Immersive Exhibit Celebrates the Contributions of Female Photographers, Presenting a Girl’s-Eye View of the World, October 22, 2016 – February 26, 2017

Girlgaze is a Multimedia Platform That Generates Visibility and Community for the Next Generation of Female Photographers.

On October 22, 2016, the Annenberg Space for Photography will amplify its current exhibit with #girlgaze: a frame of mind, a stunning, never-before-exhibited collection of more than 150 photographs by young female-identifying photographers from around the world. The exhibit curators are Girlgaze, a collective founded by the famed British-born television host, women’s advocate and photographer Amanda de Cadenet to give visibility, opportunity and support to the next generation of female photographers and artists.

Now, through its interactive, digitally driven collection of work from young, emerging photographers, #girlgaze: a frame of mind will present a wide range of diverse female perspectives that engage visitors on a broad range of topics from sexuality, objectification and body image to mental illness, addiction and more. The exhibit, which was designed by Commonwealth Projects, also includes a section featuring the work of trailblazing women photographers such as Imogen Cunningham and Dorothea Lange.

The collection will be on display at Skylight Studios through February 26, 2017. Both #girlgaze: a frame of mind and the current Annenberg Space for Photography exhibit, IDENTITY: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders The List Portraits, explore themes of self-definition by celebrating the achievements of communities that have traditionally been marginalized. On view at the Annenberg Space for Photography through February 26, 2017, IDENTITY features more than 150 photographs from Timothy Greenfield-Sanders‘ acclaimed collections The Black List, The Latino List, The Women’s List, The Out List and The Trans List.

“We’re thrilled to work with Girlgaze to create another very special interactive experience at Skylight Studios,” said Cinny Kennard, Executive Director at the Annenberg Foundation. “#girlgaze: a frame of mind will allow us to program vibrant discussions that look at the world from a different perspective, engaging with complicated themes of identity, beauty, sexuality and culture in a manner sure to resonate with audiences of all ages and from all walks of life.”

Girlgaze began as a movement on social media, where aspiring photographers posted more than 450,000 pictures on Instagram with the hashtag “girlgaze.” The project has garnered support from powerhouses from the media, fashion and photography worlds, including Inez van Lamsweer, Amber Valletta, Lynsey Addario, Sam Taylor-Johnson and Collier Schorr, all of whom sit on Girlgaze‘s curating committee.

In addition to its curated digital collection of images, Girlgaze provides a larger ecosystem supporting the work and careers of fledgling female photographers, artists and creatives, from providing grants to securing jobs. Girlgaze curated the September edition of Teen Vogue, the first issue of a Conde Nast magazine to be created entirely by girls, for girls.

Amanda de Cadenet, the thoughtful multi-hyphenate known for her photography as well as her substantive and diverse discussions with top female talent on The Conversation interview series, as well a the founder and CEO of Girlgaze, said, “The Girlgaze team is extremely honored to be chosen by the Annenberg Space for Photography to exhibit the work of female photographers from around the world. We are thrilled to share the views, experiences and ideas of so many talented girls — however they identify and wherever they come from — with a new audience. Female voices are so often marginalized. If we are ever to achieve gender equality, which is what we’re striving for, it’s crucial to include their voices. This exhibition shows girls as they are: smart, perceptive, creative and bold.“

The Annenberg Space for Photography Skylight Studios (10050 Constellation Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90067 ) is a 5,000-square-foot multimedia studio and retail gallery located directly across Century Park from the Annenberg Space for Photography. Skylight Studios is the home of the Annenberg Space for Photography‘s Iris Nights lecture series, a free public program of presentations by photographers and other notable experts and guest artists.

Skylight Studios (10050 Constellation Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90067) is open Wednesday through Sunday: 11am – 6pm and Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is free.

Parking with validation is $3.50 Wednesdays – Fridays and $1.00 on weekends https://annenbergphotospace.org/skylight-studios

An Astonishing Documentary Film About Wildfires, Melting Glaciers, Tornadoes and How These Powerful Forces Are Colliding

Extreme Weather Opens in IMAX®, Giant Screen, and Digital Cinemas in North America beginning Today

This fall, National Geographic presents Extreme Weather, an immersive new giant-screen film experience that brings audiences face to face with Mother Nature at her most dangerous. Wildfires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis — hardly a week passes without a natural catastrophe making the nightly news. Extreme Weather goes behind the headlines to explore the rapid changes to Earth’s oceans, atmosphere and land and their connection to these increasingly devastating events.

Traveling to Alaska’s melting glaciers, filmmakers capture the action as massive chunks of ice shear off into the frigid water with explosive force. In the Midwest, cameras roll as storm chasers risk their lives to capture data as deadly tornadoes race toward them. And in drought-ravaged California, filmmakers embed themselves with courageous first responders fighting to contain raging wildfires.

Featuring insights from experts including National Geographic Emerging Explorer Dr. Erin Pettit and Oklahoma tornado researcher Justin Walker, Extreme Weather dramatically demonstrates how climate change is rapidly affecting our land, oceans and atmosphere to produce natural disasters as ruinous as they are spectacular. The film unveils the surprising linkages between these three areas, demonstrating how a small change in one place can have large effects elsewhere.

Extreme Weather features a first-hand examination of tidewater glaciers in southern Alaska, where Pettit bears witness to massive iceberg shards shearing into warming seawater. In Oklahoma, the film captures astonishing footage of powerful tornadoes as Walker and his team collect data with their “Tornado pods.” And in the drought-ravaged American West, camera crews accompany firefighters to document the ferocity of California wildfires, where forests have become so dry the slightest spark can ignite out-of-control flames.

Interwoven with these stunning images are startling facts about the rapid changes our planet is undergoing. Richly informative and visually astonishing, Extreme Weather underscores how seemingly random changes impact the planet’s intricately interconnected ecosystem.

Extreme Weather also provides viewers with a remarkable look at violent twisters ripping through the American heartland. (Image provided by Meaghan Calnan of Natinal Geographic) 

Directed and filmed by Sean Casey (“Storm Chasers”, “Tornado Alley”, “Forces of Nature”), EXTREME WEATHER showcases breathtaking cinematography reflecting Casey’s life-long immersion in the world of giant-screen nature documentaries. “I’ve always had a fascination with weather,” says Casey. “We wanted to go into the field and capture incredible imagery. The 150-foot flames, the 400-foot wall of ice falling, the tornadoes — there’s a majesty to all of that. The way I see it, EXTREME WEATHER lives at the crossroads of beauty and destruction.” The film is produced by Jen Casey.

“EXTREME WEATHER offers viewers an up-close look at some of the most astonishing and potentially deadly natural phenomena, while showing how they are interconnected and changing our world in dramatic ways,” says Antonietta Monteleone, vice president of film distribution for National Geographic Cinema Ventures. “It’s exactly the type of film giant-screen cinema was made for.”

As a boy growing up in southern California, Extreme Weather director Sean Casey remembers tagging along on expeditions with his filmmaker father George Casey. “For 30 years, my dad was an IMAX filmmaker,” Casey recalls. “At an early age, I’d go on film shoots with him, so that kind of life got imprinted on me as the family trade: ‘This is how you make a living. You travel to places with a very large camera and film visually stunning natural phenomena.’”

After receiving a film degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Casey served as a time-lapse photographer on the 1999 large-format documentary Amazing Journeys and as cinematographer on Natural Disasters: Forces of Nature, both directed by his father. “For Forces of Nature, I filmed earthquakes and volcanoes,” he says. “Then I volunteered to go storm chasing. I fell in love with tornadoes.” Casey and his high-tech approach to monitoring and filming tornadoes were central to the Discovery Channel’s reality series “Storm Chasers.”

After stepping into the director’s role for Tornado Alley in 2011, Casey was anxious to include an even broader array of weather-related phenomena in his next large-format production. “I’ve always had a fascination with weather,” he says. “We wanted to go into the field and capture some incredible imagery. The 150-foot flames, the 400-foot wall of ice falling, the tornadoes — there’s a majesty to all of that. The way I see it, Extreme Weather lives at this crossroads of beauty and destruction.”

That destruction has been exacerbated in recent years by the fact that our planet is getting warmer at an alarming rate. In the past decade alone, 150 million people have lost their homes to fires, storms, flooding and other weather-related catastrophes. And while sea level rose only eight inches in the 20th century, it is projected to rise three feet this century, which could spell disaster for the one billion people who live in 11 of the world’s largest cities located in coastal regions.

Still from Extreme Weather: To document this literal meltdown, Casey and his small crew set up camp across the river from Dawes Glacier in the Endicott Arm Fjord of southern Alaska. (Image provided by Meaghan Calnan of National Geographic)

Glaciers on Ice

The rising seas are caused by the rapid melting of billions of tons of glacial ice in places like Alaska, Greenland and Antarctica, where an ice shelf the size of Rhode Island collapsed in two weeks. To document this literal meltdown, Casey and his small crew set up camp across the river from Dawes Glacier in the Endicott Arm Fjord of southern Alaska. “I worked on a film called Alaska: Spirit of the Wild in 2004 and in that scenario, there was a river between us and the glacier creating a fixed distance,” Casey recalls. “For Extreme Weather, our goal was to get as close to the glacier as possible.”

Of course Casey couldn’t predict exactly when pieces of the glacier would shear off. “During our first expedition, in the spring of 2015, there was a lot of waiting around,” says Casey. “We beachcamped a mile away from the glacier and hit a rough patch of rain. We were wet, miserable and cold for a week.” The crew put in 14-hour days in front of the glacier, dealing with the potentially deadly currents, winds and icebergs it generated. “It was this constant process of re-positioning ourselves and navigating how close we could get to the glacier and still feel comfortable. We realized there’s a real fine line between being a safe distance and being in what we called the kill zone.”

Still from Extreme Weather: To document this literal meltdown, Casey and his small crew set up camp across the river from Dawes Glacier in the Endicott Arm Fjord of southern Alaska. (Image provided by Meaghan Calnan of National Geographic)

Returning to Alaska in the fall, Casey modified his approach to filming the glacier, enlisting three professional glaciologists including Dr. Erin Pettit. Instead of camping out on the beach, Casey and the scientists observed glacial activity from a specially-rigged boat originally designed to track storms. “Even though the boat was intended for hurricanes, it turned out to be really well suited for filming these glaciers. When the glaciers start ‘calving,’ they’d throw huge chunks of ice up to a quarter mile. We wanted to get shots of the ice being pitched at us, where you could feel the concussion from that impact and see all that stuff coming at you.”

Casey filmed for three weeks, getting as close to the glaciers as he could without endangering his team. “It’s an incredible environment, watching ice shear off in such close proximity,” he recalls. “I actually had nightmares for weeks afterwards where I’d wake up thinking I was on the boat and we had drifted to the face of the glacier. For me, filming the glaciers was probably the most terrifying aspect of the shoot.”

Over the course of just a few months of filming in Alaska, Casey witnessed first-hand the startling impact of climate change on the giant arctic ice sheets. “One of the most surprising things we discovered in making Extreme Weather was just how fast glaciers are shrinking,” he says. “We first went up to Alaska in the spring, and when we went back there in the fall, the glacier we were filming had retreated nearly an entire mile. It was shocking.”

Chasing Tornadoes

Still from Extreme Weather: In Extreme Weather, Casey goes a step further by leaving the safety of his vehicle to film storm chaser Justin Walker as he installs pole-shaped sensor pods in the path of oncoming tornadoes. (Image provided by Meaghan Calnan of National Geographic)

Extreme Weather also provides viewers with a remarkable look at violent twisters ripping through the American heartland. For his earlier projects, Casey designed two Tornado Intercept Vehicles, heavily armored trucks built to withstand gale-force winds, which allowed him to film close to, or even inside, a twister. In Extreme Weather, Casey goes a step further by leaving the safety of his vehicle to film storm chaser Justin Walker as he installs pole-shaped sensor pods in the path of oncoming tornadoes. “It’s one thing to be in an armored vehicle and have a tornado coming at you,” Casey says. “It’s a whole different experience to actually jump out and shoot as someone hammers these pods into the ground with the tornado bearing down on you both. There were a lot of high adrenalin situations making this film.”

Still from Extreme Weather: In Extreme Weather, Casey goes a step further by leaving the safety of his vehicle to film storm chaser Justin Walker as he installs pole-shaped sensor pods in the path of oncoming tornadoes. (Image provided by Meaghan Calnan of National Geographic)

Walker earned his expertise driving the Center for Severe Weather Research’s Doppler on Wheels storm-tracking trucks, “Justin was a main personality of that team as one of the radar-truck operators, so we recruited him to be a researcher for our documentary,” says Casey.

Fighting Fires in California

Still from Extreme Weather: To document the third element of Extreme Weather, Casey and his crew embedded themselves with fire fighters from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s CAL FIRE division. (Image provided by Meaghan Calnan of National Geographic)

Still from Extreme Weather. As Casey became acquainted with California’s wilderness regions, he was dismayed to discover how drought conditions have adversely impacted the American West (Image provided by Meaghan Calnan of National Geographic)

To document the third element of Extreme Weather, Casey and his crew embedded themselves with fire fighters from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s CAL FIRE division. “These guys really know their stuff when it comes to containing fires,” Casey says. “They’re tough, they’re smart — they’re true heroes. It’s an incredible thing to see them hold the line and pump water to tamp down the flames, while aircraft are dropping fire retardant on their position. We tried to capture all of that on film. We knew if these firefighters were going to hold their ground, then we as filmmakers needed to hold our ground with them.”

Still from Extreme Weather. (Image provided by Meaghan Calnan of National Geographic)

CAL FIRE gave Casey and his team rare access to its first responders as they dealt with the August 2015 Jerusalem Fire in Northern California as well as other hotspots. In order to capture the spectacular wildfire footage, Casey’s crew sometimes experienced extreme conditions themselves. “One time, we were with a strike group and a fire came raging up the hill,” recalls the director. “The winds picked up embers that started blowing by us at 30 miles an hour. It’s like you’re inside this oven of embers and wind and smoke. If there was ever a time making this film that I felt panic, it was during that ember wash. But at the same time, that’s when you know you’re getting incredible footage.”

Still from Extreme Weather: To document the third element of Extreme Weather, Casey and his crew embedded themselves with fire fighters from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s CAL FIRE division. (Image provided by Meaghan Calnan of National Geographic)

As Casey became acquainted with California’s wilderness regions, he was dismayed to discover how drought conditions have adversely impacted the American West. “When you see the number of dead pine trees in the Sierras, it’s shocking,” he says. “They’re all brown and yellow because they are dying from drought and bark beetle infestation. It’s terrifying to realize how fast these fires can take over when they have so much dry fuel just waiting to burn.” Noting that there are more than 65 million dead trees in California alone, Casey adds, “What these wild fires do in the next several years is going to become a huge story.”

A Global Overview

After filming close-ups of splintering Alaskan glaciers, fearsome Oklahoma tornadoes and scorching California wild fires, Casey spent a relatively sedate year in post-production working with editor Peter Rubi to shape the raw footage into a riveting documentary. “It was really about showcasing the best shots and building the stories around those images and the people involved.”

Rather than presenting each type of natural disaster in a separate segment, Extreme Weather weaves together ice, wind and fire imagery to demonstrate the interconnectedness of these increasingly destructive weather events. “We didn’t want meat, potatoes and carrot separated on the plate,” Casey explains. “Instead we made a kind of stew to give the film a more global overview. We wanted to show how drought affects wildfires, how wildfires affect air pollution, and how air pollution affects melting ice, which in turn causes rising sea levels.”

By highlighting the relationships between these phenomena, Extreme Weather aims to inspire audiences to appreciate the power — and fragility — of the natural world. “Our environment is warming and people know that,” Casey says. “Our weather is changing and people know that. We’re not saying ‘Go out and buy a hybrid.’ We’re just showing actual events and showcasing people who are actively researching these subjects. We wanted to document their activity as an adventure of discovery that will have a significant impact on our planet’s future.”

Narrated by Emmy Award®-winning actor Michael C. Hall (“Dexter,” “Six Feet Under”), Extreme Weather opens in IMAX®, giant-screen, 15/70mm dome screens and digital cinemas nationwide beginning October 15, 2016.

A National Geographic Film in partnership with Lockheed Martin, Extreme Weather is directed and filmed by Sean Casey (Natural Disasters: Forces of Nature, Tornado Alley). Producers are Sean Casey and Jennifer Casey. Written by Alex McGinnis. Composer is Brad Smith. Editor is Peter Rubi.

For more information on Extreme Weather, including theater listings and link to the trailer, visit www.extremeweatherfilm.com. (Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/natgeomovies or follow us on Twitter @NatGeoMovies.)

National Geographic Partners LLC, a joint venture between National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox, combines National Geographic television channels with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic Studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, catalog, licensing and e-commerce businesses. A portion of the proceeds from National Geographic Partners LLC will be used to fund science, exploration, conservation and education through significant ongoing contributions to the work of the National Geographic Society. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com. You can also them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gifts Include a Walk-On Role in the Broadway Musical Waitress

Exclusive Grammy Awards Experience, Private Quarterback Camp with Joe Montana and His and Hers Neiman Marcus Island Cars Featuring Lilly Pulitzer

The 2016 Christmas Book was unveiled today by luxury omni-channel retailer Neiman Marcus in Dallas. The 90th edition of this legendary book continues Neiman Marcus’ unmatched tradition of offering a selection of spectacular and unique holiday gifts sure to make even the wildest of dreams come true.

The arrival of the Christmas Book is considered by many to mark the official start of the holiday shopping season. This year’s edition carries on the Neiman Marcus tradition of presenting a refined selection of items across a broad range of categories for everyone on your holiday shopping list. With a new collection of fantasy gifts certain to satisfy even the most indulgent appetites, the Christmas Book features exceptional and distinctive gifts and experiences, including A Week at Three English Estates Experience, Slumber Party at the Neiman Marcus Flagship and Cobalt Valkyrie-X Private Plane in rose gold. This year’s featured car is an INFINITI Q60 Neiman Marcus Limited Edition. The “His & Hers” fantasy gift comes to life as the Neiman Marcus Island Cars Featuring Lilly Pulitzer.

“We are thrilled to present the 2016 fantasy gifts. Our team has scoured and vetted hundreds of one-of-a-kind items resulting in this highly curated collection of 12 items and experiences,” said Jim Gold, President and Chief Merchandising Officer of Neiman Marcus. “It is our goal to bring dreams to life!“

First published in 1926 as a 16-page booklet, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book was initially intended as a Christmas card to the store’s best customers. Through the years, the book has maintained its personal touch while evolving into a legendary source for alluring and mystical gifts.

