I passed by this cool Brownstone last week and just had to snap a photo of its fun Halloween decor, including three witches at a cauldron out front, and an entire posse of frolicking skeletons on the balcony. After Halloween had to be canceled last year, NYC is all-in for this year’s celebrations. Some of the decorations that people have up on their buildings are just insane. And that’s how we like it.
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On an otherwise gloomy and very rainy Sunday in New York, we made our way to the NYBG in the Bronx for the second day of artist Yayoi Kusama’s new exhibit, Kusama: Cosmic Nature. While Saturday’s opening day enjoyed the benefit of bright sun and warm temperatures, we did not let the overcast skies dampen our sprits at all while exploring this amazing exhibit which showcases of all of Kusama’s ‘greatest hits’ (if you know what I mean). An in-depth review will likely be on the horizon here on The ‘Gig. In the meantime, check it out for yourself buy snagging a couple of hot tickets at This Link!
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The Headless Horseman (All Photos By Gail)
With Halloween falling on a Tuesday this year, holiday enthusiasts were able to enjoy three solid days of spooky-themed parties and events, which were happening all over the city this past weekend. Halloween in New York City: there is really nothing like it. I’m not much for dressing up, but I do love a good adventure, and this year Geoffrey and I had the most fun ever, at the Night of 1,000 Jack O’Lanterns, which had a three-night run on Governor’s Island state park — which is about 10 minutes by ferry from the southern tip of Manhattan. I’d never been there before, so I was pretty excited to see something new. Adventure time!
This is the view of the lower Manhattan skyline in the Financial District, as seen from the island. It is very breathtaking, as you can see. To give you a little background on the park, in 1776, during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), troops raised defensive works on the island, which they used to fire upon British ships before they were taken. From 1783 to 1966, the island was a US Army post, and later, from 1966 to 1996, the island served as a major US Coast Guard installation. There are historic buildings all over and at night it looks like you are wandering around one of those abandoned mental institutions where they do the ghost hunting shows. Very Scary!
The Jack O’ Lantern trail features more than 1,000 illuminated pumpkins, carved by artists from around the tri-state area, set along a festive, paved, tree-lined pathway among the backdrop of centuries-old buildings. The more ornately carved Jack O’ Lanterns are staged on raised pedestals, and the smaller pumpkins help to light the footpath. It looks pretty cool!
Please enjoy a selection of my favorite photos, which I have grouped together in categories, just because. Let’s get to the Pumpkins OK?
Monsters and Horror Movies and Halloween Iconography
Vincent Price as a Vampire
HP Lovecraft Creation, The Cthulhu
The Mummy
Werewolf
Freddy Krueger
Frankenstein’s Monster and his Bride
Here on the left we have Its‘ Pennywise the Clown as portrayed by actor Bill Skarsgard, and I’m not sure what is on the right. What did not quite make it into the frame is one of the featured artists, who was talking to visitors about what tools he uses to carve the designs and that sort of thing. That was fun.
Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King
Here are some spooky trees that I am throwing in the mix as a palate cleanser.
Halloween’s Original Bad Boy, Michael Myers
Of course it wouldn’t be Halloween without some Day of the Dead Skull Action.
Fairy Tales and Kid-friendly Characters
The Wicked Queen, Snow White and The Poison Apple
Sleeping Beauty
Monsters Inc.
Celebrities and Pop Culture
Barbra Streisand
Game of Thrones
In Memorium
George Romero
Of course, it would not be as spooky and Halloween-themed if the Jack O’ Lanterns did not also pay tribute to recently departed celebrities. There were some really good ones!
Florence Henderson
Adam West as TV’s Batman
George Michael
Mother and Daughter Actresses Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher passed away just one apart in December of 2016. Unbelievably sad. This pumpkin was a beautiful tribute to two very talented ladies.
While it’s too late for you to make it to this year’s walk, why not bookmark This Link right now, so you can be sure to not miss next year’s Night of 1,000 Jack O’Lanterns!
See You Next Year! Happy Halloween!
Photo By Gail
One of my neighbor was showing their Halloween spirit with this cute window ledge display, and I just had to snap it. Have a fun Halloween, everyone!
Donut Ever Forget Me ByJae Yong Kim (All Photos By Gail)
If you like Donuts and Art, then you will go crazy for Korean artist Jae Yong Kim’s latest exhibit, Pop Goes The Donut, which is up now at Lyons Wier Gallery.
Donut Ever Forget Me, Detail
To say that these surreal, fantasy Donut sculptures look good enough to eat is a understatement. But while these donuts are glazed, they are in fact made of glazed ceramic, so resist he urge to bite into one, as it would be hard on the teeth!
Donut Ever Forget Me, Detail
And just look how Instagram-ready they are!
Aside from inspiring you to immediately hit up a Krispy Kreme, you’ll love how Kim incorporates the most recognizable motifs of favorite Pop artists like Andy Warhol, Yayoi Kusama and Jeff Koons into his various Donut-themed series.
Duet of Donut Soup
Kim has a field day riffing on Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Soup Cans, which he recreates here as Donut Soup. Yummy.
Le Petit Donut Soup
These ones look like Jelly Donuts to me.
Le Petit Donut Soup (Detail)
Donut Soup Dozen
Pumpkin Spice Donut
With Pumpkin Spice Donut, Kim references Kusama’s yellow and black spotted Pumpkins.
Donut You Love My Teddy Bear (Series)
The colorful, mirrored-surface of the Teddy Bear-Head Shaped Donuts made me immediately think of Jeff Koons‘ Balloon Dog on a Plate.
Donut You Love My Teddy Bear Series (Pink)
Buy, Sell, Hold – the Donuts!
Here’s a Donut Grouping that pays homage to the Stock Market! Fun!
Make sure you stop by Lyons Wier to snap some selfies with these donuts before the exhibit closes in just under 2 week!
Jae Yong Kim’s Pop Goes The Donut will be on Exhibit Through May 14th, 2016, at Lyons Wier Gallery, Located at 542 West 24th Street in the Chelsea Gallery District.
