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Friday, September 28, 2018

Ai Weiwei: "Life Cycle" at Marciano Art Foundation until March 3rd 2019

Solo-artist Ai Weiwei: "Life Cycle" can be seen today at Marciano Art Foundation at 4357 Wilshire, Los Angeles, CA until March 3rd 2019.

Photos by Karen Ostlund
Ai Weiwei: "Life Cycle" is made of silk and bamboo
                                                      Ai Weiwei: 
Life Cycle exhibit is made of bamboo and silk, and is accompanied by an illustrated publication, the third in MAF’s Project Series featuring an essay written by mythologist, writer, and professor Martin Shaw.

Marciano Art Foundation announced the third MAF Project in the Theater Gallery, a solo exhibition of Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, on view from September 28, 2018 — March 3, 2019. This exhibition is Ai’s first major institutional exhibition in Los Angeles, which features the new and unseen work Life Cycle (2018) – a sculptural response to the global refugee crisis. The exhibition also present iconic installations Sunflower Seeds (2010) and Spouts (2015) within the Foundation’s Theater Gallery.
On view for the first time in the Black Box, Life Cycle (2018) references the artist’s 2017 monumental sculpture Law of the Journey, Ai’s response to the global refugee crisis, which used inflatable, black PVC rubber to depict the makeshift boats used to reach Europe. In this new iteration, Life Cycle shows an inflatable boat through the technique used in traditional Chinese kite-making, exchanging the PVC rubber for bamboo.
Ai Weiwei hanging Feiyu 2015
Suspended around the boat installation are figures crafted from bamboo and silk. In 2015, Ai began creating these figures based on mythic creatures from the Shanhaijing, or Classic of Mountains and Seas. The classic Chinese text compiles mythic geography and myth; versions of the Shanhaijing have existed since the 4th century B.C. These works are crafted in Weifang, a Chinese city in Shandong province with a tradition of kite-making dating back to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Shanhaijing: Weiwei Huantou Guo 2015, all bamboo.
Similar to chapters in a book, or acts in a play, the various scenes include the mythological creatures of the Shanhaijing alongside bamboo versions of Ai’s earlier works, such as Template and Bang, and homages to Marcel Duchamp and Jasper Johns. A central theme running through the ten vignettes is freedom of speech and Ai’s efforts in defending it. Motifs recurring in Ai’s practice—the bicycle, the alpaca, symbols of state surveillance and control—are repeated and multiplied.

Windows (2015), which hangs along the perimeter of the Black Box, draws from Chinese mythology, the tales and illustrations of the Shanhaijing, the history of 20th-century art, and the life and works of the artist. The vignettes feature a dense mix of biographical, mythological, and art historical references to craft a contemporary story.

This multi-faceted installation is a continuation of Ai’s ongoing engagement with politics and social justice. It follows the release of his feature-length documentary, Human Flow (2017), which depicts the refugee crisis on film. In the artist’s op-ed for the Guardian in February 2018, he writes, “I was a child refugee. I know how it feels to live in a camp, robbed of my humanity. Refugees must be seen as an essential part of our shared humanity.”

In the Theater Gallery, Sunflower Seeds (2010), is composed of 49 tons of individual porcelain sunflower seeds made by 1600 artisans from an ancient porcelain production center in Jingdezhen, in China’s Jiangxi province. This installation further expands upon reoccurring themes, such as authenticity, the individual’s role in society, geopolitics of cultural and economic exchange. The work also brings to mind the propaganda posters of the Cultural Revolution, depicting Mao Zedong as the sun and the citizens as sunflowers turning toward him.
Spouts (2015) piles together thousands of antique teapot spouts dating as far back to the Song dynasty (960–1279). Following Ai’s practice of repetition and multiplication, Spouts can be seen as a metaphor for a mass of mouths, and a widespread yearning for freedom of speech despite its continuing restriction throughout many societies. Spouts was previously exhibited in Galleria Continua in Beijing, the 21er Haus in Vienna, and the Sakip Sabanci Museum in Istanbul. This is the first time the complete work is on view
Artist Ai Weiwei has a 2nd ongoing exhibit "Zodiac" at Jeffrey Deitch Gallery until Jan.5 2019 at 925 North Orange drive, in Hollywood, CA www.deitch.com