Each year, the Christmas Book features specially commissioned artwork and the covers are as anticipated as the contents. “With the goal of bringing a fashion component to the cover of the Christmas Book, we combined custom artwork by Maija Louekari with the beautiful face of Lindsey Wixson to create a final image photographed by Walter Chin. And, to add that bit of fantasy that Neiman Marcus is famous for, the lenticular printing animates Lindsey winking,” said Georgia Christensen, Vice President, Brand Creative Director of Neiman Marcus. This year represents only the second time a unique element has been used to animate the cover. In 1999, a Christmas tree glistened with butterflies thanks to a lenticular onset.

As in previous years, Neiman Marcus will donate a portion of the proceeds from the majority of fantasy gifts to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation which brings enriching art experiences to youth in communities nationwide. Donations will be made to the GRAMMY Foundation with the purchase of the Exclusive GRAMMY Awards Experience and to Akola Project with the purchase of the Optimist Akola Bracelet.

The Love to Give Collection, also featured in the 2016 Christmas Book, includes over 40 perfectly priced items for gift giving. Each Neiman Marcus store gives ten percent of the proceeds to benefit youth arts education in Neiman Marcus communities across the country. An additional $50,000 from online sales goes to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. Vendors participating in the Neiman Marcus Love to Give Collection include, but are not limited to, Hermès, Yves Saint Laurent beauty, Fresh, Lumio, Sugarfina, and Kate Spade. Prices range from $10 – $200.

Hip stocking stuffers, cool hostess gifts and unexpected treats can be found in the Fun to Give Collection, also featured in the 2016 Christmas Book. These imaginative, easy to buy items (starting at just $5) are truly fun to give.

The fantasy gifts included in the 2016 Christmas Book include:

WALK-ON ROLE IN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL WAITRESS

WALK-ON ROLE IN THE BROADWAY MUSICAL WAITRESS

Perfect for the star in your life searching for their spotlight, one lucky recipient will receive a walk-on role in Broadway’s tastiest musical, Waitress, starring Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller and directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus. With music and lyrics by five-time GRAMMY Award nominee Sara Bareilles, the gift comes with four premium show tickets, a meet-and-greet with the Waitress cast, and a Waitress-themed pie-making lesson with the show’s pie consultant.

The gift comes with four premium show tickets, a meet-and-greet with the Waitress cast, and a Waitress-themed pie-making lesson with the show’s pie consultant.

With the purchase of the Broadway musical Waitress walk-on role, Neiman Marcus will donate $22,500 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. Gift limited to one customer. ($30,000; page 120)

CURATED COLLECTION OF 36 CALDECOTT MEDAL-WINNING CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Send someone on a charming editorial exploration with a curated collection of 36 Caldecott Medal-winning children’s books. Perfect for children of any age, the books within this once-in-a-lifetime library span over almost 80 years and have each been bestowed the Caldecott Medal, given annually since 1938 to “the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children” as voted by the Association for Library Service to Children. Either first editions or early printings, all in original dust jackets, the collection has been gathered by two of New England’s finest book sellers, Johnnycake Books and E.M. Maurice Books.

CURATED COLLECTION OF 36 CALDECOTT MEDAL-WINNING CHILDREN’S BOOKS

The 36 Titles Included in the Caldecott Medal-winning Children’s Book Collection Fantasy Gift:

• 2015: The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, illustrator Dan Santat
• 2014: Locomotive, illustrator Brian Floca
• 2013: This Is Not My Hat, illustrator Jon Klassen
• 2012: A Ball for Daisy, illustrator Chris Raschka
• 2009: The House in the Night, illustrator Beth Krommes
• 2008: The Invention of Hugo Cabret, illustrator Brian Selznick
• 2007: Flotsam, illustrator David Wiesner
• 2006: The Hello, Goodbye Window, illustrator Chris Raschka
• 2005: Kitten’s First Full Moon, illustrator Kevin Henkes
• 2004: The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, illustrator Mordicai Gerstein
• 2003: My Friend Rabbit, illustrator Eric Rohmann
• 1999: Snowflake Bentley, illustrator Mary Azarian
• 1998: Rapunzel, illustrator Paul O. Zelinsky
• 1992: Tuesday, illustrator David Wiesner
• 1991: Black and White, illustrator David Macaulay
• 1986: The Polar Express, illustrator Chris Van Allsburg
• 1985: Saint George and the Dragon, illustrator Trina Schart Hyman
• 1982: Jumanji, illustrator Chris Van Allsburg
• 1981: Fables, illustrator Arnold Lobel
• 1978: Noah’s Ark, illustrator Peter Spier
• 1976: Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears, illustrators Diane and Leo Dillon
• 1974: Duffy and the Devil, illustrator Margot Zemach
• 1973: The Funny Little Woman, illustrator Blair Lent
• 1968: Drummer Hoff, illustrator Ed Emberley
• 1967: Sam, Bangs & Moonshine, illustrator Evaline Ness
• 1964: Where the Wild Things Are, illustrator Maurice Sendak
• 1963: The Snowy Day, illustrator Ezra Jack Keats
• 1959: Chanticleer and the Fox, illustrator Barbara Cooney
• 1954: Madeline’s Rescue, illustrator Ludwig Bemelmans
• 1951: The Egg Tree, illustrator Katherine Milhous
• 1944: Many Moons, illustrator Louis Slobodkin
• 1942: Make Way for Ducklings, illustrator Robert McCloskey
• 1941: They Were Strong and Good, illustrator Robert Lawson
• 1940: Abraham Lincoln, illustrators Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire
• 1939: Mei Li, illustrator Thomas Handforth

With the purchase of the curated collection of 36 Caldecott Medal-winning children’s books, Neiman Marcus will donate $10,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. Gift limited to one customer. Caldecott is a registered trademark of American Library Association, which does not sponsor or endorse this gift, Neiman Marcus, Johnnycake Books, or E.M. Maurice Books. ($100,000; page 122)

A WEEK AT THREE ENGLISH ESTATES EXPERIENCE

A WEEK AT THREE ENGLISH ESTATES EXPERIENCE: Mowbray & Windsor will tailor an exclusive itinerary kicking off in London and then transporting you via helicopter to your first stop, 900 year old Alnwick Castle.

Experience England’s countryside like dukes and duchesses as you and seven friends stay in a trio of country estates for one week. Luxury trip purveyors Mowbray & Windsor will tailor an exclusive itinerary kicking off in London and then transporting you via helicopter to your first stop, 900 year old Alnwick Castle. Home to the 12th Duke of Northumerland, your day will end in a grand dining room with a feast prepared by Michelin-starred chef. Onward, to Wilton House for polo lessons and an impressive collection of new and vintage motorcars at the home of the 18th Earl of Pembroke. The last stay of your week will be at the home of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace. Built in the 1700s, you will be greeted by its current resident, the 12th Duke of Marlborough and enjoy tours, tapestries, art and some of England’s finest food and drink.

A WEEK AT THREE ENGLISH ESTATES EXPERIENCE: Onward, to Wilton House for polo lessons and an impressive collection of new and vintage motorcars at the home of the 18th Earl of Pembroke.

A WEEK AT THREE ENGLISH ESTATES EXPERIENCE: The last stay of your week will be at the home of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace.

With the purchase of each English Estates Package, Neiman Marcus will donate $20,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. ($700,000, page 124)

PRIVATE QUARTERBACK CAMP WITH JOE MONTANA

PRIVATE QUARTERBACK CAMP WITH JOE MONTANA

Give the gift of smoother moves and sharper thinking through a private quarterback camp with none other than “Joe Cool”. The recipient and three friends will train for a day in the San Francisco Bay Area with Joe Montana. Arranged by IfOnly, the session will include quarterback fundamentals, throwing techniques and drills, plus drawing up plays and a review of the day’s footage with Montana himself. Gift includes a photo with Joe Montana and a personalized football.

PRIVATE QUARTERBACK CAMP WITH JOE MONTANA

With the purchase of the one-day quarterback camp with Joe Montana, Neiman Marcus will donate $10,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. Gift limited to one customer. ($65,000, page 126)

INFINITI Q60 NEIMAN MARCUS LIMITED EDITION

Experience the open roads in a stunning INFINITI Q60 Neiman Marcus Limited Edition. Based on the ultimate Red Sport 400 version of the all-new 2017 INFINITI Q60, this 400-horsepower showstopper with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine comes in a gleaming Solar Mica color. This next-generation vehicle offers an industry first direct adaptive steering system, dynamic digital suspension, Bose® Performance Series sound system, connectivity features, genuine carbon fiber fender vents, fog-light finishers, mirror caps, rear spoiler, and Gallery White leather-appointed sports seats and interior. Gift includes an exclusive ivory leather weekender bag, a plaque with the car’s VIN number, Neiman Marcus-branded indoor car cover and letter of authenticity.

INFINITI Q60 NEIMAN MARCUS LIMITED EDITION

With the purchase of each INFINITI Q60 Neiman Marcus Limited Edition, INFINITI will donate $1,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. Reserve this car by calling 844-367-6971, beginning promptly at noon EDT on November 2, 2016. Limited production of 50 vehicles available. ($63,000; page 128)

THE OPTIMIST AND PESSIMIST GIFTS

A memorable fantasy gift from the 1970 Christmas Book has been re-imagined for today’s Optimist and Pessimist. The original offered a fully stocked ark (complete with animals, a French chef, and a Park Avenue physician) for the former and a humble oak sapling for the latter. This year’s reinterpretation includes a bracelet that gives back by Akola for the Optimist and a king-sized mattress with a camouflaged lockbox to hide the Pessimist’s valuables.

For the Optimist: Akola Bracelet

THE OPTIMIST GIFT – Akola Bracelet

Invest in the future and support the Akola Project with the purchase of a bracelet. The Akola Project is a nonprofit organization that empowers marginalized women to become agents of transformation in their families and communities around the globe. For every piece of jewelry sold, Akola is able to empower more women globally. This bracelet features hand-rolled paper beads in black or white, a recycled-glass bead, and two accent disks plated in 18-karat gold.

For every piece of jewelry sold, Akola is able to empower more women globally.

With the purchase of an Akola bracelet, Neiman Marcus will donate $25 to the Akola Project. ($25, page 130)

For the Pessimist: Mattress with Built-in Lockbox

To the pessimist, the end is always near. Stock your valuables away in a fire proof and impenetrable lockbox built inside a king-size mattress with matching foundation. Engineered and crafted by father-son artisans Dale and Brian Gingerich of Gingerich Built/Monterey Mattress in Carmel California, the gift features premium padding and springs, certified-sustainable Canadian lumber, organic cotton, wool, and latex foam rubber.

THE PESSIMIST GIFT – Mattress with Built-in Lockbox

With the purchase of each Gingerich Built/Monterey Mattress with lockbox, Neiman Marcus will donate $10,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. ($25,000, page 131)

EXCLUSIVE GRAMMY AWARDS EXPERIENCE

EXCLUSIVE GRAMMY AWARDS EXPERIENCE – Grammy Stage

Give the number-one music lover in your life a trip to the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, orchestrated just for Neiman Marcus. In mid-February, you and one guest will venture to Los Angeles for an experience unavailable to the public. The gift includes a stay at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, two $1,000 Neiman Marcus gift cards, and an appointment with Catherine Bloom, personal shopper to the stars at NM Beverly Hills, who will pull together your looks for the evening. Hair and makeup is also provided. On Friday, February 10, you and your guest will visit the event’s rehearsals and experience a backstage tour. Saturday you will rub elbows with stars at Clive Davis‘ and The Recording Academy’s Pre-Grammy Gala. On Grammy Sunday, the giftee and guest will watch rehearsals, experience a backstage tour and walk the red carpet and experience Music’s Biggest Nights® firsthand. The recipient will take home an official 59th Annual Grammy Awards poster autographed by show talent, and a one-of-a-kind gold Gibson Les Paul ’59 Reissue guitar.

EXCLUSIVE GRAMMY AWARDS EXPERIENCE – Grammy Stage

The purchase of the GRAMMY Awards experience includes a $250,000 donation to support the musical education programs created by the GRAMMY Foundation. Gift limited to one customer. ($500,000, page 132)

COBALT VALKYRIE-X PRIVATE PLANE

COBALT VALKYRIE-X PRIVATE PLANE

COBALT VALKYRIE-X PRIVATE PLANE

Go up, up, and away as you fly the Cobalt Valkyrie-X private plane in rose gold. Brainchild of aerospace engineer and Cobalt founder David Loury, the Cobalt Valkyrie-X will be one of the fastest piston aircraft in the world when it debuts in 2017. The plane has a 350-horsepower engine and flies a pilot and three passengers at speeds up to 230 miles per hour, with a range of up to 1,150 ground miles. The plane features a main structure of high-performance carbon composite, flight controls with pushrod-bellcrank precision mechanisms and retractable landing gear machined from solid alloys of aluminum and stainless steel. Boasting hand-stitched leather seats and suede-like Alcantara, the plane will have one of the largest one-piece canopies in the world. Inside, the controls are rose gold, seats are an exclusive cream leather with beige-and-taupe headlining and anthracite carpets. The gift comes with 24/7 technical support in the United States for two years.

With the purchase of each Cobalt Valkyrie-X, Neiman Marcus will donate $200,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. ($1,500,000, page 134)

SLUMBER PARTY AT THE NEIMAN MARCUS FLAGSHIP

Oh, to wake up inside Neiman Marcus! For the recipients and 11 of her best friends, it is a girls’ night inside the most famous department store in all the land. Guests will receive a set of Neiman Marcus-print pajamas (personalized with monograms), play in the Precious Jewels Salon, and watch a fashion flick. Guests will dine like princesses on Neiman Marcus‘ most famous fare and be given facials, makeovers, manicures, pedicures, shampoos and blowouts by Le Métier de Beauté. Neiman Marcus Fashion Director, Ken Downing, will host a fashion presentation featuring the latest trends and insider scoop. Guests will snuggle up into soft Peacock Alley linens with monogrammed shams and wake up to a bountiful breakfast.

SLUMBER PARTY AT THE NEIMAN MARCUS FLAGSHIP

With the purchase of the Neiman Marcus Flagship Sleepover, Neiman Marcus will donate $10,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. Gift limited to one customer. ($120,000, page 136)

“HIS & HERS” NEIMAN MARCUS ISLAND CARS FEATURING LILLY PULITZER

For island lovers everywhere we offer the world’s most stylish runabout. Similar to the surrey-topped vehicles that zipped around Monaco and Cannes in the 1950s and 60s, these highly bespoke versions are built by Island Car Limited in Florida. The cars feature composite bodies, stainless steel fittings, powerful and clean electric motors, long range batteries, and a sound system with Bose speakers and Bluetooth capabilities. Lilly Pulitzer prints adorn each cars’ seats and removable fabric tops—his in crisp, custom green and hers in pretty pink. The gift also comes with totes, towels, his swim trunks, and her caftan.

HIS & HERS NEIMAN MARCUS ISLAND CARS FEATURING LILLY PULITZER

With the purchase of each His & Hers Neiman Marcus Island Car, Neiman Marcus will donate $5,000 to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation. Each car is available in a limited production of 10. ($65,000 each, page 138)

The Neiman Marcus Group LTD LLC is a luxury, multi-branded, omni-channel fashion retailer conducting integrated store and online operations under the Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, Horchow, CUSP, and mytheresa brand names. For more information, visit www.neimanmarcusgroup.com.

Keep up with the latest news and events happening at Neiman Marcus by becoming a fan on Facebook, following on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, and subscribing to Neiman Marcus theblog.

Playboy magazine unveils this year’s winners of the Best New Bars in America in its November 2016 issue. After calling for nominations earlier this summer, Playboy readers, along with some of the nation’s best bartenders, drink writers and industry insiders, submitted 50 of the best new drinking establishments in the country. Now, the Playboy editors and readers have spoken and the results are in for the ten best new spots to have a cocktail.

Playboy magazine unveils this year’s winners of the Best New Bars in America in its November 2016 issue. Cover photo by Zoey Grossman/Playboy (PRNewsFoto/Playboy Enterprises, Inc.)

Playboy’s Best Bars 2016 include the most innovative watering holes that range from a bar that elevates the art of day drinking to an establishment that serves over 500 varieties of gin.

• Columbia Room in Washington, D.C.
• Dante in New York City
• Suffolk Arms in New York City
• Whitechapel in San Francisco
• Occidental in Denver
• Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu
• Sweet Liberty in Miami
• Compère Lapin in New Orleans
• Greenriver in Chicago
• Old Glory in Nashville

Additional highlights of Playboy’s November 2016 issue include:

• Miss November, Ashley Smith: the 25-year-old bombshell from Austin, TX, is November’s cover model with a pictorial and centerfold shot by the illustrious photographer, Zoey Grossman.
• 20Q with Jeffrey Dean Morgan: the man behind TV’s most riveting season finale discusses what it’s like to be Negan in “The Walking Dead” and how viewers reacted to the introduction of his character.
• No Filter with Bella Thorne: the 19-year-old starlet delivers a bold message

  Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (PRNewsFoto/Playboy Enterprises, Inc.)

  to her critics and how she feels about shaming a women’s sexiness.

• Politics: Playboy‘s political correspondent John Meroney shares two compelling features. The first observes how Donald Trump managed to silence the Republican call for war. The second is a powerful in-depth, 8-page interview with former CIA and NSA head Michael Hayden who frankly answers questions about being a spy, explains his stance on why Trump will “risk our country’s national security and well-being,” and voices his opinion on Secretary Clinton‘s emails.
• The White-Collar Future of Weed: a new generation of entrepreneurs aim to revolutionize America’s cannabis industry.
• Music: the best-kept secret in hip-hop and mastermind behind Drake, Jas Prince is today’s rap royalty.
• My Way: legendary fashion designer John Varvatos talks about how music impacted his career and style.
• Francofile: James Franco interviews hip-hop legend Method Man about acting and the future of the Wu-Tang Clan.
• Playboy Advisor: monthly advice columnist Bridget Phetasy explains how to move a fling into the friend-zone.

Additional content includes Fiction from Kevin Mandel‘s The Filmmaker and fantastical works of art by the Artist in Residence, James Jean.

Playboy‘s November 2016 issue is available on newsstands nationwide starting today, Tuesday, October 25, 2016, and for the first time ever, the iconic magazine is available to subscribers in the iTunes and Google Play stores.

For 10 straight years, the eight-day citywide festival has celebrated Denver’s creative community with hundreds of events bringing thousands of people each year

Denver Arts Week, an annual celebration of The Mile High City‘s vibrant arts scene, will mark its 10th anniversary this year from November 4-12. Presented by VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau, the event will feature annual favorites like Know Your Arts First Friday and FREE Night at the Museums, as well as new experiences throughout the more than 300 events at galleries, museums and arts districts throughout the city.

