacyengman-art-royalty
Billy Zane: I met Stacy with mutual friend, Lady Harvey at the Sunset Tower and she really loved the work and spoke passionately and knowledgeably about it with little prompt. I was grateful and impressed with the caliber of talent she would feature with Art Capsul. Stacy Engman: It is good. Artists make different artworks depending on their environment. All of the artists I work with, they know the difference. They are like wow... I made such great work in that place. You know, like there’s something about the ethos that just informs the work and it gets absorbed. I can always tell the difference like if an artist was in a dark place like you like actually like a darker environment or like a dark Spring 2020 | 93
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QUICKFIRE INTERVIEW ARTIST SERIES
Artist Juan Garaizabal 360 DEGREE VIEW BY RACHEL VANCELET TE What inspires you? Typically, I receive inspiration from many fields, architecture, history, music, cinema, science, economy, landscape, literature…everything but contemporary art. Hahahaha. I am obsessed with the idea of trying to walk on virgin territories…. which is never 100% truth…but I try. I accumulate ideas in my head that come to me any moment, especially in solitude and leave them there. I do not write them or draw them until the moment that they have a certain process of growing and getting enriched…and at that moment sometimes they are so clear that I just execute them instead of writing them. These are the big ideas, the
umbrellas. Then, the detail ideas typically come to me talking about the plan, explaining the big idea. Most of the time the sentences finish with new elements that I hadn’t thought on. An artwork, in reality, is a succession of solving problems and decisions. How do you know when an artwork is complete? Normally, I have an idea of the type of impression and feeling to work towards generating with creating specific artwork. I also like to think in ways that I have never done before to get to the creative end. In this
process, some accidents or lucky strikes occur that often enrich the outcome. Since most of the works are 360 degrees and many 360 in the vertical plane, the observation process and the pauses along the way continue to add a lot of value to the artwork in sculptural terms. However, I do know when a work is finished at the moment it transmits with the maximum power. The work often evokes the a particular feeling that is a reflection within the process of the original plan. To get to completion, I often consider all the new creative ways that I take and in turn it becomes quite a big adventure.
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Do new technologies such as AI and/or new computers affect your current studio practice, and if so how and why? Creating art is not anymore consider the end, it is in many senses the beginning. As an artist, you need to find the way to create a debate with it, in society. I am constantly learning new technologies and try to have a permanent dialogue with talented people in the use of the image language. Once you have a message, your obligation is to make it arrive in the public. In the 21st century, there is nothing as powerful as film to do that. I am permanently in contact with filmmakers. I try to surround myself with the most talented people possible. More and more, the techniques of communicating the artworks and interacting with the public are key. They often even having an impact on the preliminary conception of the works themselves. I now continually visualize images and music and, even if it will never be my field, I am familiar with 3dstudio, Garage, Photoshop and Premiere…. this helps me to get to know how to create new images, music….and at the end of the process it helps connect to the feelings and reactions of the public. My public art pieces incorporate more and more mechanisms of interaction with the public. I love it when the visitors participate physically with the sculptures and make an experience. Many of my recent well-known public sculptures have incorporated stairways, engines, sensors for light and movement, sound, mirrors…….to promote the dialogue in a coherent way. What would you say and/or advice would you give to your younger artist self? I always insist that making art is magical and a big pleasure, but choosing to be an artist as a professional career is something that (from my point of view) should only occur when someone realizes that he cannot contemplate life otherwise, because 1) It is not a job; it is the whole life. 2) The possibilities of getting completely frustrated are huge.
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In this time of world change, artists are known to spend a lot of time alone in their studios, what advice would you give to others who are currently undergoing time alone and isolation? Discipline and effort. That is for me the only way of taking advantage of time. Most of the people, including me, feel much better when we have the impression that we have taken profit of time. Many tasks that I had pending are because that cannot be done in two or three hours…. they require 4 or 5 days on a roll to complete. I never had this much 98 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
time available in my career due to quarantine. An idea is to detect those things and do it, with sacrifice and discipline. Choosing a mission and developing it helps a lot, gives a sense to time. What upcoming exhibitions, gallery or museums exhibitions have been postponed? • 11 meters sculpture mural in Art Paris postponed from the beginning of April to the end of May… and will see. • Large scale sculpture in San José Costa Rica in the middle of April postponed.