Facts: Ai Weiwei was born in 1957 in Beijing and currently lives and works in Berlin. He attended the Beijing Film Academy and later, on moving to New York (1983–1993), continued his studies at the Parsons School of Design. Major solo exhibitions include Helsinki Art Museum (2016), Royal Academy of Art, London (2015), Martin Gropius Bau, Berlin (2014), Indianapolis Museum of Art (2013), Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington D.C. (2012), Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taiwan (2011), Tate Modern, London (2010) and Haus der Kunst, Munich (2009). Architectural collaborations include the 2012 Serpentine Pavilion and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Stadium, with Herzog and de Meuron. Among numerous awards and honours, he won the lifetime achievement award from the Chinese Contemporary Art Awards in 2008, the Václav Havel Prize for Creative Dissent from the Human Rights Foundation, New York in 2012, and the Ambassador of Conscience Award from Amnesty International in 2015; he was made Honorary Academician at the Royal Academy of Arts, London in 2011.

FREE AMISSION, OPEN: Thursday, Friday and Sunday: 11AM to 5PM,  SAT: 10AM to 6PM, Closed Mondays, 4357 Wilshire, Los Angeles, CA. (www.marcianoartfoundation.org)

Monday, September 24, 2018

Celebrity Connected Celebrated Emmys w/Organic Skincare, Sport & Natural Food

Photos & story by Karen Ostlund
Celebrity Connected Celebrated Emmys 2018 with a luxury gifting suite at Millennium Biltmore hotel, September 15th, two days prior to Primetime Emmys at Microsoft theatre downtown LA.
The suite focused on organic skincare, sport apparel and natural food.
Fun new ideas of solar hats, cork earrings, gangster dollar coins, butt pillows and glitter makeup could also be found.

Actor Judd Hirsch (left) and singer Matt Sato at Sportamix.com, which is a sports networking platform that enables direct communication between athletes, coaches, recruiters and fans. Any athlete from anywhere in the world, despite nationality, age, geographical location, or social status, can be discovered and connected. Gifting: InfiniteCBD.com nano water and peanut-butter protein bars by Fortifx.com
https://rescuebrewingco.com is a taproom in downtown Upland in California which allows people to learn about tap beer, and its many flavors. A portion of the proceeds goes to animal rescue.
Sushi Koo located at 8473 West 3rd street in Los Angeles (www.losangelesjapanesesushi.com) and offers a selection of sashimi, nigiri and signature rolls. The types of seafood served include salmon, tuna, yellowtail, albacore, mackerel, octopus, and grilled eel.
https://lighthouseroasters.com/ is one of Seattle’s original roaster cafes, Lighthouse has spent more than twenty years creating a loyal following of coffee lovers by treating the coffee buying, roasting and drink-making as a noble calling. Lighthouse gave away and promoted their full-bodied Roaster’s Choice and medium fragrant floral Ethiopian coffee.
Miles Burris is wearing the Kool Breeze hat.https://koolbreezesolarhats.com/ are bling solar cooling straw hats powered by radiant light from the sun. It has an installed compact fan that keeps the head cool and protects the head & face from harmful UV sun's rays. No batteries are needed because 100% solar operated."Our hats are scientifically proven to cool down your head and body by 10 degrees, after 5 minutes of sun exposure”.
Karamo Brown at https://www.kingdomofmel.com/ Tiffany Hill, the designer of Kingdom of Mel is inspired by American street-wear, and African royalty. "Our designs cater to people who like to dress unique and stand out”. The red-black-green travel bags are her most popular designs.
https://thebuttresspillow.com/ The buttress-pillow is the idea by founder Jiayang Guo. The sexy pillow is made of 100% premium natural latex,weight 5 lbs, and comes with a easy wash yoga-pant cover. "Slap and squeeze the pillow to relieve stress - or dress up with undies, great for long distance relationships! said Jiayang.
https://piecejewelry.com/ by jewelry designers Nate & Dana Pruitt. "This Kelly piece features super light weight cork leather attached to ear wires".
Sisters Sandy and Julie Salah used their 32 years of experience in the business world to educate themselves on skincare. BeeWaxedCosmetics.com begins with the earth, picking the finest raw ingredients to transform into everyday products. "To soothe and protect your skin, apply one or all of our trio kit of products, BEE CLEAR, BEE CALM, and BEE COOL creams, to the waxed area regularly”