“Denver is home to a phenomenal year-round arts scene – with world-renowned museums, cutting edge street art, exceptional performing arts and more,” says Richard Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. “For 10 years, Denver Arts Week has encouraged people to celebrate the city’s cultural scene, and we are thrilled that the event has continued to evolve and grow as much as the arts scene has. The tenth anniversary is the perfect opportunity to attend some classic events or experience new ones and really immerse yourself in the city’s creative community.“

With more than 300 cultural events – some of which are free or heavily discounted – throughout the city over nine days, there are plenty of reasons to make a night – or a few nights – of it; and there are plenty of great hotel deals to facilitate a stay in Denver. For a complete calendar and a full listing of all the deals and discounts on art, experiences and hotels, visit the Denver Arts Week website.

10 Ways to Make the Most of Denver Arts Week

It can be difficult to choose from the myriad of events taking place around town; here’s how to get the most out of Denver Arts Week 2016:

1. Explore vibrant art districts and diverse neighborhoods on First Friday Art Walks, Nov. 4

Art District on Santa Fe

The annual event kicks off with citywide First Friday Art Walks in Denver’s art districts, where more than 100 galleries and display spaces stay open late and feature art shows, demonstrations and more. Go on a VIP Art Tour in the River North Art District (RiNo), take advantage of Tennyson Street Cultural District‘s $52.80 art sale, submit your own art in the Art District on Santa Fe‘s “To Denver With Love” art contest, and venture to the Golden Triangle neighborhood to see some of the city’s finest galleries.

2. Experience FREE Night at the Museums on Nov. 5

Venues around town are open late, from 5 to 10 p.m., during FREE Night at the Museums. The museums offer special programming, family-friendly activities and live entertainment, and there are complimentary shuttles to make “museum hopping” easy and convenient. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Art Museum, History Colorado Center, The Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL), Forney Museum of Transportation and Denver Firefighters Museum are just some of this year’s many not-to-miss participants.

3. Check out blockbuster exhibitions, from mummies to Japanese fashion

This fall, several of Denver’s major museums are hosting international traveling exhibitions and original curations. See Washed Ashore, Art to Save the Sea at Denver Zoo; Shock Wave: Japanese Fashion Design, 1980s-90s at the Denver Art Museum; and Extreme Mammals and Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs, both of which are at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Washed Ashore, Art to Save the Sea, features 15 giant sculptures depicting sea life, made almost entirely of debris collected from beaches.

This unusual traveling exhibit, Washed Ashore, Art to Save the Sea, features 15 giant sculptures depicting sea life, made almost entirely of debris collected from beaches. Hosted by Denver Zoo, it’s the first time the exhibit has appeared at an inland, noncoastal location. The exhibit will be open from Sept. 24, 2016, to Jan. 16, 2017. The Washed Ashore Project aims to educate the public and raise awareness about pollution through the arts. As a community-based organization, lead artist Angela Haseltine Pozzi draws on people of all ages to help her remove thousands of pounds of debris from beaches then turn it into large works of art.

The organization says 90 percent of the debris they collect come from petroleum-based products such as plastics, nylon ropes and fishing nets. Almost all of the trash then gets turned into sculptures such as a walk-through replica of ocean currents and a coral reef made of Styrofoam.

4. See ‘only in Denver’ dance performances and events

Kick off Denver Arts Week with a free First Friday performance of The Nutcracker (Nov. 4) at Colorado Ballet. Attend a professional dance workshop for free at Chance to Dance (Nov. 5) at the newly renovated McNichols Building in Civic Center Park. See 10 amazing dancers perform as part of the Wonderbound dance company (Nov. 10) at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center; and experience the passion of flamenco dancing when Una Noche de Flamenco! (Nov. 11) takes the stage at Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center.

Denver Arts Week, which takes place from November 4-12, 2016, highlights The Mile High City’s robust cultural scene. (PRNewsFoto/VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau)

5. Tune in to Denver’s thriving music scene

Hear beautiful music inspired by Shakespeare as the St. Martin’s Chamber Choir presents There is Sweet Music: Shakespeare at 400 (Nov. 11). Or check out pop and electronic artists at some of the city’s more intimate music venues, such as Timeflies (Nov. 8) and Space Jesus (Nov. 11) at the Bluebird Theater, country bands like Dan + Shay (Nov. 10) at the Ogden Theatre, and country and roots rock singer Sturgill Simpson (Nov. 4 & 5) at the Paramount Theatre.

6. Make plans for a ‘theater night out’

Denver is home to a premier performing arts scene. See Jersey Boys (Nov. 9-13) at Denver Center for the Performing Arts and Hand to God (Nov. 3 –Dec. 17) at the Curious Theatre Company. But if you want to unlock the magic behind theatrical performances, check out the free, family-friendly Magic of Theatre (Nov. 7) activity where you’ll learn about combat, fake blood and conjuring rain on stage from Tony Award-winning professionals at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

7. See the newest independent films during The 39th Denver Film Festival

The 39th Denver Film Festival (Nov. 2-13) features more than 250 films: blockbusters, documentaries, shorts and more. Regular festival screenings take place at the Sie FilmCenter and UA Denver Pavilions Stadium 15.

8. Discover unique art exhibits

Pay homage to influential artists from the past four decades during Looking Back: 40 Years/40 Artists (through Nov. 13) at Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities and survey Western art by viewing more than 300 paintings at the American Museum of Western Art. If you want to get smart about art, immerse yourself in a week-long series of educational experiences. Join artists, dealers and other experts at Art Smart in Cherry Creek North (Nov. 4-12).

9. Get in for free at the city’s top cultural attractions

On select days, get free admission to some of the city’s most sought after attractions like Denver Zoo (Nov. 4 & 7), Denver Art Museum (Nov. 5) and Denver Botanic Gardens (Nov. 11 & 12).

10. Choose from numerous great deals and discounts

Take advantage of excellent deals on artwork and tickets and find free events by searching the Denver Arts Week Deals page.

Celebrating 107 years of promoting The Mile High City, VISIT DENVER is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. A record 16.4 million visitors stayed overnight in Denver in 2015, generating $5 billion in spending, while supporting nearly 54,000 jobs, making Tourism one of the largest industries in Denver. Learn more about Denver on the VISITDENVER website and at TOURISMPAYSDENVER or by phone at 800 2 Denver. Follow Denver’s social media channels for up-to-the-minute updates at: www.Facebook.com/visitdenver; www.Twitter.com/visitdenver; www.Instagram.com/visitdenver; and www.YouTube.com/visitdenver.

Second Exhibition of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative Features Works Commissioned for Guggenheim Collection

Exhibition: Tales of Our Time

Venue: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue, New York

Location: Tower Levels 4 and 5

Dates: Now through March 10, 2017

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum presents Tales of Our Time, an exhibition featuring nine newly commissioned works by artists born in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan. This is the second exhibition of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative, a long-term research, curatorial, and collections-building program at the Guggenheim Museum.

The exhibition’s title refers to the 1936 book Gushi xin bian (Old Tales Retold) by the influential Chinese modernist, social activist, and literary giant Lu Xun. In the book, Lu reinvents Chinese legends, as he considers these tales to be not only a literary genre, but also a strategy for critiquing social conditions and reconstructing history through storytelling.

Though diverse in subjects and strategies, the works are united by the artists’ use of storytelling to propose alternative ways of looking at place. Working in drawing, animation, video, photography, sculpture, installation, and participatory intervention, the artists in the exhibition address the concept of geography and territory in ways as specific as where they are based or as big as China itself, which they see as a concept constantly being questioned and reinvented. These artists freely cross divides to examine the tensions between past and present, myth and fact, reality and dreams, rationality and absurdity, and individuality and collectivity.

The artists represented in Tales of Our Time are Chia-En Jao, Kan Xuan, Sun Xun, Sun Yuan & Peng Yu, Tsang Kin-Wah, Yangjiang Group, and Zhou Tao.

Tales of Our Time is organized by Xiaoyu Weng, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Associate Curator of Chinese Art, and Hou Hanru, Consulting Curator, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative. Kyung An, Assistant Curator, Asian Art, provides curatorial support. The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative is part of the Guggenheim’s Asian Art Initiative, directed by Alexandra Munroe, Samsung Senior Curator, Asian Art and Senior Advisor, Global Arts. All commissioned works will enter the Guggenheim’s collection.

“Curators Xiaoyu Weng and Hou Hanru have taken a dynamic and collaborative approach, as they worked closely with the commissioned artists to explore the questions and insights that drive these art practices. We hope that these works will inform new understanding of global contemporary art through the lens of Chinese culture today,” stated Richard Armstrong, Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation. “The Guggenheim is grateful to The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation for its sustained commitment to this effort.”

Ted Lipman, CEO of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation, congratulated the commissioned artists and noted, “Contemporary Chinese art, along with the dialogue around it, is a dynamic and increasingly important force shaping the global cultural landscape. The Chinese Art Initiative at the Guggenheim is designed to offer a fresh perspective on Chinese culture and its relationship with contemporary society. The Foundation hopes the impact of this initiative will be a lasting one.”

Chia-En Jao (b. 1976, Taichung, Taiwan). Arms no. 31, 2016. Cast aluminum, textile patchwork, display case with fabric swatches, and paper handout with text. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Collection. © Chia-En Jao. Installation View: Tales of Our Time. Photo: David Heald

“The artists represented in Tales of Our Time vary greatly in their practices and viewpoints,” says Xiaoyu Weng. “But they share a broad perspective, one that places China’s culture, history, and social reality in the context of the wider world. And like so many artists today, they register acute discomfort with the tension between the personal experiences of regular people and the dominant narratives and conventions of power.”

Sun Xun (b. 1980, Fuxin, Liaoning Province), Mythological Time, 2016 (details). Two-channel color HD animated video, with sound, and ink, graphite and acrylic on mulberry bark paper. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Collection. © Sun Xun

Tales of Our Time is installed on two Tower Levels of the museum. Visitors may enter Tower Level 4 through a passageway lined with fantastic visions inspired by the natural world, drawn in the classical Chinese style on traditional bark paper by Sun Xun (b. 1980). Sun’s installation Mythological Time (2016) centers on his hometown of Fuxin in northeastern China, a coal-mining town that was once the pride of modern-era Chinese industrialization, but which the artist portrays as merely a fleeting scene over many millennia. A second monumental wall-size painting by Sun Xun depicting a surreal prehistoric landscape is also on view. Two video streams are projected onto its surface, sending animated creatures cavorting next to those drawn on paper with ink and acrylics.

Chia-En Jao (b. 1976, Taichung, Taiwan), Taxi, 2016, Color UHD video, with sound. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Collection. © Chia-En Jao

Taxi (2016), a video installation, presents conversations conducted by the artist Chia-En Jao (b. 1976) with taxi drivers in Taipei. The artist asked drivers to take him to historically contested destinations in the city, such as a branch of Chang Hwa Bank where a mass protest was suppressed by Chiang Kai-shek’s military regime in 1947, the Presidential Office Building, the Grand Hotel, or the National Taiwan Museum. Recorded documentary style, the conversations meander through difficult memories of the Japanese occupation and martial law to present-day concerns. The artist has also created a flag for the installation, a traditional coat of arms representing many aspects of Taiwanese society, including its aboriginal communities. Through this investigation into the powerful connection between history and storytelling, Jao creates a mental map of Taipei that honors individual memory and experience.

Zhou Tao (b. 1976, Changsha, Hunan Province), Land of the Throat, 2016 Installation with two-channel color HD video, with sound. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Collection. © Zhou Tao

Nearby Taxi on Tower Level 4 is a futuristic, pod-like video installation by Zhou Tao (b. 1976). Land of the Throat (2016) evokes a phenomenon characteristic of China’s urbanization today: the construction of the new and the consequential transformation of the land. Two synchronized videos composed of footage recorded in Guangdong, China and Arizona are projected onto opposite sides of an enclosed structure in the gallery space. A cow chained to an abandoned industrial washing machine moos in an otherwise silent, desolate landscape; workers pour out of construction sites; children play aimlessly; dogs and rats roam near fishing holes; and rescue workers in Shenzhen care for survivors injured in the city’s 2015 landslide.

Zhou Tao (b. 1976, Changsha, Hunan Province), Land of the Throat, 2016 Installation with two-channel color HD video, with sound. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Collection. © Zhou Tao

Kan Xuan (b. 1972) is an artist who splits her time between Beijing and Amsterdam. She traveled for more than five months to far-flung parts of China to photograph and research the remains of 110 ancient cities to create the multi-media installation Kū Lüè Er (2016), on view on Tower Level 4. On one gallery wall, eleven flat-screen monitors rhythmically loop videos of various lengths, each featuring hundreds of the thousands of mobile-phone images Kan took while traveling. The artist manipulated the color of the images and edited them in a stop-motion style. A lone video monitor is stationed on the floor, leaning over a floor projection of simple, notational maps created by the artist from her memories of site locations. The floor monitor sends out smacking, splashing sounds from balls of clay being thrown in a children’s game. A few stone sculptures hang nearby, their knotted forms echoing the fences that guarded these lost cities. Instead of providing historical knowledge or factual statistics, Kan Xuan engages China’s vast history of dynasties and evolution of territories through her intimate personal emotions and experience as a reminder of our collective memory and oblivion.

Yangjiang Group (est. 2002, Yangjiang, Guangdong Province). Unwritten Rules Cannot Be Broken, 2016. Plants, pond, wooden bridge, wooden tables and stools, teaware and accessories, and tea gathering performance; blood pressure monitor and record chart; acrylic latex paint; and acrylic on foam. © Yangjiang Group Installation View: Tales of Our Time, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, November 4, 2016–March 10, 2017. Photo: David Heald

Yangjiang Group, whose founding artists are Zheng Guogu (b. 1970), Chen Zaiyan (b. 1971), and Sun Qinglin (b. 1974), conjure a small utopia in Tales of Our Time. Unwritten Rules Cannot Be Broken (2016) is installed along a Frank Lloyd Wright–designed circular area overlooking Central Park. Here Chinese tea is to be shared on simple plywood furniture set amid calligraphic works and a temporary Chinese garden, which is visible on the outside balcony and contains bamboo, shrubs, a miniature bridge, and a pond. As part of the participatory installation, visitors are encouraged to measure their blood pressure and heart rate before and after they enter this area—a humorous means designed to calculate the purported relaxing effects of a tea gathering in an art exhibition. A green and white calligraphic mural is suspended several stories from the ceiling to the ground floor of the museum’s Thannhauser Gallery. Since 2002 this art collaborative has been inviting neighbors in Yangjiang, its small hometown on the southern coast, to drink tea, play soccer, practice calligraphy, and enjoy communal dinners. In symbolically transporting their small plot of land to New York, the Yangijiang Group has neither left behind its humor nor its desire to create a borderless, anarchist zone of citizenship and belonging.

Sun Yuan (b. 1972, Beijing) & Peng Yu (b. 1974, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province) Can’t Help Myself, 2016. Industrial robot, stainless steel and rubber, cellulose ether in colored water, lighting grid with visual-recognition sensors, and acrylic wall with aluminum frame. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Collection. © Sun Yuan & Peng Yu. Photo: Courtesy the artists

The Tower Level 5 gallery houses Can’t Help Myself (2016), a massive robot with a mechanical arm created by Sun Yuan & Peng Yu (b. 1972 and 1974), two longtime collaborators based in Beijing. Placed behind clear acrylic walls, the machine is programmed to perform one very specific action: with its modified front arm, it guards a puddle of dark red viscous liquid. As the red substance slowly spreads on the ground, the robot frenetically shovels it back into place, leaving smudges reminiscent of contemporary surveillance warfare. Sun and Peng, who are known for using bold humor with undertones of violence to address provocative topics, neither pose nor answer the question of whether the repetitious dance of the robot in Can’t Help Myself is absurd, authoritarian, or both.

Tsang Kin-Wah (b. 1976, Shantou, Guangdong Province). In The End Is The Word, 2016 (detail). Six-channel video installation, with sound. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Collection. © Tsang Kin-Wah

In a darkened gallery, also on Tower Level 5, an immersive projection sends images of rocks, ships, oceans, and waves washing over the viewer. Entitled In The End Is The Word (2016), this six-channel video installation by Hong Kong–based artist Tsang Kin-Wah (b. 1976) interweaves found footage, sound, and light. The work begins with a rush of seemingly banal shots of a tsunami at sea near the site of an ongoing territorial dispute between China and Japan, the Diaoyu Islands (known as Senkaku Islands in Japanese). These images then begin to morph into abstractions. Synchronized videos projected onto the walls and floor of the dimly lit room create the illusion that animated, coiling strips of words and phrases are pouring out of the video images and into the gallery. Finally, rather than simply disappear, these images accumulate into a crescendo of blindingly bright light, a state the artist likens to saṃsāra, a Sanskrit word meaning “perpetual wandering” in the sea of life’s suffering.

Tsang Kin-Wah (b. 1976, Shantou, Guangdong Province). No(thing/Fact) Outside, 2016. Vinyl. Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Collection. © Tsang Kin-Wah. Installation View: Tales of Our Time, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, November 4, 2016–March 10, 2017 Photo: David Heald

In addition to In The End Is The Word, Tsang created No(thing/Fact) Outside (2016), a vinyl text installation that extends beyond the Tower galleries–climbing walls and snaking along floors in less prominent areas in the museum, such as elevators and stairwells. Reflecting Tsang’s ruminations on the exhibition, the work spatially and conceptually links the stories told by the artists in Tales of Our Time.

A conceptual extension of the exhibition, the catalogue edited by Xiaoyu Weng and Hou Hanru blends a traditional museum publication with a fiction anthology. Featuring scholarly essays and artwork descriptions, it unconventionally examines the exhibition artists, who all challenge current views about art from China. Interwoven with these essays are seven commissioned short stories by the Chinese and American fiction writers Han Song, Hon Lai-chu, Li Juan, Ken Liu, Lo Yi-chin, Wang Bang, and Brian Kuan Wood. The exhibition and accompanying catalog offer a heterogeneous view of contemporary art and culture from China, highlighting tensions between individual narratives and mainstream history as well as showing how the gaps between the two can be transcended.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

A series of public programs presented in conjunction with Tales of Our Time includes the following highlights:

The Second Lecture of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Lecture Series

Friday, November 4, 4 pm

Conceived as a mini-symposium presenting diverse voices, this lecture features short talks by Cosmin Costinas, David Harvey, and Ou Ning on art, urbanism, literature, and their intersections. Howard French moderates a final group conversation. Presented in conjunction with Tales of Our Time, the program concludes with a reception and exhibition viewing.

$15, $10 members, free for students with RSVP. For more information, visit guggenheim.org/calendar.