• Public sculpture in Toledo Spain beginning of May Postponed. • Landscape sculptures show in Shanghai in June postponed. • Landscape sculpture in Tokyo in July postponed. Quickfire Tips: Website: http://www.juangaraizabal.com Instagram: @juan_garaizabel For More Tips: @rvancelette
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ARTFAIR SNAPSHOT
JUSTMAD Emerging Artfair: Madrid WITH SEMÍRAMIS GONZÁLEZ, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF JUSTMAD ART FAIR BY RACHEL VANCELET TE
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Could you tell us about the history of JUSTMAD Artfair Madrid? JUSTMAD was born eleven years ago with the intention of exhibiting the best emerging art proposals from around the world. From the first edition of 20 galleries, we have had almost 60 this 2020, and from countries such as Mexico, Peru, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Mozambique and, of course, Spain. What are your thoughts on the current art market, and where do you predict it will be in the next decade? The art market has its eyes set on issues of social
interest in the world, such as the climate emergency, feminism or social inequality. As for techniques, there is an important presence of works made with fabrics or ceramics that are increasingly gaining prominence. It is difficult to know where we will be in ten years’ time, but my perception is that Madrid is becoming more and more prominent on the international art fair scene and is an epicenter that will grow strongly in the next decade. With the rise in art fairs reaching over 300 globally in 2019, how does your art fair continue to seek a top-ranking position with many top collectors, galleries and thousands of visitors each year in Madrid? We hold the fair parallel to ARCO Madrid and this allows us to reach a significant number of foreign collectors who are in the city during those days. Also the location of our fair, in the heart of Madrid, next to the Prado
Museum and the Palace Hotel, allows anyone to arrive in a short time, we are very close to everything... On the other hand, during these eleven editions, we have been forming an important group of visitors loyal to our fair, both collectors and fans. JUSTMAD is the fair where young people dare to buy their first work, we have pieces from 150 to 12,000 euros, and that makes that, every year, we are growing among those young people who want to buy art. Could you provide some local tips or favorite spots in visiting the art community of Madrid? Madrid, as I said before, has incredible potential as a city to host art. From the Museo del Prado for the more classical to the Museo Reina Sofía for the more contemporary, you can’t miss the Calle Doctor Fourquet full of art galleries, the CA2M in Móstoles with the latest proposals or take a
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changing in the last few years, being more and more aware of the need to support women artists and their careers, so I bring this maxim to all the projects I develop as a curator. Can you speak to the curatorial initiatives and the role of the curator’s impact on the visitor experience in attending your art fair? This year we had a project curated by Avelino Sala and Eugenio Merino, “Into the sublime”, about video art and performances, with political and social commitment. It has been one of the most successful projects at the fair, as it has attracted a large number of curators and other professionals from the arts sector. In addition, the videos could be seen in areas of the fair such as staircases, uncommon places, and were very striking for the surprise of finding them in your tour. Can you tell us a little bit about how your art fair participates in with the community? We are very interested in supporting the careers of artists, so we do residencies in places like Porto. In addition, together with the ENAIRE Foundation, a Young Photography Prize is awarded to support a project that is already underway, with educational support, production of work and exhibition within the PhotoEspaña festival. We are interested that the fair is also a place to support Spanish creation and Spanish artists. What is the future mission and/or vision for JUSTMAD? JUSTMAD must continue to deepen in being the emerging art fair of reference in the sector. Unlike other proposals, we present artists and galleries of the highest quality, with awards and important exhibitions. We are the fair where to invest in art from younger values that will grow in the next decades. We must continue to encourage young art collectors, break down the barriers to acquiring art and offer a relaxed, friendly and professional space where you can get involved in art collecting. walk through the Parque del Retiro and visit the exhibitions in the Palacio de Cristal, with its site-specific artworks, for example. How have you seen your art fair expand or grow since you began in the role of artistic director? We have gained in Portuguese presence, since we celebrated in May the JUSTLX fair in Lisbon, and we give a prominent place to the Portuguese galleries in our fair in Madrid, JUSTMAD. In addition, we have incorporated
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current views on issues such as environmental sustainability and curated programs of performances and video art. In addition, and since we are an emerging art fair, we have music sessions with DJs, in a relaxed, informal and professional atmosphere. What inspires you? How has your personal taste for art changed over the years? I am very inspired by literature, I love reading and starting from words to bring those ideas to the visual. I think my interest in art has been
Do you have any words of encouragement for exhibitors, artists and/or the art community at large during this time? We at JUSTMAD and JUSTLX want to convey all our strength to overcome these moments of uncertainty. For our part, we will continue to work to support the creative network, both galleries and artists. We will celebrate our fairs, as well as other events, that will help the art market to be reactivated and continue to function in good harmony for everyone.
