Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week- 8/4-8/10
In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers!
The amazing experience that is Summer Streets has returned- walk car-free and carefree each Saturday along Park Avenue for the next three weeks. Grab a blanket to catch American Graffiti with a view at Brooklyn Bridge Park, or take in some literary genius outdoors at a community garden in Alphabet City. Get weird on Governors Island for a Klezmer workout, then celebrate the book release of Governors Island’s famous FIGMENT Festival with its founder. Head upstate to check out artwork made from VHS tapes or to Brooklyn to witness the artwork of Naomi Campbell (no, not that one). Finally, spend every night in August experiencing Jherek Bischoff’s Cistern in Times Square.
Jherek Bischoff’s Cistern for Midnight Moment ↑
Times Square screens
Every night from 11:57 to Midnight Through August 31
Experience composer Jherek Bischoff’s latest film for August’s Midnight Moment presented by Times Square Arts. Cistern is inspired by sound improvisations Bischoff created in an empty, two-million gallon, underground water tank. Stay tuned for August 21 and 22- Jherek Bischoff’s Silent Orchestra will perform music from his latest album Cistern on electronic orchestral instruments and stream through 400 sets of wireless headphones.
The Consonant of Noise, by Naomi Campbell ↑
The International Studio & Curatorial Program, 1040 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn
Thursday, August 4, 6:00-8:00pm
The OTHER Naomi Campbell investigates issues pertaining to science and nature through her interdisciplinary practice, employing a wide variety of techniques and mediums including glass, x-rays, metal, ink, and even corn to compose sculptures, drawings, paintings, and mixed media installations.
American Graffiti ↑
Harborview Lawn, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursday, August 4, 6:00pm
Movies with a View continues on the sprawling lawn overlooking Lower Manhattan with the cinema classic American Graffiti. Grab a blanket and a buddy and enjoy the free show.
HEAR YE! At The G.O.G ↑
Green Oasis Community Garden & Gilbert’s Sculpture Garden East 8th Street
Friday, August 5, 5:00-7:00pm
Galactic Basket and Quiet Lunch present an early evening of literature and music set amidst the idyllic urban oasis that is the community garden on 8th Street.
Summer Streets ↑
Park Avenue, Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park
Saturday, August 6, 7:00am to 1:00pm
The first three Saturdays in August are meant for walking, biking or rollerblading on the mean- and vacant- streets of Manhattan. Park Avenue is transformed into an endless thoroughfare, complete with activities and a car-free jaunt through the city. Head down for this unique opportunity to experience New York without traffic!
Ryan Russo- Sound and Vision ↑
Galerie Gris, 621 Warren Street, Hudson, New York
Saturday, August 6, 6:00-8:00pm
Head upstate for a breather and to check out artist Ryan Russo’s latest body of paintings that use a crazy technique of transferring the black magnetic strip of VHS and audio cassette tapes onto acrylic-painted canvases. While the actual plastic tape is removed from the canvas, only the coded information of the movie remain on the surface of the work.
Shvitz! The 80s Klezmer Aerobics Experience ↑
Nolan Park, Governors Island
Sunday, August 7, 11:00am
What happens when you mix comedy, working out, and story telling? Fun for the whole family. Comedian Daniel Brenner cut his teeth performing with Chris Farley back in the 80s and has continued the spirit of hilarity, now combined with dance and movement.
Oculus Book Talk – Figment ↑
Center for Architecture (AIANY), 536 Laguardia Place
Monday, August 8, 6:00-8:00pm
FIGMENT festival director David Koren talks about his new book “FIGMENT: What is this? Why is nothing for sale? Why is everyone smiling?” and the festival’s beginnings on Governors Island in 2007.
+++
Lori Zimmer is a writer, curator and founder of Art Nerd New York, an off-beat art history guide to the city. Lori also recently released her first book through Rockport Publishers, The Art of Cardboard: Big Ideas for Creativity, Collaboration, Storytelling, and Reuse. Follow her on Twitter @LoriZimmer.
Lead image: Summer Streets waterslide via NYC DOT