Acaw Field Meeting

Take 4: Thinking Practice, Friday, November 11, 10 am

The Guggenheim hosts the first day of Asia Contemporary Art Week’s signature program, FIELD MEETING, a major art forum with over 30 artists and arts professionals staging performances, lecture-performances, and lively discussions. Keynote figures include Shezad Dawood, Jennifer Wen Ma, Ho Tzu Nyen, Mami Kataoka, Basel Abbas and Ruanne Abou-Rahme, and Xyza Cruz Bacani, in addition to Chia-En Jao, whose newly commissioned work will be on view, and Xiaoyu Weng, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Associate Curator of Chinese Art. Concludes with a reception and exhibition viewing of Tales of Our Time.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Interested arts professionals and students should sign up here: acaw.info. For more information, visit guggenheim.org/calendar.

The Making of Tales of Our Time,

Wednesday, January 18, 6:30 pm

Strand Book Store, 826 Broadway, 3rd Floor

A panel discussion on the creative process behind the Tales of Our Time exhibition catalog, which includes seven commissioned short stories by Chinese and American fiction writers. Panelists: Xiaoyu Weng; Julian Myers-Szupinska, California College of the Arts; Brian Kuan Wood, e-flux; and Chris Wu, Project Projects. Moderated by the Guggenheim’s creative director of publishing and digital media, Lisa Naftolin.

$20 Strand Book Store gift card and event admission, $45 signed copy of catalogue and event admission. Registration required at strandbooks.com/events.

Unwritten Rules Cannot Be Broken: Tea Gatherings

Wednesdays, November 9, 2016 – March 8, 2017, 1:30–5:45 pm

Since 2002 Yangjiang Group has been inviting neighbors in Yangjiang, its small hometown on the southern coast of China, to drink tea, play soccer, practice calligraphy, and enjoy communal dinners. As part of Unwritten Rules Cannot Be Broken, their newly commissioned work for Tales of Our Time, visitors are invited to converse and contemplate calligraphy over a cup of tea prepared and served by local tea brewers. Visitors are also encouraged to measure their blood pressure and heart rate before and after experiencing this installation—a humorous ploy designed to calculate the purported relaxing effects of a tea gathering.

Tea gatherings are free with admission. No RSVP is required.

Tales of Our Time Tours in Mandarin

Saturdays, 12-1 pm

Join a conversational tour of Tales of Our Time in Mandarin facilitated by a specialist in art history and education. Free with museum admission. For more information, visit guggenheim.org/calendar.

Tales of Our Time Film Program

Fridays and Saturdays, January 6–February 25, 1 pm

Weekly screenings of films that explore exhibition motifs such as boundaries, territories, and migration. Screenings take place in the New Media Theater, Lower Level, and are free with admission. For the full schedule, visit guggenheim.org/filmscreenings.

Launched in 2013, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative is the most recent of the Guggenheim’s initiatives to work with artists, scholars, and curators from around the world to bring intersecting regional and global histories of modernism and contemporary practices to the fore. Made possible by a major grant from The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation, this international curatorial program focuses on commissioning major works for the Guggenheim’s permanent collection by artists born in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macao. All works created through the initiative will form The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Collection at the Guggenheim. Through the selection of key artists, practices, and issues arising from across Greater China, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative seeks to strengthen the Guggenheim’s collegial network among the Chinese art community, advance the study and appreciation of post-1979 Chinese art, and expand the discourse and investigation of contemporary art today. The first of the initiative’s three exhibitions, Wang Jianwei: Time Temple, was on view at the Guggenheim from October 2014 to February 2015 and featured a sculptural installation, paintings, a film, and a performance by Wang Jianwei, one of China’s leading conceptual artists.

Established in 2005, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Hong Kong. The Foundation’s dual mission is to foster appreciation of Chinese arts and culture to advance global learning and to cultivate deeper understanding of Buddhism in the context of contemporary life. In pursuit of that mission, the Foundation engages in strategic, long-term projects in Hong Kong and around the world. It supports efforts that make Chinese arts – from ancient times to today – approachable and relevant to audience worldwide. It also supports the creation of works, exhibitions and publications that offer original perspectives and improve the quality and accessibility of Chinese arts scholarship. Guided by a belief that insights of Buddhism have a vital role to play in locating solutions to the challenges facing contemporary society, the Foundation seeks to expand understanding of Buddhist principles. It has developed a global network of Buddhist studies and supports programs that explore the connections between Buddhism and the arts, encouraging collaborations and innovation that present Buddhist art in a fresh light. To learn more about The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation, please visit www.rhfamilyfoundation.org.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Admission: Adults $25, students/seniors (65+) $18, members and children under 12 free. The Guggenheim’s free app, available with admission or by download to personal devices, offers an enhanced visitor experience. The app features content on special exhibitions as well as access to more than 1,500 works in the Guggenheim’s permanent collection. Additionally, information about the museum’s landmark building is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Verbal Description guides for select exhibitions are also included for visitors who are blind or have low vision. The Guggenheim app is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Museum Hours: Sun–Wed, 10 am–5:45 pm; Fri, 10 am–5:45 pm; Sat, 10 am–7:45 pm; closed Thurs. On Saturdays, beginning at 5:45 pm, the museum hosts Pay What You Wish. For general information, call 1 212 423 3500 or visit the museum online at: guggenheim.org

Explore The World With National Geographic And Give A Gift Inspired By Travel, Adventure, Science, Exploration, Photography And Global Craft This Holiday.

If you have a love of people, places, culture and history or if you are looking for gifts that are out of the ordinary, National Geographic has some unique selections in its 2016 Holiday Look Book. From books to home goods, eclectic apparel and jewelry, gear, photography workshops and private expeditions National Geographic offers high-quality, authentic gifts that would delight anyone on your list.

Another plus: All purchases support National Geographic Society’s vital exploration, conservation, cultural preservation and education programs around the globe.

“Buyers from National Geographic travel the globe in search of beautiful, handmade objects that tell a story,” said Jill Dvorak, director of site merchandising & marketing, catalog and online operations for National Geographic. “We’ve assembled an extraordinary collection of gifts for the traveler, the book lover, stargazer, home decorator, adventurer, animal lover, young scientist and beyond that will inspire them to learn and explore the world around them.”

Highlights From The 2016 Gift Selection:

National Geographic Exclusive: Geno 2.0 Next Generation Genographic Project Participation and DNA Ancestry Kit. $179.95

Geno 2.0 Next Generation Genographic Project Participation and DNA Ancestry Kit

The revolutionary Geno 2.0 Next Generation test has been enhanced to offer the most up to date ancestry available and now has:

• -Improved results based on a higher-capacity DNA-testing chip
• -More accurate regional ancestry—double the number of regions and 50+ reference populations
• -Improved DNA haplogroup calls and 20 new ancestral stories.

Introducing the next generation of the Genographic Project Participation Kit. This new DNA test uses cutting-edge technology to give you the richest ancestry information available. Join the more than half a million people who have already taken part in National Geographic’s groundbreaking Genographic Project—contribute to this real-time scientific effort and learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible.

National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Spencer Wells and his team designed Geno Next Gen based on the new technologies and insights that emerged since the launch of the Genographic Project ten years ago. Using an exclusive, custom-built genotyping chip, they test nearly 750,000 DNA markers that have been specifically selected to provide unprecedented ancestry-related information.

For the Holiday Host or Hostess: Personalized Nautical Flag Coasters (Set of 4), $55.00

Personalized Nautical Flag Coasters – Set of 4

Although signal flags have been largely replaced by two-way radio and cell phones, in the 19th century they were how ships at sea communicated with each other. Each flag stands for a letter, but also represents a full message. For example, the “T” flag also meant “keep clear!” Today the flags are reserved for yacht racing and formal occasions. Choose your three-initial monogram and artisans in New England will create a coaster set on cork-backed, rustic tumbled marble that shows your initials along with the corresponding signal flags. Click here for a list of initials and their corresponding flags, or click on the Flag Meanings tab to see what phrase each flag symbolizes in the International Code of Symbols.

(Please note: Personalized items cannot be returned unless damaged or defective. Please check your order carefully; once placed, your order for this item cannot be canceled. Not available for shipment outside of the U.S. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery to the continental U.S. and 4-6 weeks for delivery to Alaska and Hawaii.)

For the Adventurer: Carabiner Clip Watch with LED Micro-Light, $45.00

Carabiner Clip Watch with LED Micro-Light

Equipped with a powerful LED micro-light, this clever explorer’s watch has a built-in carabiner that clips right onto belt loops, packs, and more, keeping the time and a light source within reach as you travel. Luminescent hands and hour markers provide visibility in all kinds of conditions.

(Details: Uses one 376 watch battery and one LR1131 watch battery (both included). We recommend having a jeweler replace the battery. The case is intentionally challenging to open in order to better protect the mechanism and increase the watch’s water resistance. 1 1/2”W x 3”L x 1/4”D, 3 oz, Water-resistant to 100 feet.)

For the Book Lover: Wild, Beautiful Places: Picture-Perfect Journeys Around the Globe, $40.00

Wild, Beautiful Places: Picture-Perfect Journeys Around the Globe

Experience the world’s most wild, remote, beautiful places with shots by National Geographic photographers and vintage photos pulled from the National Geographic archives. Highlighting 50 of Earth’s most pristine, scenic locales, this beautiful book is illustrated with stunning images, coupled with accessible, engaging descriptions and practical travel information. The book covers everything from otherworldly, secluded valleys to far-flung, soaring mountain ranges. National Geographic photographers share some of their favorite shots from around the world and explain how they got them, and historical photos culled from National Geographic’s hallowed image archive highlight old Society explorations in rugged, distant locations, and give a glimpse into the bygone days of these exotic places.

For the Photographer: Camera Lens Travel Mug. $24.00

Camera Lens Travel Mug

Increase your focus, clarity, and zoom abilities. We’re talking about the coffee! This deceptively realistic, BPA-free travel mug looks just like a DSLR camera lens with details like a focus ring and grip—perfect for coffee lovers and camera enthusiasts alike. The stainless steel lining keeps drinks hot and is extra easy to clean. The screw-top lid with sliding sip top keeps your coffee from spilling as you venture off road to capture that perfect shot.

For the Stargazer: Star Talk with Neil DeGrasse Tyson 2-DVD Set, $34.95

Star Talk with Neil DeGrasse Tyson 2-DVD Set

Host Neil deGrasse Tyson brings together celebrities, scientists and comedians to explore a variety of cosmic topics and collide pop culture with science in a way that late-night television has never seen before. Weekly topics range from popular science fiction, space travel, extraterrestrial life, the Big Bang, to the future of Earth and the environment. Tyson is an astrophysicist with a gifted ability to connect with everyone, inspiring us all to to “keep looking up.”Not available for shipment outside the U.S. and Canada.

For the Roadtripper: Personal GPS Tracker, $89.95

Personal GPS Tracker

Mark your location with the push of a button, and then explore at your leisure. This GPS-enabled digital compass is designed to lead the way back to home base. Mark as many as three places at one time, and you’ll always know how far away you are from those sites and how to get back to them. Water-resistant, and backlit for nighttime viewing. Includes a clip for attaching to a backpack or purse.

For the Global Chic Home: Irish Aran Knit Throw, $129.00

Irish Aran Knit Throw

Aran knitting is well known for its wealth of intricate stitches and symbolism. In this cozy, wool throw, the diamond stitch represents prosperity, the honeycomb stitch represents the hard work of the honeybee and the rewards of an industrious life, and the cable stitch stands in for the fishing rope that was so essential to livelihood on the Aran Islands. Knit from 100% merino wool.

For the ‘Outlander’ in All of Us: Scottish Castle of Mey Wool Scarf, $58.00

Scottish Castle of Mey Wool Scarf

Situated on a rugged stretch of the Caithness coast in the Scottish Highlands, the remote Castle of Mey is the inspiration for this wintery tartan scarf. Woven from wool and cashmere at a family-run mill, the scarf is part of His Royal Highness Prince Charles’s North Highland Initiative, a project that aims to support the craftspeople of the Scottish North Highlands. With a brushed finish and purled fringe.

For Young Scientists and Animal Lovers: Brain Games Kids, $19.99

Brain Games – Kids Game

Based on the Emmy-nominated National Geographic Channel TV series, Brain Games, Brain Games Kids Game takes players through a series of challenges that put both mind and body to the test. Play as individuals or teams and work together to answer mind-bending challenges in this cerebellum showdown. Teams go head-to- head to test their logic, language, vision, and physical coordination. It’s a great party game and perfect for family game nights.

For Your Bucket List: Around the World by Private Jet, $76,950 (2016)

Around the World by Private Jet

Circle the globe with top National Geographic experts on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Traveling in the comfort of a private jet, encounter legendary places from Machu Picchu and Tibet to the Taj Mahal and Marrakech. Experience natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Serengeti Plain, and the island paradise of Samoa.

Trip Highlights

• Explore 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Machu Picchu, Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal, and the lost city of Petra.
• Meet with National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Meave or Louise Leakey in Tanzania.
• Discover Easter Island’s giant moai statues and famously lost culture with resident archaeologists.
• Delve into the natural world on game drives in the Serengeti Plain and snorkeling excursions on the Great Barrier Reef.

Itinerary – 24 Days

Day 1 — Washington, D.C.

We begin this extraordinary adventure with a welcome reception at National Geographic Society headquarters, followed by dinner at the base hotel. The Hay-Adams, Washington, D.C. (Dinner)

Days 2, 3, & 4 — Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru

This morning, the private jet takes passengers to Lima, where we take a local flight to charming Cusco (11,200 feet). Explore the imposing cathedral in the Plaza de Armas, considered by many to be one of the finest combinations of Spanish Renaissance style and legendary Inca stonemasonry. Marvel at the treasures of the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, where we will meet with National Geographic grantee and master weaver Nilda Callanaupa, who works with traditional weavers throughout Peru to preserve the rich textile arts.

Discover the remains of the great fortress Sacsayhuaman overlooking Cusco, where enormous blocks of stone—some weighing more than 200 tons—were used to build the walls. Assembled without the use of mortar, the blocks fit together so tightly that a knife blade cannot be inserted between them.

Then travel on the Hiram Bingham, on a privately chartered train, to Machu Picchu, passing through the spectacular Urubamba Valley, known as the Sacred Valley of the Inca. Still clouded in mystery, Machu Picchu was abandoned by the Inca and lost to history until it was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911 and excavated with support from the National Geographic Society. Examine the artfully cut stone altars, temples, foundations, staircases, and terraced gardens that make this one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures. Hotel Monasterio or Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, Cusco (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner daily)

Alternative: Instead of visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu, head to northern Peru to visit the temples of Trujillo and Chiclayo, where the richest burial chambers in the Americas were discovered. See where the ancient Moche and Chimu peoples lived, and explore Chan Chan, the largest adobe city in the world. Libertador Trujillo (B, L, D daily)

Days 5 & 6 — Easter Island, Chile

Fly to Easter Island, located 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile. Scattered with mysterious, colossal stone statues called moai, the island is an open-air museum of the ruins of a lost culture. The island has been a subject of debate since it was first seen by Europeans on Easter Sunday in 1722. How did its native people first arrive? What transpired over the centuries? What do the tall, brooding statues mean? Learn the hidden stories of the island’s wonders with renowned archaeologists, and marvel at the many moai that dot the island’s windswept landscape. Along the way, discover the ancient ceremonial centers, volcanic craters, petroglyphs, lava formations, and fascinating clues to the Orongo birdman cult. Then enjoy a splendid performance by the Kari Kari Rapa Nui dance troupe. Hangaroa Eco Village & Spa (B, L, D daily)

Day 7 — Cross the International Date Line

From Easter Island you will continue your voyage across the Pacific, crossing the international date line, losing a day en route and arrive in Samoa the following evening. (B, L, D)

Day 8 — Apia, Samoa

Samoa is one of the few places where pure Polynesian culture remains essentially intact—tribal rituals and hierarchies are little changed from ancient times. This beautiful island world is well known for its hospitality, traditional ceremonies, and distinct communal customs (known as fa’a Samoa, or “the Samoan way”). Enjoy a fia fia—a colorful performance of Samoan dance and song. Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort (B, L, D)

Days 9 & 10 — The Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rain Forest, Australia

Fly to Cairns and transfer to the charming seaside town of Port Douglas. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, the largest known coral reef in the world and home to an exceptionally rich variety of marine life. Snorkel among rainbow-colored corals with schools of unicornfish, surgeonfish, bumphead parrot fish, and sea turtles.

Or discover the natural wonders of the Daintree, a rain forest that is approximately 90 million years older than the Amazon rain forest. Go on a Dreamtime walk in Mossman Gorge with an aboriginal guide, a member of the Kuku Yalanji, who will share his people’s legends and take you to sacred sites. Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa (B, L, D daily)

Days 11 & 12 — Angkor, Cambodia

Fly by private jet to Siem Reap, your base for exploring Angkor, the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire. Delve into the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, one of humankind’s greatest architectural triumphs; and discover the massive towers, carved murals, colonnades, and courtyards that exemplify classic Khmer architecture. At Angkor Thom, explore the Bayon Temple and the Terrace of the Elephants. Then set out on a cruise to nearby floating villages on Tonle Sap lake (water levels permitting), or explore the temple of Ta Prohm, still tangled in the thick roots of banyan trees. In the evening, enjoy a classical Apsara dance performance during dinner at our fine hotel.

Alternative: Instead of Angkor Wat, explore the lost jungle temple of Beng Mea Lea (water levels permitting), among the largest Khmer temples, and the ninth-century Roluous temple complex of Hariharalaya, the first capital of the Khmer Empire, which predates Angkor Wat by some 300 years. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor (B, L, D daily)

Day 13 — Kathmandu, Nepal

Fly by private jet to Kathmandu and visit the medieval city of Bhaktapur, once a royal capital whose stunning pagodas, palaces, and squares still captivate today. Then enjoy dinner and a night’s rest before departing for Tibet. Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu (B, L, D daily)

Days 14 & 15 — Lhasa, Tibet or Chitwan National Park, Nepal

This morning, take a local flight to Lhasa, Tibet’s capital, located on one of the world’s highest plateaus. Once a “forbidden city,” this Himalayan center of Buddhist pilgrimage—with the spectacular Potala Palace dominating its skyline—still retains a mystical atmosphere. Visit the Jokhang Temple, the region’s oldest and most revered; and explore the colorful Tibetan markets, known for their finely crafted ornaments, rugs, religious paintings, and carvings. The next day, venture into Potala Palace, a highlight of your time in Lhasa. The palace, with its hundreds of rooms, lavish decor, and labyrinthine corridors, was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama and served as the seat of the Tibetan government for more than 300 years. Stop by the nearly 600-year-old Sera Monastery, where we may see monks in the debating courtyard. You may also visit the Tibet Museum or a local nunnery. St. Regis Lhasa Resort (B, L, D daily)

Alternative: Instead of exploring Lhasa, visit the World Heritage-listed Pashupatinath Temple on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Then board a local flight to Chitwan National Park, one of Asia’s premier wildlife reserves. Venture into the park with a naturalist in search of a variety of birds and mammals, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and rare one-horned rhinos. You may also opt to visit a local village, canoe along the peaceful Rapti River, or take a guided walk through the forest. Celebrate with a Nepali barbecue dinner and a traditional dance performance. Rejoin the rest of the group in Kathmandu before departing for India. Taj Meghauli Serai Lodge (B, L, D daily)

Days 16 & 17 — Taj Mahal, Agra, India

Return to Kathmandu by local flight and continue on our private jet to Agra. Discover the iconic Taj Mahal, built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan as a tribute to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. A masterpiece of the Mogul empire, the monument soars majestically above the banks of the Yamuna River. Wander the site, admire its form among the reflecting pools and gardens that surround it, and examine its intricate mosaics made of precious stones. In the afternoon, you may explore the imposing sandstone Red Fort of Agra, where Mogul emperors lived in splendor. Or you may choose to venture into Kachhpura, a village in Agra inhabited by the Harijan people, otherwise known as “untouchables.” Meet with local families and visit a school. If you wish, rise early to join our National Geographic photographer to capture images of the Taj Mahal at sunrise.

