The world of casinos and gambling is a source of endless inspiration for musicians and composers. The emotions and atmosphere inherent in gambling contribute to the creation of music that captures listeners and transports them into a world of passion, risk, and excitement. In this article, we’ll look at a list of songs that reflect the spirit and atmosphere of casinos and are inspired by the world of gambling.
Continue reading Popular Songs Inspired by the World of Casinos
Russell Brand (All Gallery Photos By Gail)
Hasted Kraeutler is currently hosting a major retrospective of Martin Schoeller’s unique portrait photography, which has been organized to coincide with the release of his Portraits Coffee Table Book, spanning 15 years of the photographer’s illustrious career.
Lady Gaga
Schoeller’s work has a playfulness that reminds me a little it of Annie Leibovitz from back when she was all the rage. These portraits are very challenging to shoot because you can’t get a direct shot without getting yourself in the glare of the frame’s glass, so apologies for so many side angle shots, but it could not be helped. Here are a few of our favorites from the show!
Steve Carell, star of The Office, has tape over his face. Clever.
I believe this shot of artist Jeff Koons was taken for his New York Magazine exposé in 2013. Gazing Ball had just opened at David Zwirner gallery. Good times.
Here is actress Cate Blanchett. She is so beautiful, and also an excellent actress!
Zach Galifianakis: I saw his standup comedy routine once and it was hilarious.
Sarah Silverman, also a very funny lady
Everybody knows this photo of Christian Bale, which references his character in American Psycho. The movie was not very good, but I just could not bring myself to read the book.
I love this photo of Ozzy Osbourne.
Here is actor Michael Douglas. Did you see him in the Liberace movie? He was amazing.
You should go see this exhibit.
Martin Schoeller’s Portraits will be on Exhibit Through January 3rd, 2015 at Halsted Kraeutler, Located at 537 West 24th Street in the Chelsea Gallery District.
All Photos By Gail
This was certainly a fun store to walk by on a recent trip home from an appointment. Rootstein is a world leader in the design and manufacture of artistic mannequins. The British company, started by Adel Rootstein in the 1950s has recently been acquired by Italian mannequin manufacturer Bonaveri. Photographed at Rootstein Display Mannequins, located on West 19th Street, NYC.
All Photos By Gail
Today, November 11th, 2013 marks the release of Lady Gaga’s latest CD, ArtPop. The disc is most notable not so much for its musical ear-worm dancefloor-friendly shenanigans as it is for the artwork that graces the cover: a sculpture of a nude Gaga with a Gazing Ball between her legs, which was designed by Jeff Koons, one of the wealthiest and most successful contemporary artists in America. Confession: the fact that Lady Gaga managed to collaborate with Jeff Koons is the only reason I am paying any attention to this album.
To celebrate the CD’s please, Gaga’s well-oiled Hype Machine have opened a Pop Up Store in New York’s Meat Packing District (and another one in LA) which is open today, tomorrow and Wednesday from Noon to 9 PM each day. Since today is a holiday, I was free to check out the scene on West 14th Street and take some photos so you can see what you’re missing out on. Or not.
Everyone Working in the Store Had Their Make Up Done Like This
The place was totally mobbed within 30 minutes of opening its doors and one of the guys there selling T-Shirts said it had already been “a long day.” HA! In addition to merchandise for sale, which includes a variety of Gaga T Shirts, Canvas Tote Bags, Magazines with her face on them and, of course, the ArtPop CD, the space features a few props from the ArtPop photo shoot and a selection of Gaga’s outfits, which are always fun to see.
For Fans looking for a more personalized experience, there are “interactive” kiosks, where you can virtually insert yourself yourself into one of Gaga’s videos, get your photo taken in front of some Gaga Props and a tiny room where people are leaving written homages to Gaga on its paper walls.
This is the Binary Chair from the ArtPop photo shoot. Pretty cool!
Here you can see Jeff Koons styling and photographing Gaga for the cover sculpture.
This is probably from the CD booklet, but will give you an idea of what Koons’ Gazing Ball exhibit at the David Zwirner gallery looked like.
Here are some masks Gaga wears on stage.
Swine Mask
Plastic Mask
They had lots of T-Shirts for sale!
Sadly, these Gazing Balls, which are props left over from the MTV Music Awards are not for sale.
I enjoyed my visit!
The Lady Gaga ARTPOP Pop Up Store is Open Monday November 11 – Wednesday November 13, from Noon to 9:00 PM Daily! Find it at 417 West 14th Street just West of Ninth Avenue (Near the Apple Store).
ARTPOP POP UP: A LADY GAGA GALLERY is a special three day event that will take place only in New York and Los Angeles from November 11 to 13th, 2013.
The Gallery will be open from 12:00 Noon – 9:00 PM at the following locations:
In NYC: 417 West 14th Street
In LA: 1538 N. Cahuenga Blvd
Come celebrate and experience the release of Gaga’s latest CD, ARTPOP with Music, Interactive Experiences, actual Gaga props and outfits, and much more! ARTPOP is available everywhere 11/11/13.
I’ll be “popping” by the gallery space on West 14th Street on Monday November 11th and will post pics of all the hot action right here upon my return.