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QUICKFIRE INTERVIEW
Sotheby’s Institute of Art Rises to the Challenge: London A VIEW INTO THE WORLD OF EDUCATION DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
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nterview with Professor David Bellingham: Program Director of the Master’s Degree In Art Business Program, Sotheby’s Institute London, with colleague Dr. Federica Carlotto, Course Leader of Art of Luxury, Sotheby’s Institute in London. The SIA professors sat down to discuss educational developments during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a critical time in the world, many have been laid off and furloughed in galleries, museums and auction houses across the globe.
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BY RACHEL VANCELET TE These actions have impacted the art world at all levels. SIA education decided to continue to rise to the occasion during this COVID-19 pandemic with transformative and creative ideas for online teaching. The global lockdown has forced SIA to redefine and reprogram the ways students, classrooms, and professors exchange ideas, interact and educate. Can you tell us a brief history on SIA? Sotheby’s Institute of Art was founded in 1969 to train auction house employees in art business together with connoisseurship, subject areas
which were generally lacking in traditional arthistorical education. In 1995 SIA was affiliated to the University of Manchester, enabling it to award undergraduate degrees in Fine and Decorative art. In 2002 SIA was sold to Cambridge Information Group who retained the Sotheby’s brand name and teaching and career connections with the auction house. The pioneering M.A. in Art Business was launched in 1998. Today we also have M.A.s in Fine and Decorative Art and Design, Contemporary Art, Modern and Contemporary Asian Art and Art World Logistics. The New York Institute was
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founded in 2006, in 2010 receiving degreeawarding powers from the Regents of the State of New York accredited by the National Association of the Schools of Art and Design. The London Institute’s teaching is in a beautiful eighteenthcentury Neo-Classical townhouse in Bloomsbury, whilst the New York Institute is in the Art Deco classic, the General Electric Building. Certificate courses are currently delivered to the Chinese Tsinghua University, and past Institutes have included Singapore and Los Angeles. In the past few years, the Institute has become a leader in art-historical and market-related teaching online. Also, it delivers Semester Programmes, Summer Schools, Public Programmes and Executive classes. 106 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
Can you tell us how you came to SIA, and your history with the Institute as a top art historian, author and Program Director for the Masters Degree in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art? Can you speak to the changing atmosphere in launching new publications, archives and your thoughts on future book publishing? I came to SIA as a guest lecturer on ancient classical art and architecture as part of what was then an undergraduate B.A. programme in Fine and Decorative Arts. My Ph.D. was a contextual study of ancient Roman domestic interior decoration, focusing on the reflexive qualities of paintings of symposia (Greek-style drinking parties) in the triclinia (dining rooms) of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Rome. I became
full-time at SIA in 2000, and became Programme Director of the emerging M.A. in Art Business in 2002, doubling the student numbers from 20 to 40 and then to 80 in two years, and adding European art fair study visits to the curriculum: currently, we visit Artissima contemporary art fair in Torino together with the Venice Biennale (both art and architectural editions) and the classic art fair TEFAF in Maastricht. We were at TEFAF this year the day the fair closed because some of the dealers had contracted the coronavirus. With the personal shift from ancient Classical Studies to contemporary Art Business Studies, my research and art business teaching developed towards the more ethical aspects of art business practice: our ethics and law modules remain key to teaching our students to behave ethically in their future art
world careers. Most recently, I launched a new unit on Art World Operations and Logistics, which has this year been launched as a Masters degree, led by my star alumnus Gareth Fletcher. My colleagues and I are committed to pioneering the study of art business as an academic discipline and encouraging our students to follow suit in their Masters’ dissertations, most of which are based on primary research such as art market database analysis and interviews with art world players. We come from a range of academic backgrounds, including Business Studies, Classical Archaeology and Philology, Social Science and Emerging Markets. This broad mix encourages our students to think laterally, from hardcore entrepreneurial art market discussions, including
post-COVID-19 business opportunities, to legal and ethical issues associated with looted and stolen art. The future of art world publishing will probably, just like the art world, remain a mixture of the physical and the virtual. Our own art business monographs are all available as both hard copy and e-books, whilst our students have recently launched an online student magazine entitled Made in Bed (www.madeinbed.co.uk @ madeinbedmag). With the current world crisis, can you speak to how SIA is adapting to the rapid changes with technology and online learning? SIA is well-known internationally for the guest