Alternative: Instead of visiting the Taj Mahal, explore Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar‘s crowning architectural achievement, an exquisite red-sandstone city that served as the Mogul capital from 1572 to 1585. Stroll through well-preserved pavilions, courtyards, tombs, and palaces—most notably the emperor’s private quarters, a “palace of dreams” richly decorated with Persian calligraphy and murals. The Oberoi Amarvilás (B, L, D daily)

Days 18 & 19 — Tanzania

Fly by private jet to Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to a smaller aircraft for the flight to Serengeti National Park. In the local Maasai language, Serengeti means “extended place“—an appropriate name for this vast wildlife sanctuary, which is one of the most complex and least disturbed ecosystems on Earth. Go deep into the savanna to witness Africa’s greatest concentration of wildebeests and zebras, as well as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti (B, L, D daily)

Alternative: Instead of exploring the Serengeti, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater to observe the permanent population of almost 25,000 animals in one of the largest unbroken calderas in the world. Along with herds of wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras, we may also see the “big five” (rhinoceroses, lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes). Spend your nights here at a well-appointed lodge perched on the crater’s rim. During our stay, travelers will have the opportunity to meet either Meave or Louise Leakey, both National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence whose family of renowned anthropologists has discovered many important fossils in the area. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (B, L, D daily)

Days 20 & 21 — The Lost City of Petra and Wadi Rum, Jordan

Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, Petra was settled by the enigmatic Nabataean people in 312 b.c. and became an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt, and the Levant. The Nabataeans disappeared mysteriously, but the nomadic Bedouin civilization remains to this day. Half built, half-carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, Petra is undoubtedly one of the world’s most impressive architectural achievements.

Step back in time 2,000 years as you stroll this ancient city, and learn why these enigmatic people built their capital in such an inaccessible spot. Enter the Siq, a dramatic opening in the brilliantly hued bedrock; and arrive at the Treasury, Petra’s most exquisite edifice. Discover many other elaborately decorated buildings and tombs chiseled from sheer rock walls, and observe up close the superb blending of Eastern traditions with Hellenistic architecture. On our last evening, gather for a festive Bedouin dinner. Mövenpick Petra, Jordan (B, L, D daily)

Alternative: Instead of exploring Petra, travel to Wadi Rum, a beautiful desert landscape made famous by T. E. Lawrence and the film Lawrence of Arabia. See the spectacular rock formation known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, and enjoy a traditional mansaf meal prepared by local Bedouin villagers.

Days 22 & 23 — Marrakech, Morocco

Fly by private jet to Marrakech where we explore this fabled city, located in an oasis of palm and olive groves, and steeped in ancient Berber tradition. See the Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the grand Bahia Palace. Wander through the medina, a jumble of colorful suqs; and stroll the Djemaa el Fna, a lively square where snake charmers, acrobats, and magicians enchant the passsersby. If you wish, immerse yourself in the lush blue-and-green paradise of the Majorelle Garden, a delightful combination of traditional Moroccan architecture, Islamic art and artifacts, rare plants from five continents, and North African birds. On our last evening, celebrate our adventure at a farewell banquet with traditional entertainment.

Alternative: Instead of exploring Marrakech, spend the day in the spectacular Atlas Mountains, the highest mountain range in North Africa. Visit a Berber village, share tea with a village elder and his family, and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. In the evening, rejoin the group in Marrakech for our farewell dinner. La Mamounia (B, L, D daily)

Day 24 — Marrakech, Morocco/Washington, D.C.

Following breakfast, board our private jet and fly to Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, you may connect with your commercial flight home, or, if you wish, we will provide complimentary accommodations at the Hyatt Dulles Airport Hotel for the night. For the January, March, and December departures, which end in Orlando, complimentary accommodations will be provided at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel for one night. (B, L)

Prices are per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $8,950. Transportation by private Boeing 757 jet and other conveyance, as noted in the itinerary, is included in the expedition cost.

Airfare to/from Washington, D.C. or Orlando, Florida is not included in the expedition cost. Our specially outfitted Boeing 757 is ideally suited for this extraordinary expedition. Its long-range capabilities and ability to land in smaller airports afford us unmatched flexibility. We set our own schedules, flying direct and avoiding layovers, which allows us the freedom to make the most of our adventures on land. Instead of the standard 233 seats, the jet’s interior has been customized and refitted to accommodate just 75 passengers in two-by-two, VIP-style leather seating. For your protection, all payments are secured in a bank escrow account. See special terms and conditions for these expeditions.

This Holiday Season, Customers Can Enjoy More Deals Than Ever Before On Everything From Hd Tvs To Stylish Kitchen Staples To Some Of The Most Popular Toys Of The Year

To Help Customers Find The Perfect Gift For Everyone On Their Shopping List, Amazon Offers Curated Holiday Gift Guides For Electronics, Home, Handmade, And Other Categories

Alexa, What Are Your Deals? New This Year, Prime Members Can Use Alexa Voice Shopping To Shop For Almost Anything, Including Exclusive Deals For Customers With An Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Amazon Tap, Amazon Fire Tv, Or Fire Tablet

Amazon.com has announced the launch of its Black Friday Deals Store and more than a dozen curated holiday gift guides, officially marking the start of the holiday countdown. Customers can enjoy tens of thousands of deals this holiday season on Amazon.com, with new deals as often as every five minutes on everything from HD TVs to stylish kitchen staples to some of the most popular toys of the year. In addition, Amazon offers curated holiday gift guides to help take the guesswork out of shopping for loved ones and make it easier for customers to find the perfect gift for everyone on their list.

“Customers love discovering the best deals on the most sought-after products, and our Black Friday Deals Store and curated Holiday Gift Guides offer them a place to do just that – plus enjoy the most convenient shopping experience with tons of super-fast shipping options,” said Doug Herrington, Senior Vice President of North American Retail at Amazon. “This holiday season, we’re offering more deals than ever before and – for the first time ever – giving Prime members an opportunity to use Alexa voice shopping for purchasing their holiday gifts hands-free. They can make purchases simply by asking Alexa-enabled devices, like the new Echo Dot, while relaxing at home with family and friends.”

Black Friday Deals Store

Available at www.amazon.com/blackfriday, the Black Friday Deals Store is the leading deals destination for customers with tens of thousands of deals, and new deals as often as every five minutes, now through December 22. Customers can enjoy more deals than ever before this holiday season, including low prices on top gifts such as electronics, toys, clothing, jewelry, kitchen items, and more. In fact, Amazon is offering up to 20 compelling Deals of the Day in a single day. Some examples of the great deals Amazon customers can take advantage of this holiday season include: $20 off the Kindle Paperwhite, savings on an LG 55” 1080p Curved Smart OLED TV, and up to 40% off select Magformers toys.

Electronics Gift Guide

Available at www.amazon.com/electronicsgiftguide, the 2016 Amazon Electronics Gift Guide features more than 500 of this year’s hottest technology products all in one convenient location. Enthusiasts can explore new releases such as 360-degree cameras and buzz-worthy gifts like virtual reality headsets and 3D printers. The Electronics Gift Guide also features innovations from up-and-coming startups in the Amazon Launchpad program. Customers can browse more than 10 categories, including smart home, home entertainment, music, wearables, photography, gaming, gadgets and gizmos, and more. The Electronics Gift Guide also includes expert reviews and product demonstration videos to help customers find the perfect gift. And shoppers looking for budget-friendly gift ideas can find top gifts under $100.

Home Gift Guide

Available at www.amazon.com/homegiftguide, the 2016 Amazon Home Gift Guide is a curated list of more than a thousand of this season’s must-have products for the home. Filled with gift ideas for indoors and outdoors, customers can easily discover presents for everyone on their list, including cooks, bakers, home decorators, arts and crafters, smart home tech lovers, pets, backyard enthusiasts, kids and more, curated by experts in the industry such as Smitten Kitchen and Design*Sponge. Holiday decorators and party planners will find everything they need to set a festive scene at home. Customers can also shop the latest trends in the Home Gift Guide, including copper appliances, rose gold cutlery, and handmade ceramics, as well as browse products that are new this holiday season, including the KitchenAid Mini, NEST Fragrances Classic Candle (Hearth), Petcube Play Wi-Fi Pet Camera, and Bissell 1650A Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum.

Handmade at Amazon Holiday Gift Guide

Available at www.amazon.com/handmade, the Handmade at Amazon Holiday Gift Guide offers customers curated lists of genuinely handcrafted items sold directly by artisans. Featuring products for her, for him, and for kids, as well as handcrafted stocking stuffers for friends and family, the Gift Guide makes finding the perfect holiday present easier than ever. Heading into this holiday season, Amazon customers visiting the Handmade at Amazon store will see hundreds of thousands more handcrafted items, thousands of which are eligible for Free Two-Day Shipping with Amazon Prime. For shoppers looking for a personal touch, over half of the items listed on Handmade have options for customer personalization. With handcrafted items in categories from toys and games, to home décor, handbags and accessories and kitchen and dining, Handmade at Amazon is a one-stop-shop for artisan-crafted gifts this holiday season.

Shop from Anywhere, Anytime

The easiest and fastest way to shop – no matter where customers are – is with the free Amazon shopping app. Find out “where’s my stuff” in seconds, quickly use visual search to find anything and track the hottest deals by setting Watch-a-Deal alerts all season long. Plus, new this year:

• Package X-Ray: Beginning November 15, customers who own an iPhone can use Package X-Ray to see what’s in a box that has been delivered without opening it and spoiling the surprise. Customers simply scan the barcode using their camera icon within the mobile app and the items that are inside the box will pop up on their screen.
• Search Anything: Previously limited to barcodes and a few types of products, customers can now use the camera icon to search for almost anything. For example, point the camera at a pair of boots and the app will pull up a list of similar items.
• Fling: Customers can quickly and effortlessly click into saved items, compare two items, or simply add items to a Wish List by flinging them into their tray. Simply hold down on an item while in the app and the tray appears, fling the item into the tray, and it will be saved for easy navigating later.

More Perks for Prime Members

New this holiday season, Prime members can use their voice to order tens of millions of products – including many of the items featured in the 2016 Amazon Electronics Gift Guide – just by asking Alexa on their Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Amazon Tap, Amazon Fire TV, or Fire tablet. In fact, there will be hundreds of exclusive deals just for voice shoppers this holiday season – simply go to www.amazon.com/alexadeals to learn more. Prime members receive an additional 20% discount on pre-order and new release video games. Members can also shop thousands of Lightning Deals with 30-minute early access and enjoy unlimited fast, free shipping options, including Two-Day Shipping on more than 30 million items, Prime FREE Same-Day Delivery on more than one million items available in 27 cities, and Prime Now where customers can find tens of thousands of products – such as select Black Friday deals and Holiday Gift Guide items – available for one- and two-hour delivery in more than 30 U.S. cities.

The formation of self and the individual’s place in a turbulent society are among the key themes reflected in the work of the artists selected for the 2017 Whitney Biennial, opening at the Whitney Museum of American Art on March 17, 2016 and running through June 11, 2017. Curated by the Whitney’s Nancy and Fred Poses Associate Curator Christopher Y. Lew and independent curator Mia Locks, this will be the first Biennial held in the Whitney’s (still new) home in the Meatpacking District. The country’s preeminent survey of the current state of American art, this is the seventy-eighth in the Museum’s ongoing series of Annuals and Biennials, initiated by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney in 1932.

Lew and Locks named the sixty-three participants (see complete list below), whose works will fill two of the four main gallery floors of the Whitney (including the 18,000-square-foot Neil Bluhm Family Galleries on the fifth floor) and numerous other spaces throughout the Museum. The participants range from emerging to well-established individuals and collectives working in painting, sculpture, drawing, installation, film and video, photography, activism, performance, music, and video game design.

Scott Rothkopf, the Whitney’s Nancy and Steve Crown Family Chief Curator and Deputy Director for Programs, said, “Since we opened our new building, we’ve reignited our emerging artist program with venturesome solo premieres and ‘snapshot’ shows of new tendencies. This Biennial, the largest ever in terms of gallery space, marks the capstone of these efforts. Chris and Mia have done an amazing job scouring the country to discover new talents, while creating lively connections to senior figures and our roiling social landscape.”

Lew commented that, “Throughout our research and travel we’ve been moved by the impassioned discussions we had about recent tumult in society, politics, and the economic system. It’s been unavoidable as we met with artists, fellow curators, writers, and other cultural producers across the United States and beyond.” Locks noted: “Against this backdrop, many of the participating artists are asking probing questions about the self and the social, and where these intersect. How do we think and live through these lenses? How and where do they fall short?”

Rothkopf is leading a team of advisors who are working closely with Lew and Locks to help shape the exhibition. They include: Negar Azimi, writer and senior editor at Bidoun, an award-winning publishing, curatorial, and educational initiative with a focus on the Middle East and its diasporas; Gean Moreno, curator of programs at the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami and founder of [NAME] Publications; Aily Nash, co-curator of Projections, the New York Film Festival’s artists’s film and video section, and Film and Media Curator at Basilica Hudson; and Wendy Yao, a publisher and founder of both the exhibition space 356 South Mission Road and Ooga Booga, a shop with two Los Angeles locations that specializes in independent books, music, art, and clothing. Nash, together with the curators, is co-organizing the Biennial film program, which will screen in the Whitney’s third-floor Susan and John Hess Family Theater.

The 2017 Biennial will be accompanied by an exhibition catalogue, designed by Olga Casellas Badillo of San Juan-based Tiguere Corp., which includes essays by the curators as well as Biennial advisors Negar Azimi and Gean Moreno, a conversation between the curators and Scott Rothkopf, and a roundtable with filmmakers moderated by Aily Nash. The book will also feature individual entries on each of the sixty-three participants in the exhibition along with reproductions of their work. It will be published by the Whitney Museum of American Art and distributed by Yale University Press.

The full list of artists are as follows:

• Zarouhie Abdalian (Born 1982 in New Orleans, LA, Lives in New Orleans, LA)
• Basma Alsharif (Born 1983 in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Lives in Los Angeles, CA)
• Jo Baer (Born 1929 in Seattle, WA, Lives in Amsterdam, Netherlands)
• Eric Baudelaire (Born 1973 in Salt Lake City, UT, Lives in Paris, France)
• Robert Beavers (Born 1949 in Brookline, MA, Lives in Berlin, Germany and Falmouth, MA)
• Larry Bell (Born 1939 in Chicago, IL, Lives in Taos, NM and Los Angeles, CA)
• Matt Browning (Born 1984 in Redmond, WA, Lives in Seattle, WA)
• Susan Cianciolo (Born 1969 in Providence, RI, Lives in Brooklyn, NY)
• Mary Helena Clark (Born 1983 in Santee, SC, Lives in Hamilton, NY)
• John Divola (Born 1949 in Santa Monica, CA, Lives in Riverside, CA)
• Celeste Dupuy-Spencer (Born 1979 in New York, NY, Lives in Los Angeles, CA)
• Rafa Esparza (Born 1981 in Los Angeles, CA, Lives in Los Angeles, CA)
• Kevin Jerome Everson (Born 1965 in Mansfield, OH, Lives in Charlottesville, VA)
• GCC, (Nanu Al-Hamad, Abdullah Al-Mutairi, Aziz Alqatami, Barrak Alzaid, Khalid al Gharaballi, Amal Khalaf, Fatima Al Qadiri, Monira Al Qadiri) Founded 2013
• Oto Gillen, (Born 1984 in New York, NY, Lives in New York, NY)
• Samara Golden (Born 1973 in Ann Arbor, MI, Lives in Los Angeles, CA)
• Casey Gollan and Victoria Sobel (Born 1991 in Los Angeles, CA; born 1990 in Washington, DC/Lives in New York, NY; lives in New York, NY)
• Irena Haiduk Biographical information not given
• Lyle Ashton Harris (Born 1965 in Bronx, NY, Lives in New York, NY)
• Tommy Hartung (Born 1979 in Akron, OH, Lives in Queens, NY)
• Porpentine Charity Heartscape (Born 1987, location not given, Lives in Oakland, CA)
• Sky Hopinka (Born 1984 in Bellingham, WA, Lives in Milwaukee, WI)
• Shara Hughes (Born 1981 in Atlanta, GA, Lives in Brooklyn, NY)
• Aaron Flint Jamison (Born 1979 in Billings, MT, Lives in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA)
• KAYA (Kerstin Brätsch and Debo Eilers) Founded 2010
• Jon Kessler (Born 1957 in Yonkers, NY, Lives in New York, NY)
• James N. Kienitz Wilkins (Born in 1983 in Boston, MA, Lives in Brooklyn, NY)
• Ajay Kurian (Born 1984 in Baltimore, MD, Lives in Brooklyn, NY)
• Deana Lawson (Born 1979 in Rochester, NY, Lives Brooklyn, NY)
• An-My Lê (Born 1960 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Lives in Brooklyn, NY)
• Leigh Ledare (Born 1976 in Seattle, WA, Lives in New York, NY)
• Dani Leventhal (Born 1972 in Columbus, OH, Lives in Columbus, OH)
• Tala Madani (Born 1981 in Tehran, Iran, Lives in Los Angeles, CA)
• Park McArthur (Born 1984 in Raleigh, NC, Lives in New York, NY)
• Harold Mendez (Born 1977 in Chicago, IL; Lives in Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA)
• Carrie Moyer (Born 1960 in Detroit, MI; Lives in New York, NY)
• Ulrike Müller (Born 1971 in Brixlegg, Austria; Lives in Brooklyn, NY)
• Julien Nguyen (Born 1990 in Washington, DC; Lives in Los Angeles, CA)
• Tuan Andrew Nguyen (Born 1976 in Saigon, Vietnam; Lives in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
• Raúl de Nieves (Born 1983 in Morelia, Mexico; Lives in Brooklyn, NY)
• Aliza Nisenbaum (Born 1977 in Mexico City, Mexico; Lives in New York, NY)
• Occupy Museums (Arthur Polendo, Imani Jacqueline Brown, Kenneth Pietrobono, Noah Fischer, and Tal Beery) Founded 2011
• Pope.L aka William Pope.L (Born 1955 in Newark, NJ, Lives in Chicago, IL)
• Postcommodity (Raven Chacon, Cristóbal Martínez, Kade L. Twist) Founded 2007
• Puppies Puppies (Born 1989 in Dallas, TX; Lives in Roswell, NM)
• Asad Raza (Born 1974 in Buffalo, NY; Lives in New York, NY)
• Jessi Reaves (Born 1986 in Portland, OR; Lives in Brooklyn, NY)
• John Riepenhoff (Born 1982 in Milwaukee, WI; Lives in Milwaukee, WI)
• Chemi Rosado-Seijo (Born 1973 in Vega Alta, PR; Lives in San Juan and Naranjito, PR)
• Cameron Rowland (Born 1988 in Philadelphia, PA; Lives in Queens, NY)
• Beatriz Santiago Muñoz (Born 1972 in San Juan, PR; Lives in San Juan, PR)
• Dana Schutz (Born 1976 in Livonia, MI; Lives in Brooklyn, NY)
• Cauleen Smith (Born 1967 in Riverside, CA; Lives in Chicago, IL)
• Frances Stark (Born 1967 in Newport Beach, CA; Lives in Los Angeles, CA)
• Maya Stovall (Born 1982 in Detroit, MI; Lives in Detroit, MI)
• Henry Taylor (Born 1958 in Oxnard, CA; Lives in Los Angeles, CA)
• Torey Thornton (Born 1990 in Macon, GA; Lives in Brooklyn, NY)
• Leslie Thornton and James Richards (Born 1951 in Knoxville, TN; born 1983 in Cardiff, United Kingdom/Lives in Brooklyn, NY; lives in Berlin, Germany and London, United Kingdom)
• Kaari Upson (Born 1972 in San Bernardino, CA; Lives in Los Angeles, CA)
• Kamasi Washington (Born 1981 in Los Angeles, CA; Lives in Los Angeles, CA)
• Leilah Weinraub (Born 1979 in Los Angeles, CA; Lives in Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY)
• Jordan Wolfson (Born 1980 in New York, NY; Lives in New York, NY)
• Anicka Yi (Born 1971 in Seoul, South Korea; Lives in Queens, NY)

