Meet the Japanese Masters at Atelier Courbet on May 17th, 12-5pm

Eykyn Maclean Presents First U.S. Exhibition of Renowned Artist Kan Yasuda, May 6 – June 27 2014

Eykyn Maclean will present the first ever exhibition in the United States of internationally renowned sculptor Kan Yasuda. The exhibition, open to the public 6 May – 27 June at 23 East 67th Street, will feature over twenty of the artist’s new sculptures. Gallery partner Christopher Eykyn says, “Having followed Kan’s career in Europe and Japan, we are delighted to have the opportunity of introducing his work to an American audience. Working together with Kan, we have selected a group of works that best represent this important artist at the height of his career. I know that Kan’s sculpture will resonate as powerfully here as it does in the rest of the world.”

Born in Japan in 1945, Yasuda has divided his time between Hokkaido, Japan and Pietrasanta, Italy for over forty years, and his work deftly merges the cultural traditions of East and West. 

Interview with Designer Bounkhoung Signavong of Lao Design

I first met designer Bounkhong Signavong of Laodesignonline.com on the subway at the Times Square station.  I was immediately drawn to his unique style and asked him if he worked in fashion. As I talked to Bounkhong more, I found that he is a not only an amazing designer who creates luxury menswear and womenswear, scarves, and custom jewelry, he is also one of the warmest and friendliest people that I know. Read more below to learn about Bounkhong and his designs.

Asia Week New York 2014 - March 14 - March 22 2014

Today marks the 1st day of Asia Week New York 2014, which runs through March 22nd.  The event is open and free to the public.  The exhibits reveals the rarest and finest Asian examples of ceramics, jewelry, textiles, paintings, sculpture, bronzes, prints, photographs and jades, representing artistry, ingenuity and imagination from every corner and time period of Asia. 

The exhibitors include a top-tier roster of 47 international Asian art specialists-the largest number to date- and five major auction houses as well as 19 world-renowned museums and Asian cultural institutions.  Visit www.asiaweeknewyork.com for more information.

I had a chance to join the press preview for Asia Week this past Wednesday. It was a full day affair, where we flew through 30 galleries in less 10 hours.  I had an unforgettable time viewing some spectacular pieces with fascinating stories.  The galleries did an excellent job of explaining their finest pieces.  It was certainly a feast for the eyes, mind, and soul.  Here are some highlights.  

 This year, Scholten Japanese Art Gallery's exhibit is titled "Erotic Art of Japan: Everybody's Doing It".

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Concept Korea Fashion Autumn 2014 Show

(UN)Fair Show

Does the thought of Art make you quiver in fear? THE(UN)FAIR exhibition promises an exciting art experience--at once fun, wondrous, thought-provoking, and maybe even surprising. THE(UN)FAIR returns for its second year at 500 West 52nd St. 4th Fl in midtown Manhattan from March 5–9, 2014. This art-filled extravaganza, was established to celebrate passion rather than fashion!

Tracy Snelling's fun grown-up version of the nostalgic grade school dioramas. You can't tell in the photo, but some of the windows in the building had videos of some very adult situations going on...I felt a bit voyeuristic.

Tracy Snelling - Bad Girl, mixed media

Tracy Snelling - Drift Liquors, mixed media

 THE(UN)FAIR rekindles the guerilla-style art show amidst the bustle of Armory Arts Week, exhibiting paintings and sculptures from both established and emerging artists,

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Zang Toi Autumn 2014

The master of drama, Zang Toi, does it again with an Autumn 2014 show, Shanghai 1930's, "Paris of the Orient", inspired by jazz-age Shanghai glamour.  The show started with a model wearing Loro Piana cashmere Geoplaid 1930's Gangster's trouser suit with a silver fox stole.  It felt like I was in the setting of a 1930's film noir.  Capes, trench coats, fedoras angled perfectly atop coifed waves, sensual thigh high stockings and boots, added to the mystique.  The hue of the evening was a brilliant jade green.