lectures series, with top professionals from accomplished artists and art professionals. The professionals visit to provide the students with an opportunity to hear a variety of perspectives in the field and network. Can you speak to this particular program and the international network of SIA? How are your SIA students adapting to the changes in live class interactions to online platform learning? We have been delivering online programmes for several years. Most recently, with Covid-19, we have been delivering our in-person courses online and finding that the virtual interaction with the students is excellent. Our programmes have always focused on hands-on ‘object-based’ teaching with visits to museums, galleries, auction Spring 2020 | 107
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houses and dealers and we are delighted that the art world players in those institutions are more than happy to join us in our current online sessions. I am currently teaching a seven-week elective on The Market for Western Antiquities and Old Masters. For this, I deliver live lectures on an educational platform called Canvas, which enables us to create online conferences which all students can log into. Whilst I am lecturing, just as in class, the students can see my slides. As in class, they can ask questions by typing into one of the screen panels and I respond with audio. I can 108 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
also type e.g. difficult spellings and art terms into the same panel and/or use virtual whiteboards. In some respects levels of real-time communication are better than within the real classroom because all students can type their questions and speak with one another whenever they want during the lecture without interrupting me. We have audio workshops and seminars where students can be placed in their own ‘breakout rooms’ and I can move from room to room joining their own conversations around the seminar topic. We can elect to be seen on our webcams though
this remains optional. Personally I find that it is good to lecture with my webcam as I can use my hands choreographically to emphasize key points just as I would in the real lecture room! We follow up live sessions with ‘discussion’ pages for every session so that students can continue class debates on their own. I have guest lecturers from the academic and professional art world, including art dealers who are showing artworks in their homes and/or locked galleries during the lockdown. All of these sessions are automatically recorded so that students who have decided to
return to remote time zones can watch recordings of lectures and seminars at a convenient time. I have two U.S. students, one in N.Y. and one in L.A. who can join my afternoon sessions, but not the morning ones when it is three in the night for them. I also have one student who has returned to China, who stays up until midnight to join us live! Dr. Federica Carlotto, Course Leader of Art of Luxury notes “One of the latest additions in SIA’s portfolio is the semester programme the Art of Luxury. The Art of Luxury aims to delve deeper into the crossovers between the luxury industry and the world of the arts. Since its inception, the course has attracted the attention of an international audience, inviting in class undergraduate learners and more experienced professionals. The immersive journey into the theoretical, vocational and experiential aspects of the topic has resulted in many learners to change their career path, or to develop a richer perspective on how art and luxury can collaborate together for mutual benefits” Do you have any advice or inspirational thoughts about the future of education during this time of COVID-19? We have to remain positive about our students’ continuing education. Although we have offered interruption of study to students who do not feel that they can cope with remote teaching, the vast majority have elected to stick with us through the COVID-19 crisis and have been really enthusiastic and creative in their use of the online teaching/learning platforms. Dr. Federica Carlotto notes: “I believe that Covid-19 is questioning deeper the meaning we give to high quality education. I think education will have to add up to the idea of transfer of knowledge and become more “empathic”, in other words education will emerge from an intellectual quest about what happens in the world. It will also have to become “strategic”, helping the students to find those tools to tackle the big issues of our times.” Bellingham notes: “My MA Art Business colleagues and I are delivering a special extra-curricular lecture and panel discussion addressed to all SIA students entitled: New Opportunities: Rethinking the postCovid19 Art World. We explore potential outcomes of the COVID-19 crisis and art business opportunities for our students arising out of the lockdown situation. We are developing on online auction that our students are organizing for contemporary artists to sell their work and part of the proceeds to go to COVID-19 charity. It has yet to be realized, the students are currently working with emerging artists to offer art business assistance during this time.”