Whitney Biennial 2017 is presented by Tiffany & Co. Major support is provided by Sothebys. Major support is also provided by The Brown Foundation, Inc. of Houston and the National Committee of the Whitney Museum of American Art. Significant support is provided by the Philip and Janice Levin Foundation. Generous support is provided by 2017 Biennial Committee Co-Chairs: Leslie Bluhm, Beth Rudin DeWoody, Bob Gersh, and Miyoung Lee. Funding is also provided by special Biennial endowments created by Melva Bucksbaum, Emily Fisher Landau, Leonard A. Lauder, and Fern and Lenard Tessler. Additional support is provided by endowments from The Keith Haring Foundation Exhibition Fund, Donna Perret Rosen and Benjamin M. Rosen, and the Jon and Mary Shirley Foundation.

Curatorial research and travel for this exhibition was funded by an endowment established by Rosina Lee Yue and Bert A. Lies, Jr., MD.

The Whitney Museum of American Art is located at 99 Gansevoort Street between Washington and West Streets, New York City. Museum hours are: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 10:30 am to 6 pm; Friday and Saturday from 10:30 am to 10 pm. Closed Tuesday. Adults: $22 in advance via whitney.org; $25 day of visit. Full-time students and visitors 65 & over: $17 in advance via whitney.org; $18 day of visit. Visitors 18 years & under and Whitney members: FREE. Admission is pay-what-you-wish on Fridays, 7–10 pm. For general information, please call (212) 570-3600 or visit whitney.org.

Portraits are one of the richest veins of the Whitney’s collection, thanks to the Museum’s longstanding commitment to the figurative tradition, championed by its founder Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney.

New Addition to The Whitney’s ongoing exhibition, Human Interest: Portraits from the Whitney’s Collection: Shirin Neshat (b. 1957), Unveiling, 1993, from the series Women of Allah, 1993–97. Gelatin silver print with ink, 59 3/4 × 39 3/4 in. (151.8 × 101 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; purchase with funds from the Photography Committee 2000.267 © Shirin Neshat; courtesy Gladstone Gallery, N.Y. and Brussels

Drawn entirely from the Museum’s holdings, Human Interest: Portraits from the Whitney’s Collection features 230 works made from 1903 to 2016 by an extraordinary range of some 170 artists, more than half of whom are living. The works included in this exhibition propose diverse and often unconventional ways of representing an individual. Many artists reconsider the pursuit of external likeness—portraiture’s usual objective—within formal or conceptual explorations or reject it altogether. Through their varied takes on the portrait, the artists in Human Interest: Portraits from the Whitney’s Collection demonstrate the vitality of this enduring genre, which serves as a compelling lens through which to view some of the most important social and artistic developments of the past century.

Floor Six of the exhibition predominantly focuses on art since 1960, while Floor Seven includes works from the first half of the twentieth century alongside more contemporary offerings.

Over the past two months, 142 new works have been installed in the exhibition, allowing the inclusion of many artists not on view when the first phase of the show debuted last spring. Organized in eleven thematic sections on two floors of the Museum, with works in all media installed side by side, the exhibition is considerably transformed from its initial installation and will remain on view through February 12, 2017.

Artists newly added to the exhibition include Cory Arcangel, Anne Collier, Grace Hartigan, Josh Kline, Kerry James Marshall, Shirin Neshat, Martha Rosler, Alison Saar, Lucas Samaras, Collier Schorr, John Sonsini, and Jonas Wood, while other artists, including Jasper Johns, Catherine Opie, Charles Ray, Cindy Sherman, and Andy Warhol are represented by different works than before. Many iconic works from the collection by such artists as Alexander Calder, Arshile Gorky, Marsden Hartley, Edward Hopper, Alice Neel, and Georgia O’Keeffe, remain on view. (See complete list of included artists on whitney.org.)

Human Interest is curated by Scott Rothkopf, Deputy Director for Programs and Nancy and Steve Crown Family Chief Curator, and Dana Miller, former Richard DeMartini Family Curator and Director of the Permanent Collection, with Mia Curran, former curatorial assistant; Jennie Goldstein, assistant curator; and Sasha Nicholas, consulting curator.

H&M Hennes & Mauritz is pleased to announce the debut of their holiday short film “Come Together“, directed by Wes Anderson starring Adrien Brody. The story takes place on a train traveling through a snowy landscape where Brody plays the conductor. Watch the “Come Together” Holiday Film here or visit hm.com.

Academy-Award winning actor Adrian Brody in still from the H&M’s 2016 Holiday Film, “Come Together” directed by Wes Anderson.

“The winter train ride, under Wes Anderson’s direction, is the perfect setting for H&M’s holiday collection full of relaxed, wearable elegance. It’s about mixing the informal with a sense of occasion, capturing the holiday mood for both dressing up and getting cozy with loved ones.” says Pernilla Wohlfahrt, H&M’s Head of Design and Creative Director.

Academy-Award winning actor Adrian Brody and the cast in still from the H&M’s 2016 Holiday Film, “Come Together” directed by Wes Anderson.

In the film, lone passengers are traveling to join their loved ones for the holidays, but winter weather conspires to way-lay them.

“This story may resonate more than ever at a time in the world where we could all do with giving a stranger a hug.” says actor Adrien Brody.

H&M Holiday 2016 Collection

Downtown Seattle Hotel Guests Receive Half-Price Entry to Region’s Museums and Cultural Institutions in February 2017

February Is The Best Time To Save On Admission To More Than 40 Participating Museums Throughout Seattle And The Surrounding Region.

Visit Seattle‘s third annual Seattle Museum Month – returning February 1-28, 2017 – offers hotel guests half-price admission at more than 40 participating museums throughout Seattle and the region.

Chihuly Garden and Glass. (Photo Credit: Terry Rishel)

Seattle Museum Month , a program created to encourage travelers to visit Seattle in February and celebrate the incredible arts and culture scene present in the region, is produced by Visit Seattle and funded by the Seattle Tourism Improvement Area (STIA), a dedicated marketing fund assessed from guests at the 61 downtown Seattle hotels.

Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park. (Photo Credit: Benjamin Benschneider)

For visitors and locals alike, Seattle Museum Month offers an immersive way of experiencing Seattle’s art, history, music, design and culture. Since its inaugural year in 2015, Museum Month has been an exciting cultural complement to Seattle during a mid-winter vacation.

Seattle Art Museum. (Photo Credit: Benjamin Benschneider)

Seattle’s major museums have returned for this year’s offer – including Seattle Art Museum, Museum of History & Industry, Museum of Flight, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Two internationally renowned glass art museums are included – Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle and the Museum of Glass in Tacoma. The Flying Heritage Collection and the Suquamish Museum are new participants this year.

Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop) (Photo Credit : Brady Harvey)

Furthermore, many exhibitions of note are timed during the month-long promotion. Epicureans can indulge themselves at Edible City: A Delicious Journey at Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), a new exhibit highlighting Seattle’s natural resources, cuisine, famous chefs and its role in the culinary industry.

Also on display in February is part three of the Day in the Life of Bruce Lee: Do You Know Bruce? exhibit at the Wing Luke Museum of the Pacific Asian Experience – the only museum outside Hong Kong to present an exhibition about Bruce Lee. Additionally, Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds at MoPOP commemorates the 50th anniversary of the famous science fiction series and is offered to Museum Month pass holders at a discount.

Seattle Asian Art Museum. (Photo Credit: Benjamin Benschneider)

Visitors can enjoy natural scenery while indoors at Seeing Nature: Landscape Photography from the Paul G. Allen Family Collection, opening February 16 at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), or familiarize themselves with Puget Sound sea life during Octopus Week Feb. 18-26 at the Seattle Aquarium. Dance Theatre of Harlem: 40 Years of Firsts will be on display through Black History Month at the Northwest African American Museum.

Pacific Science Center (Photo Credit: Pacific Science Center)

The full list of participating museums in Seattle Museum Month (in alphabetical order): Asian Art Museum, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art*, Bellevue Arts Museum, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center*, Burke Museum, Center for Wooden Boats, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), formally known as EMP Museum, Flying Heritage Collection, Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Frye Art Museum*, Henry Art Gallery, Job Carr Cabin Museum*, Kids Discovery Museum, Kitsap History Museum, Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park*, LeMay – America’s Car Museum, LeMay Family Collection, Living Computers: Museum + Labs, Milepost 31*, Museum of Flight, Museum of Glass, Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), Nordic Heritage Museum, Northwest African American Museum, Northwest Railway Museum*, Olympic Sculpture Park*, Pacific Bonsai Museum*, Pacific Science Center, Puget Sound Navy Museum*, Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Pinball Museum, Shoreline Historical Museum*, Suquamish Museum, U.S. Naval Undersea Museum, USS Turner Joy, Valentinetti Puppet Museum*, Washington State History Museum, Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience and Woodland Park Zoo (http://seattlemuseummonth.com/participating-museums/), many of which will also offer films, lectures, tours and other special programming during Seattle Museum Month.

Patrons must stay in one of the participating hotels to access Seattle Museum Month offers. For qualifying visitors, the discount will apply to all days participating museums are open in February, subject only to capacity. Some separate, specially ticketed exhibitions, programs and events at various participating museums are not included in Seattle Museum Month.

Guests must present an official Seattle Museum Month guest pass at participating museums to redeem the discounts; these discounts will be valid for all guests staying in the hotel room (not to exceed four people) during hotel stay dates.

“Museums are a place to discover, learn, and feel. When people are inspired to visit museums, everyone benefits,” says Kimerly Rorschach, Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO of the Seattle Art Museum. “Last year, Seattle Museum Month brought in over 1,500 visitors to the museum we wouldn’t have had otherwise. We’re grateful to programs like Seattle Museum Month for attracting new visitors and helping to establish Seattle as a dynamic arts and culture destination. We’re looking forward to seeing what 2017 will bring.”

“Seattle Museum Month provides a great incentive for people to visit the Emerald City during the winter, and the Warwick Seattle is excited to again welcome museum-goers to our hotel,” said Ric Nicholson, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Warwick Seattle. “Nearly everything is walkable, and for those culturally inclined, receiving discounted admission for museums while staying in Seattle adds amazing value to a Seattle visit. Seattle Museum Month fits guests of all ages and interests.”

Visit Seattle, a private, nonprofit marketing organization, has served as Seattle/King County’s official destination marketing organization (DMO) for more than 50 years. The goal of these marketing efforts is to enhance the employment opportunities and economic prosperity of the region. For more information, visit www.visitseattle.org.

* = Free Admission

For the first time, the stunning fashion photography of renowned photographer, illustrator, painter and Hollywood film, director Len Steckler, will be on public display in Southern California and available for sale in an exhibition entitled Len Steckler: Reflections of the Man Behind the Mirror, presented by Limited Runs, the premiere online destination for original and vintage posters, print art and photography. (Photos will also be exclusively available on-line at www.limitedruns.com.)

Revisit The Swingin’ 60s Through The Photos Of Legendary Fashion Photographer Len Steckler with Len Steckler: Reflections of the Man Behind the Mirror, presented by Limited Runs

The Len Steckler: Reflections of the Man Behind the Mirror exhibit will take place February 2nd – 4th in Los Angeles and February 17th – 20th in Palm Springs. It will feature 28 never before seen photos taken between 1960 and 1965 comprising of out-takes from a few of the many commercial fashion and beauty photo shoots Steckler completed during this time period. The Paley Center for Media has said of Steckler’s work, “He helped shape the direction of modern fashion with his stunning fashion photography in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.”

Len Steckler (May 6, 1928 – August 11, 2016) who was a photographer, illustrator, painter and film director, was born and raised in New York, was drawing by the age of five, and studied at Pratt Institute and the Art Students League. As a young illustrator, he won the National Academy Design Award and, after being part of the prestigious Charles Cooper studio, he gained prominence as the originator of the campaign for the first diet drink, Diet Pepsi. His illustrations appeared in all the leading magazines of the day such as, Collier’s, Ladies Home Journal, and The Saturday Evening Post.

Revisit The Swingin’ 60s Through The Photos Of Legendary Fashion Photographer Len Steckler with Len Steckler: Reflections of the Man Behind the Mirror, presented by Limited Runs

While painting, he often relied on his photograph of the model for further reference, and magazine editors started to buy these photographs. He eventually phased out illustration, and in the 60’s and 70’s, Steckler became famous for his fashion and beauty photography. His work appeared in major ad campaigns for Revlon, Cover Girl, AT&T, many Proctor and Gamble products, and American Airlines, to name a few. He launched the careers of young models such as Jennifer O’Neill, Susan Blakeley, Cybil Shepherd and Maud Adams.

In addition to ad campaigns, his photographs appeared in McCall’s, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and he photographed celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Carl Sandburg, Andres Segovia, John Wayne, Faye Dunaway, and Joanne Woodward.

Expanding his career, he started to direct and produce commercials. He gained national notoriety for putting pantyhose on Joe Namath for a Hanes commercial. And his Noxzema spots with the famous phrase, “Take it off, take it all off!” became a pop culture phenomenon. Steckler directed and filmed all the live segments in the Emmy™-award winning television special, “Free To Be You And Me”, which went on to become one of the most popular and influential children’s television specials of past decades. Steckler’s commercials today reside in the Paley Center for Media both in New York and Beverly Hills.

In his late years, Steckler lost his left eye to cancer. In what would have been a devastating blow to most people, made Steckler more obsessed with sight he and continued to create every day, despite a debilitating series of strokes suffered in 2011 until his death in 2016.

GALLERIES

Los Angeles (February 2-4) at The Gallery located at 10545 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles 90064

The opening night premiere party will be held on Thursday, February 2nd from 6:00PM – 9:00PM

Palm Springs (February 17-20) at Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale, Palm Springs Convention Center

The opening night party will be held on Friday, February 17th from 6:00PM – 9:00PM

The photos will be offered as limited edition, numbered prints which will contain an Estate signature on the verso. For more information about the photos, visit https://www.limitedruns.com/blog/len-steckler-press-page/

Established in 2014, Limited Runs (www.limitedruns.com) is the premiere online destination for original and vintage posters, print art and photography. Limited Runs works with knowledgeable, reputable and trusted dealers to both exhibit and sell original, highly desired posters, print art and photography to their growing customer base across North America, Europe and APAC. To learn more, visit www.limitedruns.com

RESPONSIBLY ADVANCING THE ART WORLD THROUGH TECHNOLOGY AND CREATIVITY.

More Than 60 World-Famous Museums, International Art Galleries And Renowned Art Organizations Will Be The First To Launch Websites Using .ART

.ART, the first domain created exclusively for the global art community, is pleased to announce that more than 60 museums and world – renowned arts organizations launched websites dedicated to the new domain first class, including The Art Institute of Chicago , Centre Pompidou, Fondation Beyeler, Fondation Cartier, Guggenheim Museum, Hauser & Wirth, ICA Miami, LACMA, MAXXI, Tate and Walker Art Center, and more. These first. .ART users have entertained plans to activate their new domains, some of which include full migration or consolidation of their existing web sites .ART, while others are launching new websites dedicated to exhibit unique content of its artists and/or collections.

The rights holder in charge of operating and selling the .ART domain is UK Creative Ideas Ltd. (UKCI), an international team based in London. In spring 2016 UKCI signed an agreement with ICANN, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, to be the exclusive operator of the top-level domain.

“Our mission is to preserve the cultural heritage of the world of global art. We are honored that so many respected institutions around the world share our vision and conviction that .ART transform the relationship of the arts community with Internet and help protect your online brand heritage , “said Ulvi Kasimov , founder of .ART.

John Matson , CEO of .ART added: “.ART Provides a new way for the art world online identified The domain is short, simple, easy to remember and have immediate association with the arts for our first users, .ART domain is a natural expression of your brand. “

The first users will first receive access to domain names. .ART; therefore, they have the opportunity to launch content on their respective web sites before the domains are available for purchase by the general public in the summer of 2017. The first .ART users have shared their enthusiasm:

The digital director of the Tate, Ros Lawler, said the museum “is delighted to participate in the launch of this new domain, which will help promote some of the art collections, galleries and museums the world ‘s largest.”

