David Bowie by Dean Chamberlain

To learn more: http://www.deanchamberlain.com/

Art is Alive is now on Facebook.

Come on ! Join the group, and let's debate !

"Balenciaga Edition" exhibition in Le Bon Marché, in Paris

Le Bon Marché in Paris, pays tribute to Cristobal Balenciaga with an exhibition entitled "Balenciaga Edition" starting from 12 September to 5 October 2009.

The Balenciaga Edition's line, created in 2004 next to the ready-to-wear line, is inspired by the models of the archives of the Fashion House. In actual fact, the old models are re-edited. The collection exhibited at the Bon Marché is made of 19 dresses inspired by pieces made between 1932 and 1967 and will be accompanied by a collection of jewelry pieces. Nicolas Ghesquière, Artistic director of the brand since 1997, that I totally admire and love, gave a new style to the fashion House. It will also be possible to buy the exhibited dresses.

To learn more: http://www.treeslbm.com/ and www.balenciaga.com

Picasso and Cézanne dialogue in Aix en Provence

Exhibition "Picasso Cézanne" - Musee Granet of Aix en Provence
Until September, 27th 2009

Aix-en-Provence, in the South of France, is famous, among many other cultural events, for being the city of Cézanne. This summer the Musée Granet dedicates a beautiful and rich exhibition to Cézanne and Picasso. Although it's kind of tiring to see such exhibitions (Picasso-Matisse in Paris at Le Centre Pompidou a few years ago, Picasso and the Masters in London at the National Gallery earlier this year, or more recently Picasso and Brassaï in Arles etc.), it was interesting to see so many famous artworks either by Cézanne or Picasso gathered in one place, most of them from private collection. It's obvious that Cézanne was the founding father of cubism but I would say the problem of this exhibition was to look for absolute parallels between both artists. If Picasso was a "sponge" of many movements in art history, the links that were highlighted in the exhibition didn't appear to be that obvious to me. On top of that, I felt it was more an exhibition about Picasso than a proper dialogue. What did you think?

It's worth going anyway, just for the beauty of the Arlequins below or the giant painting of Jacqueline, which is totally stunning !

In addition, the Château de Vauvenargues where Pablo Picasso and his wife Jacqueline lived between 1959 and 1965 opens its doors to the public only this summer, on the initiative of Catherine Hutin, Jacqueline’s daughter and the current owner. This château, built in the 17th century, was bought by Picasso in September 1958. It is where Pablo and Jacqueline Picasso were laid to rest, at the foot of the main steps on the terrace, when they died in 1973 and 1986. On top of their tomb is a bronze statue, la femme au vase, the original of which, made in 1933, was displayed at the entry of the Spanish pavilion at the international exhibition in Paris in 1937, where one of the Spanish painter’s most famous paintings, ‘Guernica’, was unveiled. It's a true opportunity to be able to visit this castle and feel Picasso's vibe.

Château de Vauvenargues - photos - Henry Ely - Aix © Droits réservés

Finally on Le Cours Mirabeau, the Conseil Général's art gallery showcases "le geste Picasso" which mainly features beautiful ceramics pieces (my favourites), movies and photographs of Picasso. It's worth going too and free.

To learn more: http://www.cg13.fr/ and www.aixenprovencetourism.com/uk/aix-picasso-cezanne.htm#pres

Louis Vuitton presents "Super Flat First Love" by Takashi Murakami

Amazing cover: Cindy Sherman, L'Uomo Vogue

I find it quite ironic that this artist engaged in defending women's rights is on the cover of L'Uomo Vogue.

Madonna - Celebration

There's a lot to say about the new Madonna's single artwork. First I don't know who inspired who? Banksy or Mr Brainswash, who had the idea first?



Secondly, on the cover we see Madonna lighting a cigarette and I wonder why it hasn't been banned yet like the Coco before Chanel's poster... Any idea?

To learn more: http://www.madonna.com/