Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 131

Great 20th Century Photographers and the Art of the Photo Book |Howard Greenberg Gallery | June 20-Aug. 16, 2024

NEW YORK– An exhibition celebrating the decades long collaboration in photography between Howard Greenberg Gallery and Lumiere Press will be on view at Howard Greenberg Gallery from June 20 through August 16, 2024. Printer Savant: Lumiere Press and the Art of the Photo Book explores the accomplishments of master book maker Michael Torosian and gallerist Howard Greenberg. The exhibition will present a selection of fine art books alongside photographs by Bruce Davidson, Dave Heath, Consuelo Kanaga, William Klein, Dorothea Lange, Saul Leiter, Leon Levinstein, Ruth Orkin, Gordon Parks, Flip Schulke, W. Eugene Smith, and Edward Steichen. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, June 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
 
For more than 35 years, Howard Greenberg and Michael Torosian have shared a common aesthetic in publishing photography books beholding the medium’s potency and eloquence. Together they worked on several notable and award-winning books, including Howard Greenberg Gallery: Twenty Five Years (2007). One book on Edward Steichen was proclaimed “the most beautiful book ever presented on Steichen” by the photographer’s family.

Leon Levinstein, Handball Players, Houston Street, New York, 1955. Gelatin silver print; printed later. Image size: 18 1/8 x 15 5/8 inches; Paper size: 20 x 16 inches. © Estate of Leon Levinstein, Courtesy of Howard Greenberg Gallery, New York

“More than thirty years have passed since I became aware of the small, amazingly well crafted, and inspirational Lumiere Press books,” said Howard Greenberg. “These precious objects, with their personal and beautifully written essays, sensitively illustrated photographs, and materiality that beckoned one to touch, handle and feel their essential nature, impressed me deeply. Little did I know that my first encounters would lead to a years-long collaboration, successful in every possible way, with Michael Torosian, aka Lumiere Press.”

Printer Savant: Lumiere Press and the Art of the Photo Book focuses on photography from Greenberg and Torosian’s simultaneous and cooperative careers. On view in the exhibition are a wide selection of limited edition books by the Press alongside images from Bruce Davidson’s 1959 Brooklyn Gang series; Dave Heath’s brooding portraits of Greenwich Village youths in the late 1950s and early ‘60s; William Klein’s amusing New York City urchins in the 1950s; examples of photojournalist Dorothea Lange’s documentary photographs from her travels around the U.S. from the 1930s to the ‘50s; Saul Leiter’s color work from the streets of New York; sidewalk  views shot from Ruth Orkin’s window; poignant portraits by Consuelo Kanaga and Gordon Parks; World War II photographs by W. Eugene Smith; and Edward Steichen’s studies of flowers.

Today, Lumiere Press is the only fine press in the world devoted to producing limited edition photography books. Owner Michael Torosian began working in book publishing in 1981 and was able to acquire machinery that is no longer available today. His most recent book is the memoir Lumiere Press: Printer Savant & Other Stories (2022). The term printer savant was bestowed on Torosian by a guest at his first book launch who was fascinated that he had learned without guidance or training the art of “casting type from molten lead, printing the sheets of paper on a hand-cranked, hand-fed press, and folding, sewing, gluing, and binding the books by hand,” writes Torosian in his memoir. In 2024, Torosian was named the recipient of the Robert R. Reid Medal for Lifetime Achievement in the Book Arts in Canada by The Alcuin Society, a non-profit association promoting the finest in Canadian book design since 1965.

The post Great 20th Century Photographers and the Art of the Photo Book |Howard Greenberg Gallery | June 20-Aug. 16, 2024 appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

NASA Advances Climate Resilience with Updated Adaptation Plan

In a bid to fortify federal operations against climate change impacts, NASA has released its upgraded Climate Adaptation Plan, joining forces with over 20 other federal agencies. This development further bolsters the Biden-Harris Administration’s pursuit for widespread resilience to climate change.

The new plans bring into fruition the administration’s National Climate Resilience Framework, designed to harmonize climate resilience investments throughout the public and private sectors via shared principles and opportunities.

“Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, we are building up climate resilience to make sure humanity is suitably prepared for the effects of climate change,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “The years of Earth observation by NASA prove critical in developing climate resilience and sustainability strategies across the nation and the globe.”

With its capacity as a world leader in Earth science, NASA continues to provide researchers with invaluable information from its satellites and other assets. It is also a leading authority in climate research, working to utilize this knowledge to keep the public informed about climate change.

Addressing climate variability and change is essential for NASA’s mission, prompting strategic planning and actions by the agency to protect its key resources and facilities from potential risks such as coastal flooding, extreme weather events, and other climate change impacts.

As it stands, the Biden-Harris Administration, via the Investing in America agenda and a consolidated government approach, is allocating over $50 billion to aid communities in improving their resilience and enhancing protections for vulnerable populations.

The President’s Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, signifies the start of government-wide efforts to counter climate change. In response to the climate crisis challenges emphasized last year, NASA is pioneering and assisting in adaptation and resilience.

The Climate Adaptation Plan, initially launched by NASA in 2021, received updates for 2024 to 2027, with a focus on better integration of climate risk across mission, operations, and asset management.

Details regarding the revised adaptation strategies from over 20 federal agencies and further information are accessible online.

https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nas...

The post NASA Advances Climate Resilience with Updated Adaptation Plan appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

“Gangs of Galicia”: A Spanish Show on Netflix – Traffic and Trouble with a Galician Accent

“Gangs of Galicia” is a Netflix series created by Jorge Guerricaechevarría starring Clara Lago and Tamar Novas.