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QUICKFIRE INTERVIEW ARTIST SERIES
Artist Tatyana Murray DREAMING OF SUMMER IN ISOLATION BY RACHEL VANCELET TE Can you speak about your daily routine in the art studio? My art studio is in Dumbo, Brooklyn, where I have worked for over twenty-four years. Being on the top floor, I have two large windows overlooking the Hudson River with unobstructed sky views. This is my sanctuary, where I can escape the hustle and bustle of New York City. The tranquil space gets me into the right mental state, setting the tone, and allowing my intuitive process to reveal itself. I usually have two to three pieces evolving at the same time. This prevents me from overworking them and creates a fluid process as I move between the different works. Often, I lose track of time, but my two loyal dogs let
me know when they need to go outside. I am fortunate to have a vast roof overlooking the Manhattan Bridge, where they can run around freely. Stepping away from the studio allows for a different perspective as I return to work. Usually, around 6:30, I head back home to the city. However, if there is a deadline or if I am in the clutches of inspiration, I will stay later. What inspires you? Nature and the medium of light are my primary inspiration. Growing up in Europe, the sky is mostly overcast. Getting off the plane some twenty-five years ago in NYC for the first time, I was struck by the clear, white, blue light
emanating down on the city. Ever since that seminal moment ‘Light’ has played a pivotal role throughout the different series. The way the light refracts, reflects or absorbs into the different materials inspires me. By manipulating the different mediums, the works take on a life of their own. I am also inspired by the tension between nature and the modern industrial world. For example, the ‘Coral’ pieces in the ‘Urban Nature’ series are comprised of manmade plastic tubing cut at various lengths. The light refracts off the cut edge, creating a glowing effect suggesting an underwater scene from nature.
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What are your major influences throughout your career? I am influenced by a wide range of art predecessors. Over time the influences shift and change in conjunction with my personal artistic development. For example, currently, the ‘Refracted Light Series’ is heavily influenced by Yayoi Kusama’s infinity rooms. The use of light and reflection in her work mesmerizes me, and I love the sense of boundlessness. Mark Bradford’s wallsized collages created by using materials scavenged from the streets have influenced the ‘Urban Nature’ series. His re-appropriated common elements and scale are aweinspiring. Both of these artists have created an otherworldliness. My creative process is meditative and self informs as it develops. How do you know when a painting or artwork is complete? It is always a struggle for me to consider a piece as ‘completed’. I constantly have the sense that there is something more I can add or subtract. When I feel on the precipice of possibly losing the ‘life’ of the piece, I force myself to step back and release it into the world. A Picasso quote explains well my dilemma: “To finish a work? What nonsense! To finish it means to be through with it, to kill it, to rid it of its soul, to give it its final blow.” Do new technologies such as AI and/or new computers affect your current studio practice, and if so how and why? In the ‘Refracted Light’ series, technology plays a central role. I utilize a programmable processor to control the LED lighting. The multiple transparent sheets that are stacked together are each etched and drilled. The image is revealed as the light fluctuates in intensity, color, timing, and arrangement, revealing itself like veils of light in motion. What interests me in this series is the contrast of using a traditional expression of etching/ drawing and combining it using state of the art modern technology. The use of social media such as Instagram has given me
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the tool to reach a far wider audience than the traditional gallery show. I now have the freedom to work with independent collectors and have my artwork up on studio art apps such as “ArtMuse” and “ArtFare”. What would you say and/or advice would you give to your younger artist self? At the age of 25, I got my first solo show. Being self-taught, I didn’t have the support of fellow artists or faculty. The advice I would give my younger self is to confront the tough questions with the gallerist. For example, ask to have a contract with detailed information for payment and what the representation parameters are. New Yorkers are tough and resilient but also supportive and willing to help. I would tell my younger self not to be intimidated and reach out to my peers for advice and what pitfalls to avoid. In this time of world change, artists