http://motivation2conquer.com specializes in tights and tops (90% polyester and 10% spandex) which are full of elasticity and very lightweight. Suitable for gym, outdoor workouts or casual wear. Founder Kerrie Denton is from Sydney, Australia and a women’s health practitioner and lifestyle mentor. "My book 'My Secret is Your Secret', is written to motivate, inspire and help people to achieve success no matter what your goal is", said Kerrie.
https://kadeebotanicals.com/ Kadee Botanicals skincare is made in Australia from botanical ingredients as vitamins, anti-oxidants and nutrients from the Australian Kakadu Plum, Lilly Pilly and Jojoba plants. The Kadee products are free of sulphates (SLS & SLES), parabens, mineral oils, artificial colors or fragrances and not tested on animals.

https://respekt.co/ A Korean beauty recipe which is formulated with organic ingredients.
"Our sheet masks are co-developed with our medical doctor of UrbanHeal Clinic and so the healthy beauty secrets of K-celebs are passed into them."
Fitness and Nutrition Expert Tracy Lynn Cowan is the founder of https://tlcunleashed.com/ and its 3 main products:
"TLC SMASH is one of our strongest body contouring gels, and full of fat smashing, water crushing ingredients".
"TORCH  will assist the fat burning process, to sculpt your body into a more lean and toned physique".
"DRENCH is great to use during a workout, sports, cardio or as a body wrap treatment. Shrink trouble areas and smooth out and remove cellulite".
https://vita-electricskinhair.com was founded in London in 2016, and has a lot to offer in organic skincare butter-creams & macerated serum oils packed with antioxidants and other ultra-moisturizing ingredients that can benefit the skin &  hair. The organic Vita-Electric Daily Defense Serum can be used for both face, body and hair and all ingredients are free from pesticides and herbicides.
https://preferredcoinexchange.com gave away The Gangster Dollar, minted from the beginning of the original gangster era, (1921-35) Preferred Coin Exchange is an online numismatic coin company — not a bullion dealer.
https://shereecosmetics.com/
Introduced their latest “Born to be Iconic" liquid to waterproof, metallic eye-shadows.

“Born to Sparkle” is the stage and party palette with 15 shades of pressed glitter ranging from white iridescent and every metal color you can think of to pinks and purples", said Sheree CEO Tiffany Herrmann.
"The glitters are wet to the touch, without the need for glitter glue. The palette last up to 24 months - the wet glitter dries with a top dry film after each use to protect the glue, and then re-activates when you rub your finger in the glitter"

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Debbie Durkin’s Pre-Emmy EcoLuxe Lounge 2018 in Beverly Hills

By Karen Ostlund     #EcoLuxeLounge  #preawards
                                                             Nominees and talents enjoyed TV/Film event producer Debbie Durkin’s Pre-Emmy EcoLuxe Lounge last Friday, September 14 at the Beverly Hilton Stardust Lounge and terrace in Beverly Hills, CA
Hilton's terrace brunch by Chef Alberico Nunziata
                                                                      The suite featured a red carpet arrivals wall by cannabis floral designer Leslie K. Monroy @flowersonflowerz and all day outdoor terrace brunch by Hilton’s executive Chef Alberico Nunziata.                         
Carly Robyn Green performed




