Dune: 1984

Back to the 80's. One of my favorite years is 1984. It was a golden year in Chicago. It was also a great book. But it was also very bright at Churubusco studios in Mexico. That was the location of the epic intergalactical sci-fi classic by David Lynch. This film was based on Frank Herbert's novel and went through production hell from 1971. I'm glad they got delayed, because the timing was perfect for Toto to contribute to the epic score and soundtrack. Speaking of music, Sting even has a starring role. The plot is very messiah based like most films of that nature. The "Chosen One" is called the Kwisatz Hadirach and is played by Kyle Machlaus as Paul Atriedes.

The casting is stellar: Linda hunt and Virginia Madsen. If that weren't enough reason to watch; there's Patrick Stuart, Max Von Sydow and Jurgen Prochmon. It also has Big Worm, but not Faison Love.
The sets are fantastic. If you can get past the gloomy droll space craft interior, and then the bland acres of dessert you will enjoy this production. Just pause the movie and inspect the detail of the designs in the space ship and the costumes...Spectacular nes pas? Normally I do not enjoy Victorian takes on futuristic design, but just one scene makes you certain you are in another galaxy. Or a 'Bizzaro 14th century England" This movie is creepy and out of this world. In my opinion Star Wars really pales in comparission. Where else would you find out about cat milking?

Art Flick: What Dreams May Come

Vincent Ward directs this work of art from 1998.
Robin Williams stars in this film about how bad life can get. As depressing as this film is, it will warm your heart and stimulate you visually. His wife in this film (played by Annabella Sciorra) is a vivid painter. After the family suffers several tragic events the viewer is transported to a post humous realm inside her paintings. Oils and canvas replace soil and rock. The vibrant palette is worthy of an artists most colorful and tormented dreams. The range of emotions are divulged on screen in hues. The scenes cut like brush strokes. I would not recommend this film to anyone with any history of serious depression, unless they stock up on meds. Uppers and Downers...just kidding, but really; you might get so sad watching you may just turn on the news to cheer up.

This film has an all star cast: Cuba Gooding, Jr., Rosalind Chao while Michael Kamen composes a good score to Tim Voth's exhubrent art direction.
Rent it tomorrow...or another day.

When Tarsem Singh directs a film, it's more of an epic art showing rather than a movie. His scenes look like galleries and museums merged inside a camera. This film is about a stunt man in L.A. telling some stories to a little girl. I have not seen it yet and I don't want to know too much about it.

It also stars Catinca Untaru, Justine Waddell and Lee Pace as the lead.

You may notice Tarsem's style in the film the Cell, which he also directed. Mr. Singh is definitely imax worthy director.

Art Basel: Miami Heat

Who knew the biggest art event in the frick'n world happened annually in M.I.A? Apparentlly a great many art buyers and artist treat this as their Mecca. Art Basel is the Oscars of the art world. Candy for your eyes and sore spots too. I hear the parties are off the wall. Here is a glimpse of what you may have been missing.

Slept On: Noyes Arts Center

Evanston is not like other suburbs. It seems to have some cool artists. Actually, It has a lot of artists. There are many studios in Evanston just under the radar. They seem to get over looked in the shadow cast by Chicago. After the hustle and bustle of the Red line becomes the calmer Purple line train, you see a transition in the art scene. It's compressed and quiet. That doesn't mean it's stagnant though. A hub for arts seems to be the Noyes Center. It is also home to Art Encounter; a nonprofit visual arts organization which invites you to explore art hands on. They also house the very finest in theater and circus. I'm serious; they have an acrobats/ acting guild that mirrors Circe De Soilel, but not in French. Even the basket ball court outside is on the next level. It's triangular! Go see this place for yourself. You'll want to join something there.
927 Noyes Street
Evanston, Il 60201

Slept On: The Hyde Park Art Center

If you missed the party, just go anyway. Art Centers and Museums throw such killer parties. Opening night this place rocked for about 24 hours. That is the standard now a days... I had to drop a line about this place because the curators know what's up. Of course they work with children and showcase a plethora of interactive community oriented work shops and programs, but they also take time to expose local genius like Chuck Walker and use the architecture in the most formidable facets. When you walk through this place, its fluid and fun, like good sex with wine poured all over it. You can't drink this place, but you can get visually drunk and mentally naked. That's how I roll.
Take a stroll to the south side of Chicago, before it becomes like Lincoln Park. Hurry!
5020 S. Cornell Ave.
Chciago, Il 60615

It's a Sotheby's world, you're just living in it.

So while I was sleeping, Sotheby's launched it's plan on world domination without consulting me. Early to rise...
At first I thought they were just a magazine publication dedicated to covering fine art in all it's capacity. Then I realized they had upped their game to realty. (They are selling on my block) That's gangsta! Just when I began to deal with that, they dropped a line about their institutes and offices in France, New York and London of course.
I was ready to calm down when I saw a glimpse of the calibur of work they auctioned. They also sell diamonds, have their own Master Card and have a cafe. I am still reading the first issue of Tableaux Et Dessins Anciens et Du xix Siecle, principalement de l'ecole Francaise, from Paris, weds, June 25th, 2003.
I now realize I have a lot of catching up to do. By the time I finish updating myself with all of Sotheby's hydra esque influences, scientists predict we will have cloned baby Jesus. The 8 lb 5 oz, Christ-mas version...