are known to spend a lot of time alone in their studios, what advice would you give to others who are currently undergoing time alone and Isolation? In this time of world change, many people are currently undergoing time alone and Isolation. This is nothing new for me being an artist. I recommend people to make a list of goals per week, then break it down to days. A daily routine is essential to create some sense of normalcy. For example, a morning meditation will uplift the spirit and set the tone for the day; ration your time spent listening to the news as the negative reporting can really put a strain on one’s energy; listen to inspiring music or audiobooks while completing your daily tasks. I purchased some pots and bulbs last week and marveled at the new growth, including one that is in full bloom. It re-enforces a sense of joy and hope. This Isolation and distancing imposed is also an opportunity to be more reflective and re-evaluate what is truly important in life, including its beauty it has to offer.
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What upcoming exhibitions, gallery shows, or museum exhibitions are you working on currently or towards? This global epidemic has profoundly affected my work. Currently, I am in a two person show at Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan, which has been postponed due to the current crisis. I have wanted to work with Bryce for over eight years and feel devastated. Another show in France with Metamorphose Gallery has been canceled/ postponed. Worst of all, the gallerist contracted the Corona Virus, and after several complications, I am relieved to report that he is finally recovering. A private group of collectors was scheduled to come for a studio visit a couple of weeks ago. This had been organized months in advance and was canceled the night before due to the virus. I now find myself with newly completely works sitting in my studio, an empty gallery in Chelsea, storage in France and in my studio. The way I am dealing with this disappointment is by sticking to a daily routine, going to the studio located in Dumbo three or four days a week, and continuing to fulfill my goals for numerous grant and art awards. Do you have a note of inspiration or thoughts on the world today to share with us? Rainer Maria Rilke has always been an inspiration to me. During these times of duress, this quote really resonates:
“To be an artist means; not to calculate and count; to grow and ripen like a tree which does not hurry the flow of its sap and stands at ease in the spring gales without fearing that no summer may follow. It will come. But it comes only to those who are patient.” Letters to a Young Poet Through these dark moments, I hold onto the ‘Light’. I’ve been receiving some profoundly moving messages from friends and collectors. Amid all the fear and uncertainty, they find a sense of peace in my work. The “Tree of Light” series seems to particularly resonate. If I can touch just one person, transport them out of their despair and sense of Isolation, to a place where they can feel solace and hope, then I am fulfilled. Quickfire Tips: Website: www.tatyanamurray.com Instagram: @tatyanamurrayartist Gallery: http://brycewolkowitz.com/h/ Exhibition: Tatyana Murray & Sandra Kantanen Artwork Apps: @artmuseny | www.artfare.com
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Sheltering in Tips
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BY CAMERON COUVILLION | PHOTO BY GOOGLE ARTS AND CULTURE
elf-quarantining may not be so dull after all. Even though we are currently confined to our homes, we do not need to stop exploring. Thanks to Google Arts and Culture, we can observe magnificent masterpieces from the comfort of our couches. Collections from museums as close as MoMA to ones as distant as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul, South Korea are available at our fingertips. You have no excuse not to view famous works of art, such as the breathtaking Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, on display at the Mauritshuis in the Hague, Netherlands, or The Sistine Madonna by Raphael located at the Staatlich
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Kunstsammlugen in Dresden, Germany. The divine and exquisite painting has captivated individuals from across the globe, and you have full access to it from your living room. While a trip to Italy might not be an option now, you do not need to forgo witnessing the beauty and splendor of The Birth of Venus painted by Sandro Botticelli and currently on display at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. These museums offer more than a simple picture on a screen. They generate an online experience that makes it feel almost as if you are there wandering the halls. While these may be uncertain and daunting times, do not let your wanderlust dwindle. The world is still available to you. There is still so much to see.