Benoît Parayre, Director of Communications and Partnerships in the Centre Pompidou, said: “A domain name for the art world took enough to appear, but now allow many leaders of the cultural industry, museums, art centers, galleries, collectors, etc., have more relevant domain names to promote their collections and programming. “

“The Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain is very excited to be part of the new digital neighborhood .ART and evolve further their programs, ” said his digital manager, David Desrimais.

Anton Vidokle, artist and founder ofe-flux, added: “The Internet carries a profound educational potential, and a reliable and informative domain dedicated to art will provide an invaluable source of knowledge The domain….. .art will become an effective platform to dignify. the excellent work of arts organizations and artists from all over the world for all those who love and care about the arts.“

Dominique Chevalier, president of the Syndicat National des Antiquaires Antiquaires (SNA), which organizes the Biennale des Antiquaires at the Grand Palais in Paris, said: “For us, and for our galleries, ‘.com’ is too commercial and ‘.fr’ too . generic the problem with most domain names that say nothing about the activity that one performs, ‘.ART’ solves that.“

Lelia Pissarro, co-owner of the Stern Pissarro Gallery and great – granddaughter of the artist Camille Pissarro, said:.. “The Internet has the greatest impact on the market of global art has taken the art to every corner of the world the way forward in terms of domain names is clearly categorizing industries. We have the impression that they represent the names Pissarro, combined with ‘.com’ detracted elegance. Now to be able to use ‘pissarro.art’ simply is the perfect solution. it comes to cover an old gap in our marketing strategy and how we project.“

The first users have comprehensive plans for their respective sites:

Tate, LACMA, Multimedia Art Museum and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum will create websites that highlight the various aspects of their collections, while the Fondation Cartier will use the domain to make its collection available to the public for the first time in its history. Meanwhile, the Centre Pompidou will launch a dedicated website with useful information in English and other languages for their foreign visits.

Hauser & Wirth celebrate the 25th anniversary of the gallery by launching an interactive website that displays a visual chronology detailing the nearly three decades of history gallery. In addition, Canesso Gallery, Galerie Meyer Oceanic & Eskimo Art, Galerie Perrin, Tomasso Brothers Fine Art , Stern Pissarro Gallery and Venus migrated completely its current websites to their new .ART domains.

TIMELINE

• December 2016 – February 2017: ICANN (TMCH)-registered trademarks will be able to register their .ART domains in this phase, also called Sunrise.
• February – May 2017: The registration process will be open to members of the art world only.
• May 2017 onwards: Anyone with an interest in the arts can register .ART domains.

To see the complete list of the first users of .ART, visit http://www.art.art.

Selected from thousands of entries, an underwater photo of sardine migration on the Wild Coast of South Africa has been selected as the grand-prize winner of the 2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year contest. The photo, titled “Sardine Run,” was captured by Greg Lecoeur of Nice, France. He has won a 10-day trip for two to the Galápagos with National Geographic Expeditions and two 15-minute image portfolio reviews with National Geographic photo editors.

Greg Lecoeur – 2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

The judges for the contest were National Geographic magazine’s senior photo editor of natural history assignments, Kathy Moran, and National Geographic photographers Joe Riis and Jim Brandenburg, both of whom have been widely published for their natural history photojournalism. Contestants submitted photographs in four categories — Action, Landscape, Animal Portraits and Environmental Issues — through National Geographic’s photography community, Your Shot.

Varun Aditya, of Tamil Nadu, India, placed first in the Animal Portraits category for a photo of a snake

Lecoeur took the photo in June 2015 after waiting two weeks to witness the natural predation on sardines captured in the photo.

Vadim Balakin, of Sverdlovsk, Russia, placed first in the Environmental Issues category for a photo of polar bear remains in Norway. “These polar bear remains have been discovered at one of the islands of Northern Svalbard. Unfortunately we do not know definitely whether the bear died from starving or aging, but more likely if we see the good teeth status – from starving . They say nowadays such remains to be founded very often – global warming and ice situation influence the polar bear population a lot. Svalbard, Norway, august 2014 Svalbard, Norway, august 2014“

“During the sardine migration along the Wild Coast of South Africa, millions of sardines are preyed upon by marine predators such as dolphins, marine birds, sharks, whales, penguins, sailfishes and sea lions. The hunt begins with common dolphins that have developed special hunting techniques to create and drive bait balls to the surface,” Lecouer said. “In recent years, probably due to overfishing and climate change, the annual sardine run has become more and more unpredictable.”

Varun Aditya, of Tamil Nadu, India, placed first in the Animal Portraits category for a photo of a snake; Vadim Balakin, of Sverdlovsk, Russia, placed first in the Environmental Issues category for a photo of polar bear remains in Norway; and Jacob Kapetein of Gerland, Netherlands, placed first in the Landscape category for a photo of a small beech tree in a river. Lecoeur’s photo won the Action category.

All of the winning photos, along with the honorable mentions, may be viewed at natgeo.com/photocontest.

Irving Penn (1917–2009), known for his iconic fashion, portrait and still life images that appeared in Vogue magazine, ranks as one of the twentieth century’s most prolific and influential photographers. The first retrospective of his work in 20 years, Irving Penn: Beyond Beauty conveys the extraordinary breadth and legacy of the American artist and will be on view at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts from February 24 to May 29, 2017.

Irving Penn. Young Boy, Pause Pause, American South, 1941, printed 2001. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation. © The Irving Penn Foundation

Organized by the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Merry Foresta, the museum’s curator of photography from 1983 to 1999, the exhibition contains more than 140 photographs, including the debut of 100 photographs recently donated by The Irving Penn Foundation and several previously unseen or never-before-exhibited photographs. Penn’s renown as a fashion photographer is matched by the recognition of his innovative and insightful portraits, still lifes, nudes, and travel photographs. The exhibition features work from all stages of Penn’s career, including street scenes from the late 1930s, photographs of the American South from the early 1940s, celebrity portraits, fashion photographs, and Penn’s stunning late color work.

Irving Penn. Bee, New York, 1995, printed 2001. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation. © The Irving Penn Foundation

In a career that spanned nearly 70 years, Penn’s aesthetic and technical skill earned him accolades in both the artistic and commercial worlds. He was a master of both black-and-white and color photography, and his revival of platinum printing in the 1960s and 1970s was a catalyst for significant change in the art world. He successfully crossed the chasm that separated magazine and fine-art photography, narrowing the gap between art and fashion. “Penn adopted a workmanlike approach to making pictures,'” says Frist Center Chief Curator Mark Scala. “But even in his most commercial images, he upended convention with a penchant for formal surprise.”

Irving Penn. Woman in Moroccan Palace (Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn), Marrakech, 1951, printed 1969. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist. © Condé Nast

Schooled in painting and design, Penn eventually chose photography as his life’s work. His portraits and fashion photographs defined elegance, yet throughout his career, he also transformed mundane objects—storefront signs, food, cigarette butts, street debris—into memorable images of unexpected, often surreal, beauty.

Irving Penn. Issey Miyake Fashion: White and Black, New York, 1990, printed 1992. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation. © The Irving Penn Foundation

The exhibition is arranged in reverse chronology, allowing viewers to peel away layers of history by moving from the present into the past. In Bee, made for Vogue in 1995, Penn reflects the decadence that permeated much fashion photography of the nineties. Penn’s equally assertive portraits show cultural figures such as dancer Rudolph Nureyev, singer Leontyne Price, and painter Francis Bacon in intimate close-up. “Rather than containing clues about their creative enterprise, the portraits allow nuanced facial expressions to convey deep introspection,” says Scala. “And among the most psychologically charged of Penn’s images are his ‘corner portraits.'” Taken in the late 1940s, these photographs depict artists, writers, and others posed in a constructed corner, often in positions suggesting discomfort and claustrophobia.

His earliest works—urban street scenes from the late 1930s and photographs of the American South made during a road trip from New York to Mexico in 1941–42—show Penn to be attuned to the photography of his own time, especially the documentary approach of Walker Evans and the New York Photo League. At the same time, they echo Surrealism’s fascination with provocative juxtaposition and symbolic meaning.

Public Programs

Friday, February 24

Curator’s Perspective: “Irving Penn: Beyond Fashion” presented by Merry Foresta, founding director, Smithsonian Institution Photography Initiative

6:30 p.m., Frist Center Auditorium, Free; first come, first seated

Independent curator Merry Foresta will introduce major developments in Penn’s career and exhibition highlights in this one-hour lecture.

Irving Penn: Beyond Beauty comes to The Frist Center with generous support from ART MENTOR FOUNDATION LUCERNE, Sakurako and William Fisher, The William R. Kenan Jr. Endowment Fund, The Lauder Foundation—Leonard and Judy Lauder Fund, Edward Lenkin and Roselin Atzwanger, The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, Margery and Edgar Masinter, The Margery and Edgar Masinter Exhibitions Fund, the James F. Petersen Charitable Fund in honor of Tania and Tom Evans, The Bernie Stadiem Endowment Fund, and the Trellis Fund. The C. F. Foundation in Atlanta supports the museum’s traveling exhibition program, Treasures to Go. This exhibition is also supported in part by the Metro Nashville Arts Commission, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art exhibition center dedicated to presenting and originating high-quality exhibitions with related educational programs and community outreach activities. Located at 919 Broadway in downtown Nashville, Tenn., the Frist Center offers the finest visual art from local, regional, national, and international sources in exhibitions that inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways. Additional information is available by calling 615.244.3340 or by visiting www.fristcenter.org.

Gap Pays Homage To The Past And Celebrates Emerging Talent With Rumer Willis, Coco Gordon, Evan Ross, Chelsea Tyler, Lizzy Jagger, TJ Mizell and Naomi Campbell

Gap announces the launch of a limited-edition collection – the ’90’s Archive Re-Issue – for men and women featuring iconic styles from the ’90’s including the Bodysuit, Reverse Fit and Easy Fit Denim, Pleated Khakis and the timeless Pocket Tee, available online and in select stores globally starting February 7.

The design team came up with the idea for the collection after multiple visits to Gap’s on-site archives studio in New York where the company houses key fashions from all of the brands spanning the course of the company’s 46-year history. After pouring through racks and racks of some of the brand’s most beloved styles, the team realized that so many key ’90’s fashions are not only relevant today, but many of these timeless pieces are so uniquely Gap.

To launch the collection, Gap collaborated with director Kevin Calero to create ‘Generation Gap,’ a film that is the ultimate contemporary homage to the iconic Gap ads of the ’90’s with references to “Mellow Yellow,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and “Just Can’t Get Enough” and updated with a modern twist. ‘Generation Gap‘ features a roll call of emerging talent cast from the offspring of stars of the iconic Gap ’90s ads with a special cameo from the timeless icon and Gap alumni Naomi Campbell wearing the iconic pocket tee that she modeled in 1992 for her Steven Meisel shoot. Set to an a capella version of the 1992 Billboard music #1 hit ‘All 4 Love‘ by Color me Badd, ‘Generation Gap‘ is a nod to the past and a celebration of the next generation as they reimagine the iconic Gap looks in their own unique style.

Gap Launches Limited-Edition ’90’s Archive Re-Issue Collection with ‘Generation Gap’ Film

This reissue is a true homage to some of their customers’ favorite ’90s trends. In fact, the design team was so committed to the authenticity of the project, that the pieces will feature the exact same tags, trims, hardware and denim washes that some may still have in their drawers.

“We were determined to replicate the same color and washes of the original denim pieces from the ’90s using our current fabrics, some innovative wash techniques, and a sustainable process. We sent our manufacturing partners photos, swatches, and multiple samples to make sure we got everything exactly right,” said Natalie Nelson, Wash Manager of Gap’s denim design.

“The ’90’s is having a sartorial moment and we have an archive of pieces that set the tone for that decade commercially and culturally, so it seemed right to re-issue some of those pieces and the stories that come with them,” said Craig Brommers, chief marketing officer for Gap. “‘Generation Gap’ came together in a celebration of who was with us then and who we are with now – it has, at its heart, that simple truth that we can take from the past but also celebrate our future.”

The ‘Generation Gap’ cast includes:

Model Lizzy Jagger, daughter of Jerry Hall, wears her take on the classic black Bodysuit that her mother flaunted in 1991.

“The classic look for anyone is not just a ’90’s look. The white t-shirt and jeans look has gone through the decades and is still around, and I think of that as being really Gap,” said Jagger.

DJ TJ Mizell, son of Jam Master Jay of Run DMC, wears the iconic Gap Logo Sweatshirt that his father wore in the “Original Fit Jeans” commercial in 1990.

“I feel honored. Being part of anything Run DMC is a huge honor for me and being able to back up my father’s legacy with Gap,” said Mizell.

Actor Evan Ross, son of Diana Ross, wears the sleeveless Logo Tee as a tribute to his mother who wore a simple tank in her 1991 ad.

“Gap can transcend all eras. It still feels relevant. It looks like what we would be wearing right now… it is at the cusp of what we’re doing right now,” said Ross.

Singer Chelsea Tyler, daughter of Steven Tyler, wears the sleeveless Tee and Reverse Pleated Jeans channeling her dad’s “Easy Fit Jeans” commercial from 1997.

“Gap is taking something so classic that we all know and is so quintessential in our minds but has a new spin and current feeling to it,” said Tyler.

Singer Rumer Willis, daughter of Demi Moore, wears the Cropped Denim Jacket, similar to the one her mother wore in her 1990 ad, with the Henley Bodysuit.

“Gap was really the first brand to come out of the box… and do different and interesting things,” said Willis.

Artist Coco Gordon, daughter of Kim Gordon who wore the Pocket Tee in her 1990 ad, wears the navy Icon Leather Jacket, black short-sleeve Mockneck Tee and High Rise Denim Short in the film.

“My mom always bought me Gap clothes… we definitely went to the Gap for my cool clothes.“

Model Actress & Activist Naomi Campbell, who was shot wearing the Pocket Tee in her 1992 ad by Steven Meisel, wears the Pocket Tee re-issue in the film.

“It’s an honor to be here, in the same outfit that I wore twenty years ago in my Gap ad,” said Campbell. “The creativity in the ’90s is something I’m so grateful that I got to be a part of and to see and to learn from and to draw inspiration from.”

“I was a ‘Gap kid’ so when the call came through to re-interpret the legendary ’90’s Gap campaigns, it was a dream come true,” says ‘Generation Gap’ director Kevin Calero. “The ’90’s ads set the tone for a whole stream of fashion attitudes and moments. I don’t think many other brands could pull off this sort of film with authenticity and heart.“

For further information on the collection and to view ‘Generation Gap’ go to www.Gap.com/archivereissue.

Visual Artist Nari Ward And Biophysicists Lily And Yuh-Nung Jan Receive $100,000 Vilcek Prizes

Winners Of Vilcek Prizes For Creative Promise Each Receive $50,000 Awards

The Vilcek Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of the annual Vilcek Prizes, recognizing outstanding immigrant contributions to the American arts and sciences. The Vilcek Prize in Biomedical Science will be awarded jointly to Chinese-born Lily and Yuh-Nung Jan, a collaborative research duo and professors of molecular physiology at the University of California, San Francisco. The Vilcek Prize in the Arts recognizes Jamaican-born Nari Ward, a New York-based visual artist known for found-object assemblage art. Each prize includes a $100,000 cash award. The prizewinners were selected by panels of experts in each field; they will be honored at an awards gala in New York City in April 2017.

“Like all great artists and scientists, these immigrant prizewinners challenge our very perceptions of the world,” said Rick Kinsel, president of the Vilcek Foundation. “Their works are attempts to understand fundamental questions and concepts in American society, from the neurological underpinnings of the self to the institution of democracy.”

The Vilcek Foundation was established in 2000 by Jan and Marica Vilcek, immigrants from the former Czechoslovakia. The mission of the foundation, to honor the contributions of immigrants to the United States and to foster an appreciation of the arts and sciences, was inspired by the couple’s respective careers in biomedical science and art history, as well as their personal experiences and appreciation for the opportunities they received as newcomers to this country. The foundation awards annual prizes to prominent immigrant biomedical scientists and artists and manages the Vilcek Foundation Art Collections, a promised gift from its founders.

This year, the Vilcek Prize in the Arts is awarded in the fine arts, marking the completion of an 11-year cycle through various disciplines in the arts and humanities. The recipient, Nari Ward, was born in Jamaica and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 12. He is known for found-object assemblage artworks that invite both a public conversation and an intimate dialogue with the viewer around topics of race, immigration, and the Caribbean diaspora identity. His usage of found objects aims to highlight the history of a place and the urgency of the moment; his installation Naturalization Drawing Table features a large desk—built out of Plexiglas bodega barriers—covered with dense linear drawings made over copies of Immigration and Naturalization Service applications. On select days during the exhibition, viewers are invited to “apply” for naturalization by lining up and filling out an application, giving them a taste of the bureaucratic process of applying for citizenship. Ward has won several prestigious art prizes, including the Joyce Award, the Rome Prize, a Bessie Award, and several other awards from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation.

Lily and Yuh-Nung Jan were both born in China and raised in Taiwan. They came to the U.S. as graduate students of physics at the California Institute of Technology but switched their focus to biology, in part inspired by their mentor, the renowned biophysicist Max Delbrück. Over the course of a collaborative career spanning over four decades, the husband-and-wife team has made many significant discoveries in the field of neuroscience, with far-reaching clinical implications. They isolated the gene encoding a protein that shuttles potassium ions across cell membranes, enabling the characterization of a molecular player important to functions as vital as maintaining heart rate and controlling muscle movement. Today, this type of ion channel is implicated in diseases such as epilepsy, ataxia, and hypertension. Simultaneously, the Jans identified genes and principles underlying the processes by which neurons acquire distinct identities, burgeon into thickets, and establish precise circuits; their work in this area may help unravel human diseases such as autism and schizophrenia. Currently, professors of molecular physiology at the University of California, San Francisco, the Jans have been honored with membership in the United States National Academy of Sciences, as well as with Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator awards.

The Vilcek Foundation also awards the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise, given to younger immigrants who have shown substantial talent and ability early in their careers. Each prize includes a $50,000 cash award. The winners in the fine arts are the following:

Iman Issa, born in Egypt, a conceptual artist, creates objects and installations in an attempt to address complex philosophical questions. Her original area of study was phenomenology, a branch of philosophy that examines the structures of consciousness that organize subjective experience—or, put another way, how we take meaning from things we individually experience. Later, Issa realized that art allowed for nuanced exploration of those topics, and continued her philosophical questioning through art. She is particularly interested in monuments and memorials—aesthetic forms tasked with a function that holds a shifting relevance based on their location in time and relationship to history. Her work has been shown at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the 8th Berlin Biennial, and the New Museum, and she has received the DAAD 2017 Artist in Residence Award, the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award, and the HNF-MACBA Award.