Slept On: Le Passage

Some of you are thinking; " Le Pasage is not slept on." Semi-celeb Billy Dec's long time hot-spot on Rush street is not at all ignored. It is still the pinnacle of clubbing. Chicago nightlife would not be as chic without it. I am not here to talk about the old school DeeJays, dope fund raisers, cool Haitian bouncers, friendly Brasilian bartenders, the immaculate bathrooms or even the superb dining experience. The first thing I notice is art, no matter where I go. No matter what you think of trendy, luxury oriented, dance/ lounge spots where L.A. meets Bogota, Columbia, you cannot deny the artesians crafts on this mosiac wall. Le Passage has had the best art-deco in Chicago hands down. And it has been that way since it opened. Sadley I couldn't find the name of the designer online, but Kudos to them. Even sadder still, I heard they just remodeled, I'm uncertain if they kept the front wall the same. My point is, try to go outside your element and visit this club at least once if you want to see what the standard of cool is at. I will have to track Billy down for an interview, but you don't have to know Billy Dec to go check out the walls. Actually, sometimes it really helps. Get him a new cap, it might get you in faster.

Slept On: Fly Paper

Very few publications have the drive to push the nitty, gritty hard edged truth. The Fly Paper is like a movement on print. I recommend you pick up an issue to get a mix of graph, info and ideas from the 'underground.' If you ever feel like the main stream needs a block, you can immerse your self in the socio-political content or get stuck in the arts and culture.

Mexican Fine Arts Museum in Chicago

I could not imagine Chicago without Mexicans. That is like New York without Jamaicans or Miami with Haitians or something absurd like that. Thank goodness someone had enough sense to put up a magnificent center of arts dedicated to Mexico. This place will engulf you in culture. You will spend hours walking around in admiration. Since the late 60's this museum has graced Pilsen with incredible exhibits and shows. They are dedicated to children and local artists. They are the home of one of my favorite Static murals ever. If you don't learn something after walking through this entourage of art, you must be brain dead. You don't have to be Mexican or speak Spanish to appreciate this gem. And it is right by the train. Here is the address. Put this on your to do list if you reside in the Chi, pronto essay:

Mexican Fine Arts Museum 1852 W. 19th Street, 60608

Art Flick: Pucker Up and Bark Like a Dog

The 80's are back. I hit the vault for this one folks. Do you remember 1989? I do.
That was the year this low budget film went to video and some other important things happened too.
This movie really hit home for me. I finally saw someone making a film depicting how difficult it is to be a fine artist in modern society. The warmer part of the story illustrates hardships of being being a broke artist and in love in L.A. I can almost relate to that. This movie is a must see for any young up and coming artist or aspiring painter. Plus this is an accurate and humorous, satire portraying the art world while poking fun at everyone in it.

This story was written by Walter Josten and Patricia Brando Josten.
Directed by Paul S. Parco

It stars Jonathan Gries and Lisa Zane.

You may recognize Jonathan from the hit T.V. series Martin and the break out comedy film Napoleon Dynomite; where he plays throw-back, Uncle Reno. "Back in 88..."
Brilliant-
I suggest you hit up Net Flix for this one, just to keep them on their toes.

Slept On: Walker Arts Center

This is my first entry for an on-going list I want to make of little known institutions.
I have had the pleasure of visiting the Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota; 1750 Hennipin Avenue, 55403.

Mini-Pop as one of my native friend's calls it, might be one of the coolest cities in North America on the low. Uptown used to be like Wicker Park or Pilsen's cousin. (Cool parts of Chi-Town) or Austin, Texas or Marseille, France...You know the vibe I'm trying to describe. Besides Prince, they have Lunds, Lakes, high rate of mixed race and gay marriages and really tall people with big smiles. Minneapolis people like to drink coffee, go to concerts and hike quite a bit I've noticed. I hear they have a pretty big shopping center too. I wouldn't know, because I spend all my free time at the Walker Arts Center. It's 6 hours away from Chicago. Just jump on the 94 and pull right in to the parking lot when you get there. Literally, it's that simple. The 94 actually becomes Hennepin Avenue, and then you make a right...and walk in. (It's one of the first things you see after entering the Mini as I like to call it.

The Walker first exposed me to Shirin Neshat. She is the ish in Iranian art to say the least. The way she mixed photos (Black and White Tri-X 400 with Silver Gelatin Prints) it was one of those, if I'm not mistaken, with video projected on walls in viewing rooms combined with wailing audio is just brillaint and tantilizing. Their permanent collection is introspective and probing. I strongly recommend you take a trip to the twin cities and tell them Quishenta Jones sent you. Bring a sweater...Cool is not just an expresion up there, it's a way of life.