WEBSITE: Mauritshuis: artsandculture.google.com/ partner/mauritshuis MoMA: artsandculture.google.com/partner/ moma-the-museum-of-modern-art National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art: artsandculture.google. com/partner/national-museum-of-modern-andcontemporary-art-korea Staatliche Kunstsammlugen: artsandculture. google.com/partner/gemaldegalerie-altemeister-old-masters-picture-gallery Uffizi Gallery: artsandculture.google.com/ partner/uffizi-gallery
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CARNEVALE GALA IN VENICE “ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE” By Clara Morgan
Carnevale Gala In Venice “All the World’s a Stage” Karin & Peter Leidel at Carnevale Gala In Venice Save Venice Raises Half A Million Dollars for Art “All the World’s a Stage” Restoration in Venice, Italy, in early Feb. 2020: ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com Lizzie Asher, Isabella Chartouni, Laura Sico, Casey Kohlberg ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com
Skylar Pinchal, Caroline Byron at Carnevale Gala In Venice “All the World’s a Stage” ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com
Georgia Clerc, Daniel Howard at Carnevale Gala In Venice “All the World’s a Stage” ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com
Polina Proshkina, Daniel Ezra, Lizzie Asher, Yan Assoun at Carnevale Gala In Venice “All the World’s a Stage” ©Save Venice Young Friends
Maribel Lieberman at Carnevale Gala In Venice “All the World’s a Stage” ©Maribel Lieberman
Lizzie Asher, Casey Kohlberg at Carnevale Gala In Venice “All the World’s a Stage” ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com
Shana Davis, Sherry & Larry Davis at Carnevale Gala In Venice “All the World’s a Stage” ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com
Matthew White, Thomas Schumacher at Carnevale Gala In Venice “All the World’s a Stage” ©Matteo Prandoni BFA.com
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CLAUDE’S GALLERY OPENING & A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION By Clara Morgan
Southampton Inn opened Claude’s Gallery featuring renowned artists Ceravolo, Candice CMC, Charles Ford, & Robin Morris, Curated by ARDT Gallery. Southampton, NY: Candice CMC, Ceravolo, Dede Gotthelf ©Richard Lewin
Shane Moan, Elise Douglas at the opening of Claude’s Gallery at the Southampton Inn ©Richard Lewin
Dede Gotthelf, Terry Moan at the opening of Claude’s Gallery at the Southampton Inn ©Richard Lewin
Diane Tucci, Glenn Vickers, Julie Fitzerald, Andrew Pilaro ©Richard Lewin at the opening of Claude’s Gallery at the Southampton Inn ©Richard Lewin
Justin Ceravolo, Artist Nickol Renae at the opening of Claude’s Gallery at the Southampton Inn ©Richard Lewin
Popstar Aaron Paul, Luciana Pampalone at the opening of Claude’s Gallery at the Southampton Inn ©Richard Lewin
Trends and events journalist Lieba Nesis, held Ray Kelly, Jean Shafiroff, Joseph Fichera at Lieba her birthday party on the Upper West Side, NYC: Nesis’ Birthday on the Upper West Side, NYC Greg Kelly, Lieba Nesis ©Patrick McMullan ©Patrick McMullan 120 | MetMagNY.com | 25AMagazine.com
Alex Faran, Matt Falk, Bradley Fishel at Lieba Nesis’ Birthday on the Upper West Side, NYC ©Patrick McMullan
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