Meleko Mokgosi, born in Botswana, is a slow, considered painter; behind every painting he produces are hours of research, reading, and conversations with people. Mokgosi is interested in depictions of Africa and its people; he believes that the widespread misrepresentation of Africa and Africans has done a violence to the people of the continent, and through his art he attempts a representation that is fair and just. He is deeply concerned with politics and seeks to understand and illuminate the relations of power that shape people, families, villages, regions, and nations. Mokgosi has been named the recipient of the Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters Grant and the Jarl and Pamela Mohn Award, and he has shown his work at Art Basel, the Armory, the Hammer Museum, and the Whitney Museum.

Carlos Motta, born in Colombia, works in a variety of media—including video, performance, photography, and sculpture—to explore questions of identity, sexuality, and politics, and to identify and dissect the relations between an individual and the culture that forms them. Since moving to the United States in 1996, Motta has become more interested in questions of representation and the experience of democracy, the emotional underpinnings of political awareness, and the ways that dominant accounts of history have become biased. Motta has won a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Future Generation Art Prize from Pinchuk Art Centre, and grants from Creative Capital and New York State Council on the Arts, and his work has been shown at the Perez Art Museum Miami, The Tanks at Tate Modern, and at MoMA/PS1.

The winners of the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science are the following:

Michaela Gack, born in Germany, has uncovered potential molecular targets for the design of antiviral drugs and vaccines for a range of infectious diseases. Early in her career, Gack identified the molecular mechanism by which a protein called RIG-I tips off the human immune system to lurking viruses and triggers a defensive response. The mechanism turns on an enzyme called TRIM25, which activates RIG-I by tagging it with proteins called ubiquitins. Following Gack’s discovery, it was found that ubiquitin-tagging by TRIM enzymes is a common immune defense strategy. Because flu viruses block TRIM25 to sidestep the resulting immune response, her findings have yielded a potential target for designing antiviral drugs and vaccines. More recently, Gack has focused on mosquito-borne viruses such as dengue and West Nile virus, and her work could pave the way toward the rational design of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases. Gack is an associate professor at the University of Chicago.

Michael Halassa, an assistant professor at New York University and born in Jordan, has illuminated how the brain filters sensory noise and sustains attention. By making mice a viable model for cognitive neuroscience, Halassa has probed aspects of attention and perception that have long eluded mechanistic study. His work revealed how the thalamus, a brain region primarily thought to be a sensory relay station, plays a broader role, contributing to cognition. Specifically, he found that thalamic circuits involved in sensory processing operate as tunable filters, enabling the brain to suppress sensory noise during selective attention. He also identified a form of autism in which this filtering process is deficient, paving a potential path to treatment. More recently, he has shown that the thalamus amplifies functional connectivity in the brain’s cortex, sustaining attention and perception. His findings could help understand how the brain generates the mind.

Ahmet Yildiz has used his expertise in visualizing molecules found in living cells to uncover the precise mode of action of molecular motors, which are proteins that ferry cargo along the cellular backbone to support vital functions like neuronal development and cell division. Visualizing the stepwise movement of these motors—kinesins, myosins, and dyneins—along cellular scaffolding had long remained technically challenging. Yildiz developed a technique to localize fluorescent dyes within cells at 1-nanometer resolution, surmounting the challenge and imaging the march of molecular motors on cellular tracks. In related work, Yildiz used super-resolution microscopy techniques to suggest how a protein complex called shelterin protects the ends of chromosomes from the deleterious action of DNA repair enzymes. Because damage to chromosome ends has been tied to premature aging and cancer, Yildiz’s findings may yield clinically relevant targets for the treatment of such diseases in the future. Yildiz, an associate professor at the University of California, Berkeley, was born near Turkey.

For more information about the prizewinners and jurors, and to learn more about the Vilcek Foundation, please visit vilcek.org.

A Broad Range Of Moving Image Artists To Be Shown In The 2017 Biennial’s Film Program

A series of film screenings and conversations will be presented as part of the 2017 Whitney Biennial, opening at the Whitney Museum of American Art on March 17. The series takes place over ten consecutive weekends, from March 17 through May 21, 2017, in the Susan and John Hess Family Theater on the Museum’s third floor. Each Sunday, the 3 pm screening will be followed by a conversation with the filmmakers, joined by writers, curators, and scholars.

Leslie Thornton (b. 1951) and James Richards (b. 1983), still from Crossing, 2016. High-definition video, color, sound; 19:10 min. Courtesy the artists

Film program co-curator and Biennial advisor Aily Nash notes: “At once radical and quiet, global and intimate, the works presented in the 2017 Whitney Biennial film program continue to reflect on the urgent themes seen in the exhibition. These artists are some of the most exciting voices working in moving image today. They engage the medium with formal rigor and innovation while exploring the subjective and affective experiences of the contemporary political and social moment. The broad range of artists spans generations and approaches to the moving image including documentary practice, experimental film, narrative cinema, and video installation.”

Featured artists are Basma Alsharif, Eric Baudelaire, Robert Beavers, Mary Helena Clark, Kevin Jerome Everson, Sky Hopinka, Dani Leventhal, Beatriz Santiago Muñoz, Cauleen Smith, Leslie Thornton and James Richards, Leilah Weinraub, and James N. Kienitz Wilkins. See a complete schedule at whitney.org.

The formation of self and the individual’s place in a turbulent society are among the key themes reflected in the work of the artists selected for the 2017 Whitney Biennial. The exhibition includes sixty-three participants, ranging from emerging to well-established individuals and collectives working in painting, sculpture, drawing, installation, film and video, photography, activism, performance, music, and video game design.

With a history of exhibiting the most promising and influential artists and provoking debate, the Whitney Biennial—the Museum’s signature exhibition—is the longest running survey of contemporary art in the United States. The Biennial, an invitational show of work produced in the preceding two years, was introduced by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney in 1932, and it is the longest continuous series of exhibitions in the country to survey recent developments in American art.

The 2017 Whitney Biennial will be accompanied by an exhibition catalogue, designed by Olga Casellas Badillo of San Juan–based Tiguere Corp., which includes essays by the curators as well as Biennial advisors Negar Azimi and Gean Moreno, a conversation between the curators and Scott Rothkopf, and a roundtable with filmmakers moderated by Aily Nash. The book will also feature individual entries on each of the sixty-three participants in the exhibition along with reproductions of their work. It will be published by the Whitney Museum of American Art and distributed by Yale University Press.

The 2017 Whitney Biennial is co-curated by Christopher Y. Lew and Mia Locks

The Whitney Biennial 2017 is presented by Tiffany & Co. Major support is provided by JP Morgan and Sotheby’s. Major support is also provided by The Brown Foundation, Inc., of Houston and the National Committee of the Whitney Museum of American Art. Significant support is provided by the Philip and Janice Levin Foundation.

Generous support is provided by 2017 Biennial Committee Co-Chairs: Leslie Bluhm, Beth Rudin DeWoody, Bob Gersh, and Miyoung Lee; 2017 Biennial Committee members: Ashley Leeds and Christopher Harland, Diane and Adam E. Max, Teresa Tsai, Suzanne and Bob Cochran, Rebecca and Martin Eisenberg, Amanda and Glenn Fuhrman, Barbara and Michael Gamson, Kourosh Larizadeh and Luis Pardo, Iris Z. Marden, Tracy and Gary Mezzatesta, and Jackson Tang; the Henry Peterson Foundation; and anonymous donors.

Additional support is provided by the Austrian Federal Chancellery and Phileas – A Fund for Contemporary Art. Funding is also provided by special Biennial endowments created by Melva Bucksbaum, Emily Fisher Landau, Leonard A. Lauder, and Fern and Lenard Tessler.

Additional endowment support is provided by The Keith Haring Foundation Exhibition Fund, Donna Perret Rosen and Benjamin M. Rosen, and the Jon and Mary Shirley Foundation. Curatorial research and travel for this exhibition were funded by an endowment established by Rosina Lee Yue and Bert A. Lies, Jr., MD.

The Whitney Museum of American Art is located at 99 Gansevoort Street between Washington and West Streets, New York City. Museum hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 10:30 am to 6 pm; Friday and Saturday from 10:30 am to 10 pm. Closed Tuesday. Adults: $22 in advance via whitney.org; $25 day of a visit. Full-time students and visitors 65 & over: $17 in advance via whitney.org; $18 day of a visit. Visitors 18 years & under and Whitney members: FREE. Admission is pay-what-you-wish on Fridays, 7–10 pm. For general information, please call (212) 570-3600 or visit whitney.org.

The Jewish Museum’s long-running collection exhibition, Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey, originally mounted in 1993, recently close, making way for a major, new collection display, Scenes from the Collection, opening in Fall 2017. Culture and Continuity’s last day on view was Sunday, February 12, 2017.

The Jewish Museum (New York) logo

The Jewish Museum‘s unparalleled collection spans 4,000 years of Jewish culture through nearly 30,000 objects, including painting, sculpture, photography, decorative arts, ceremonial objects, antiquities, works on paper, and media. Scenes from the Collection will transform the Museum’s third floor and feature over 650 works from antiquities to contemporary art – many of which will be on view for the first time at the Museum. The exhibition was designed by Tsao & McKown Architects.

Hanukkah Lamp, Orivit-Aktiengesellschaft (1900-1905), Köln-Braunsfeld (Germany), 1900-05. White metal: cast and silver-plated; glass: mold formed, 13⅞ x 12¾ x 5 5/16 in. (35.3 x 32.4 x 13.5 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York, Gift of Dr. Harry G. Friedman (?), F 3573.

The new exhibition will be divided into eight different sections, or scenes, highlighting the diversity and depth of the collection. The new installation will present the collection as a reflection of the continual evolution that is the essence of Jewish identity, as well as a powerful expression of artistic and cultural creativity.

“Scenes from the Collection will immerse our visitors in a dynamic and engaging experience. Developed collaboratively among the Museum’s curatorial staff, the new installation is a reflection of the Jewish Museum’s unique position as an art museum exploring Jewish culture and identity through a contemporary lens,” said Claudia Gould, Helen Goldsmith Menschel Director of the Jewish Museum.

Torah Binder, Rabat (Morocco), 19th century. Cotton: embroidered with silk thread, 9 1/2 × 103 3/4 in. (24.1 × 263.5 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York, Gift of Sonia Cohen Azagury, 2004-64.

In addition, Scenes from the Collection will be flexible, with four scenes changing annually, and one changing every six months, so that different subjects can be examined while more of the collection is on view. The stories the works of art tell will illuminate multiple perspectives on being Jewish in the past and present, how Jewish culture intersects with art and the art world, and how it is part of the larger world of global interconnections.

The eight scenes are:

Origins

Scenes from the Collection will start from the beginning – the year 1904 when the Museum was founded with a gift of ceremonial objects from Judge Mayer Sulzberger. Central to this section will be the question of what, why, and how the Museum has collected and what this says about the changing identity of the institution, the Jewish community, and the art world.

Constellations

Laurie Simmons (American, b. 1949), Woman Listening to Radio, 1978. Gelatin silver print, sheet: 7 15/16 × 9 15/16 in. (20.2 × 25.2 cm); image: 5 3/16 × 8 in. (13.2 × 20.3 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York, Purchase: Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Fund, 2013-1. © Laurie Simmons, image courtesy of the artist and Salon 94, New York

In “Constellations,” over 50 of the most visually powerful and culturally significant works in the collection – from antiquities to the twenty-first century – will be exhibited as individual gems but with powerful thematic connections to one another. Such issues will be explored as transforming and transcending tradition, cultural distinctiveness and universality, and ever-changing notions of identity. Groups of works will relate to each other aesthetically or contextually, creating multiple conversations. For example, three works that can be seen as challenging tradition are Peter Blume’s Pig’s Feet and Vinegar (1927), Laurie Simmons’ Woman Listening to Radio (1978), and Nicole Eisenman’s Seder (2011).

Nicole Eisenman (American, b. France, 1965), Seder, 2010. Oil on canvas, 39 1/16 × 48 in. (99.2 × 121.9 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York, Purchase Lore Ross Bequest; Milton and Miriam Handler Endowment Fund; and Fine Arts Acquisitions Committee Fund, 2011-3 © Nicole Eisenman.

Accumulations

This section will spotlight an aspect of museum collecting – the accumulation of multiple examples of a given work. The first iteration will feature a collection of 100 stereoscopic photographs taken of such sites as the Western Wall and the Dead Sea. The 3D pictures were taken around 1900 when the popularity of stereograms was at its peak. Visitors will be able to re-create the experience of viewing the stereograms through a Kaiserpanorama and see the originals displayed in cases.

Personas

A selection drawn from the Museum’s large and rich collection of portraits from different times and places make up this section. Seen together, the portraits offer remarkable insights into a range of social, political, and historical circumstances. The first iteration will display self-portraits by such artists as Ross Bleckner, David Bomberg, Nan Goldin, Lee Krasner, Louise Nevelson, and Man Ray, among others.

Taxonomies

Torah Case Finials, Cochin, India, 18th-19th century. Gold: repoussé, pierced, and engraved; tin backing, a: 8 1/4 × 3 3/8 in. (21 × 8.5 cm) b: 7 5/8 × 3 7/16 in. (19.3 × 8.8 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York, Purchase: Gift of Michael and Luz Zak and Judaica Acquisitions Fund, 1982-184a-b.

“Taxonomies” will be organized as a contemporary Wunderkammer (Cabinet of Wonders), a historical style of display first popularized during the Renaissance and recognized as a precursor of today’s museums. This scene will be crowded with works of art and artifacts of various origins and materials which are juxtaposed and organized in an unexpected and inventive presentation. Objects on view will range from Torah ornaments made from ivory and a model of the ancient Temple of Jerusalem in a bottle to replicas of ancient sailing ships to a spice container by Lucy Puls (2006). “Taxonomies” will transcend traditional curatorial categories in order to reveal interesting relationships between objects in the collection.

Torah Crown, Lwów (Lviv, Ukraine), 1764/65-73. Silver: repoussé, cast, pierced, engraved, and parcel-gilt; semi-precious stones; glass Height: 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm) Diameter: 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York, Gift of Dr. Harry G. Friedman, F 2585.

Signs and Symbols

This section will explore the significance of a particular iconic element or motif in a variety of works. The first iteration will examine the meaning of the Star of David within Jewish contexts as well as the various interpretations of the six-pointed star as a widespread motif in other cultures. Works on view will range from a Bohemian Hanukkah lamp (probably eighteenth century) that uses the star as an emblem for this Czech Jewish community. Persian and Indian Judaica features the symbol as an expression of the late nineteenth and early twentieth-century Zionist sentiment. A ceramic beer pitcher from the late nineteenth century decorated with the star will also be on display, attesting to the star’s secular use as a hexagram on tavern signs in Europe. Examples of post-Holocaust art will also be featured, including Morris Louis’s Untitled (Jewish Star) (c. 1951). And in Dana Frankfort’s Star of David (Orange) (2007), the artist intends the star to be a symbol that anyone can make the subject of a work of art.

Television and Beyond

An important part of the Museum’s collection will be explored in this section: the National Jewish Archive of Broadcasting (NJAB). With more than 4,000 holdings, the archive is the largest and most comprehensive body of broadcast materials on Jewish culture in the United States. A selection of television clips, rotating every six months, will examine how Jews have been portrayed and portray themselves, and how mass media has addressed issues of religion, ethnicity, and diversity. The first program will feature recent TV shows.

Masterpieces and Curiosities

“Masterpieces and Curiosities” is a series of installations focusing on single works from the Museum’s collection. The first iteration in Scenes from the Collection will feature a bracelet created in Theresienstadt, a town in Czechoslovakia that served as a camp-ghetto between 1941 and 1945. Over 140,000 Jews were deported there by the Nazis, including many artists and writers who struggled to maintain a vibrant cultural life. Intimate creations such as the bracelet gave some meaning to the lives of inmates in the ghetto. Additional personal works that were created in Theresienstadt will also be displayed. More recent images of the ghetto by contemporary photographer Judith Glickman Lauder will provide a stark contrast between the dehumanizing conditions imposed by the Nazis and the beauty of the pieces created by prisoners.

Scenes from the Collection is organized by a Jewish Museum curatorial team headed by Jens Hoffmann, Director of Special Exhibitions and Public Programs, and Susan L. Braunstein, Henry J. Leir Curator, including Shira Backer, Leon Levy Curatorial Associate; Stephen Brown, Neubauer Family Foundation Associate Curator; Jaron Gandelman, Curatorial Assistant for Media; Norman Kleeblatt, Susan and Elihu Rose Chief Curator; Mason Klein, Curator; Claudia Nahson, Morris and Eva Feld Curator; Rebecca Shaykin, Leon Levy Assistant Curator; Kelly Taxter, Associate Curator; and Aviva Weintraub, Associate Curator.

Scenes from the Collection is made possible with leadership support from Amy and Jeffrey Silverman and the Eugene and Emily Grant Family Foundation, and through generous gifts from the Wilf Family Foundation, Debra Fine and Martin Schneider, Tracey and Robert Pruzan, Monica and Andrew Weinberg, gifts in honor of Regina Gruss, Jonathan and Darcie Crystal, Rhoda, Nolan and Harriet Rothkopf, Neubauer Family Foundation, Dr. William Pordy, the Knapp Family Foundation, Betty and John Levin, the Malinsky Family Charitable Trust and the Ira Waldbaum Family Foundation, Sara and Axel Schupf, the Stern Family Philanthropic Foundation, the Gottesman Fund, and other generous donors.

Located on Museum Mile at Fifth Avenue and 92nd Street (1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street), The Jewish Museum is one of the world’s preeminent institutions devoted to exploring art and Jewish culture from ancient to contemporary, offering intellectually engaging, educational, and provocative exhibitions and programs for people of all ages and backgrounds. The Museum was established in 1904 when Judge Mayer Sulzberger donated a group of objects to The Jewish Theological Seminary as the core of a museum collection. Today, the Museum maintains a collection of nearly 30,000 works of art, artifacts, and broadcast media reflecting global Jewish identity, and presents a diverse schedule of internationally acclaimed temporary exhibitions. Visitors can now also enjoy Russ & Daughters at the Jewish Museum, a kosher sit-down restaurant and take-out appetizing counter on the Museum’s lower level.

Museum hours are Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, 11 am to 5:45 pm; Thursday, 11 am to 8 pm; and Friday, 11 am to 4 pm. Museum admission is $15.00 for adults, $12.00 for senior citizens, $7.50 for students, free for visitors 18 and under and Jewish Museum members. Admission is Pay What You Wish on Thursdays from 5 pm to 8 pm and free on Saturdays. For information on the Jewish Museum, the public may call 212.423.3200 or visit the website at www.TheJewishMuseum.org.