                Zeal Levine and BMG recording artist Carly Robyn Green entertained guests during brunch, while DJ William Reed played well-known tunes inside the suite. Strictly Vegan Jamaican platters were also offered by​ Leonie MacDonald.
Strictly Vegan Jamaican dish
                                Among well known faces were Andrew W. Walker, Lou Ferrigno, Kelly Jenrette, Michael Campion, James Kennedy and Raquel Leviss, Shaun Toub, Dyan Cannon, Adrienne Janic, Patrika Darbo, Roland Watts, Rosa Blasi, Patricia Kara, La La Milan and Miljenko Matijevic of STEELHEART.
BudTrader.com, the largest online cannabis platform, gifted 300 swag  bags filled with luxury cannabis products to nominees of a top television awards show at Debbie Durkin's 12th annual EcoLuxe Lounge.
"Pet Moms" TV show filmed at the suite, interviewing celebrity pet parents.
Chuy Bravo with Chariot Travelware (Chelsea Lately Show)
                                             Other sponsors included Jamaica Tourist Board, Armani Wells, Pop Art by Gabe Gault and canvas bags by artist Jeff Carter.
Debbie Durkin’s Pre-Emmy Suite Charity partner was "With Our Words" (WOW voices) - which is a non-profit youth literacy group of diverse slam poets from Stockton, CA.
Planet Beach/Hotworx offered free makeup and teeth whitening,which day spa is located in West Los Angeles

Actors Miles Tagtmeyer and Michael Campion wearing Villa Eyewear with Blackfin and Italia Independent
                                                            
Actress Rolonda Watts at Kindred Bravely sleep underwear

Actress Tracy Brooks at Beauty Kitchen Junkie by Heather Marianna
Myself (Karen Ostlund) inside Party Life Photo Booth.
@producerdeb www.durkinentertainmentgroup.com

Monday, September 17, 2018

Pre-Emmy Brunch w/Ferrari Trento at Eataly's Terra Restaurant


Photos by Karen Ostlund
#FerrariTrento

Ferrari Trento sparkling wine from Italy returned for the 4th year as Emmy's 2018 official sparkling wine.
CEO Matteo Lunelli with Ferrari Trento Wines
                                                                    Ferrari Brut Trento doc - a blend of 60/40 chardonnay and pinot noir and a hint of vanilla, nuts, apple, welcomed 4,000 actors, producers, directors, journalists and international VIPs to the Governors Ball following the Emmy awards ceremony at Microsoft theater on Monday evening, September 17, in classic Italian style.

“We are proud to celebrate the Television Academy’s 70th Emmy Awards season and the artistic accomplishments of the television industry in the past year,” said Matteo Lunelli, President and CEO of Ferrari Trento at the pre-Emmy brunch at Eataly's restaurant Terra, September 16th. He flew in from Italy days before.





Ferrari Trento Pre-Emmy brunch at Eataly Sept.16
“We are honored to have been chosen once again as the toast of excellence in television entertainment. We are also delighted to bring a touch of Italian lifestyle to this glamorous season of celebration".
Karen Ostlund with Ferrari Trento Wine
   
”Italy’s most awarded bubbles toasted the Emmy Awards 70th Anniversary”
“Ferrari Trento specializes in sparkling wines since 1902, but we are not a prosecco, because champagne grapes are used in 'method classico” explained Matteo Lunello. The company started in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari who wanted to create a sparkling wine from his native region mountains of Trentino. Later, in 1952, Giulio Ferrari chose Bruno Lunelli, who was the owner of a wine shop in Trento, to be his successor.

Tonno w/funghi and cime di rapa paired with 2009 Ferrari Perle Nero Trento doc

Bistecca Coulotte paired with 2011Ferrari Perle Rose Trento doc
FerrariTrento.com was the recipient of Producer of the Year at the Champagne and
Sparkling Wine World Championships 2015, which also recognized Ferrari Brut Trento doc
as World Champion Classic Blanc de Blancs in 2016.
Gelato Fior di latte served w/2006 Giulio Ferrari Trento

Ravioli Primavera paired with NV Ferrari Brut Rose Trento doc
www.eataly.com

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Two Bit Circus Opened September 7th in LA to Combine Carnival w/VR Tech


Photos by Karen Ostlund
(left) co-founder Eric Gradman, LA Mayor Garcetti and co-founder Brent Bushnell at TwoBitCircus opening

An hour before opening, outside Two Bit Circus

"Our new VR Circus has come to town for both adults and kids, and you have to experience it to believe” said co-founder Brent Bushnell of Two Bit Circus at September 7th opening.
Seconds before smattering of sorts and pyrotechnics
The Two Bit Circus company is known for combining the wonder and spectacle of the traditional carnival with the latest in VR technology. A team of artists, inventors, educators and performers have built social games that inspire, engage and reinvent the way people play.
Seconds after smattering of sorts and pyrotechnics as "ribbon cutting"
(LOS ANGELES) Two Bit Circus created wonder and excitement around the Los Angeles Arts District when opening its doors of its micro-amusement park to the public on September 7th,at 634 Mateo Street, corner 7th street downtown Los Angeles. To mark the occasion, the company was hosting a morning grand opening celebration with a new way of ribbon cutting which involved neither ribbons nor cutting, but featured a smattering of sorts and pyrotechnics - all under safe conditions.
Two Bit Circus bar
Two Bit Circus is a micro amusement park of 38,000 square feet and a new type of social play space, an ever-changing landscape of entertainment; including multi-person virtual reality, narrative-based escape/story rooms, indie arcades, an interactive theater, molecular mixology, a robot bartender and classic games.
Virtual reality feeling flying between buildings

Carnival digital game
HOLOGATE VR Game
The venue has several sections:

The Midway: A digital take on traditional circus games and attractions
The Arkane: An arcade full of pinball machines, multi-player digital games, and arcade cabinets both old and new
The Arena: A set of VR booths for playing  popular VR games, including multiple Battlezone stations
Story Rooms: A set of room-scale experiences like escape rooms and a Space Team-like starship bridge simulator
Club 01: An interactive theater for dozens of attendees to participate in software-driven variety and game shows with live hosts
A dining area: Food, snacks, and drinks prepared by a chef specifically for Two Bit Circus.
Free entrance, more info visit www.twobitcircus.com or follow #TwoBitCircus
Open daily 4pm to 11pm, Friday and Saturday extended hours until 1am.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Highlights from LA Times' THE TASTE 2018 over Labor Day Weekend

Photos by Karen Ostlund
Bulleit Whiskey car at Paramount Studios THE TASTE Labor Day weekend 2018
 
Bulleit whiskey cocktail
Los Angeles Times THE TASTE 2018  transformed the Paramount Pictures Studios backlot into the ultimate evening block party over three nights during Labor Day weekend from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2nd. This year, The Taste featured chefs and restaurants who have helped make Los Angeles one of the most exciting places in the world to eat.
                                                                                                 
Aperol Spritz

(left) Devin Liston's painting of LA Times food critic Jonathan Gold at Paramount backlot
A special wall tribute painting was made by artist Devin Liston of LA Times food critic Jonathan Gold, who passed away July 21 2018 of pancreatic cancer.
                                                       
Jonathan Gold pick of Indian bread/Mayura restaurant

  Los Angeles Times’ The Taste was presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home, and is produced in association with Best Events. The Collins College of Hospitality Management and L.A. Regional Food Bank were the event’s charity beneficiaries.
Border Grill evening breakfast
 More highlights and dishes from the show this Labor Day weekend:
Rappahannock oyster-bar
                                            
HOLBOX yellowtale and Farmhouse shortrib w/polenta
       
Sticky tofu bite by Banh Oui
Yardbird BBQ brisket biscuit
TAO duck/pork bao bun with housewine
                                                   
EATALY ice cream fior di latte inside donut and topo chico soda water

Left, Chef Timothy Hollingsworth from Otium prepares funnel cake dessert with fruit
                                   
TheTaste Stage/Niki Nakayama/Carole Lida-Naka/ N/Naka restaurant homemade ice ream
                                                                 
Chef Burt Bakman of Trudy'€s Underground BBQ gave advice cooking brisket 203-225 degrees, and never medium rare.
                                                      
Nerano gnudi pasta w/black truffle
                      
PCPLA  squid salad and urchin mousse
                                                   
WOLF crack potatoes made with liquid nitrogen
                                                               
Jitlada/Spicy Kua Kling dry Thai curry with chicken/tofu
Panxa meatballs and Roe ceviche w Exotica tequila
                                       
GUS fried chicken and Beaming Thai salad
Bun Cha by Crustacean restaurant
                                                  
Myself (Karen Ostlund) at #MarkOfTheMaker booth