“Gangs of Galicia” is an engaging series that strays from realism while aiming to deliver an enjoyable thriller. The show’s focus lies more on the intrigue of characters rather than emphasizing on action scenes or rapid editing. It is tranquil and is more of an ensemble series that entertains by offering a good fiction rather than a realistic view of drug trafficking.

The Storyline

After her father’s death, Ana moves to a small town in Galicia where everything revolves around drug trafficking. There she meets Daniel, the head of one of the clans who have been in this business for generations and begins a professional relationship with him that soon turns into something more.

About the Show

An entertaining series perfect for a Friday night and to watch one episode after another without any sudden shocks. Without aiming to impress or seek excessive violence, the show lacks an electrifying setup or a gripping narrative. This time, Jorge Guerricaechevarría (the creator of the series) has chosen a more subdued tone and delivers a show more focused on the characters than the action. It’s not a Hollywood-style thriller.

The show features strong characters and takes its time to develop them. Despite the central storyline, the secondary characters have enough depth to develop a more ensemble argument that goes beyond the underlying romantic story in the plot.

However, the story fails to impress as we’ve seen it before. It doesn’t manage to surprise with its characters or story. A tale that, by its genesis, lacks a more marked dose of violence, strength, or dynamism.

Our Opinion

A light series, perfectly created to entertain and quick to forget. It neither surprises nor attracts and lacks strength. Its premise makes us think that it could’ve been much better if it had not fallen into routine.

Where to Watch “Gangs of Galicia”

Netflix

The post “Gangs of Galicia”: A Spanish Show on Netflix – Traffic and Trouble with a Galician Accent appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

“Trigger Warning” – An American-style Netflix Thriller: A Nostalgic Nod for Action from the 80s and 90s

“Trigger Warning” is a Netflix movie starring Jessica Alba and Mark Webber. It is directed by Mouly Surya.

“Trigger Warning,” a movie now streaming on Netflix, presents a classic American action thriller that takes us back to the iconic landscapes of the United States, complete with gas stations, small towns, and traditional folks living somewhat on the edges of globalization.

Plot

A soldier from the armed forces returns to her small town following the death of her father. She gradually uncovers a clandestine arms-trafficking operation in the town – the very reason her father was killed. As no one in the town seems oblivious to the issue, the soldier’s investigation becomes increasingly treacherous.

Film Overview

Surely, regular Netflix users might be slightly worn out from an influx of Korean production. Hence the streaming service has decided to rekindle the traditional side of classic American thrillers, a blend of the Western genre sprinkled with thrilling elements that have proven lucrative for film producers. The movie stars Jessica Alba, taking justice into her own hands as a vigilante, headlining an action-packed movie with righteous undertones.

“Trigger Warning” presents a rather familiar storyline with flat characters, serving up exactly what we expect: a plain and engaging thriller, strictly adhering to the constraints of its genre. It’s a classic production in every sense, providing entertainment without any novel twist. Prepare to be transported back to the 80s and 90s, with a plot centered on arms trafficking and a vigilante protagonist investigating her father’s death, all set within a Hollywood production reminiscent of bygone days.

Our Verdict

While “Trigger Warning” may be a moderate budget film, it delivers to expectations. It is a classic American movie that might seem dated to some; however, its inherent entertainment value will definitely appeal to the more nostalgic viewers.

Where to Watch “Trigger Warning”

Netflix

The post “Trigger Warning” – An American-style Netflix Thriller: A Nostalgic Nod for Action from the 80s and 90s appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

“Resonance” – Exploring Brandon Deener’s Musically-Inspired Iconography in Paris Summer 2024

Tony Shafrazi’s Gallery Without Walls and Doriano Navarra’s Galerie Enrico Navarra with immense delight invite all art enthusiasts to the exhibition, “Resonance” hosted at Galerie 75 Faubourg. The exhibition, commencing from June 28 to September 20, 2024, brings the works of the Los Angeles-based artist, Brandon Deener, to Paris for his first solo adventure.

Statuesque, 2024
Gesso, oil, and oil wash on canvas 72 x 60 in / 182,9 × 152,4 cm

This highly anticipated exhibition showcases fifteen of Deener’s large-scale oil paintings. The talented artist eloquently highlights the harmony of combining distinct elements in music, painting, and interpersonal relationships. Opens with a stunning depiction of the ecstasy of jazz culture, as seen through the portraits of jazz legends Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and a vibrant crowd of Tennessee teenagers.

An homage to Jean-Michel Basquiat’s ‘Horn Players’, the most extensive canvas, ‘Players of the Horn,’ brings forth the dreamy and emotive world of music. Rendered in pastel suits, the musicians stand out against the abstract backdrop of dark washes. The horn-blowing motif, which runs recurrently throughout the exhibition, symbolizes a resonant call to social, political, and spiritual consciousness, as perceived by Deener.

Players of the Horn, 2024
Acrylic, acrylic wash, oil, oil wash, spray paint, and pigment stick on canvas
72 x 72 in / 182,9 × 182,9 cm

The exhibition further charts Deener’s curiosity for Afrofuturism through works like ‘Statuesque’ and ‘Sonic Salute.’ Both pieces illustrate elongated necks and radiant skin tones, conveying a sense of dignity and optimism for the future, a guiding theme for the entire showcase.

Ever since Brandon Deener, born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1982, burst into the art scene, his work has been featured in galleries including Simchowitz Gallery, LA; Jac Forbes Gallery, LA; A Hug from the Artworld, NY; and Gallery One, Fort Lauderdale. Notably, his art has been commended and featured in numerous publications, including The Guardian, Artlyst, Culture Is Free, Sugarcane, and Art of Choice. They now rest in museums, institutions, and private collections of celebrities and art patrons worldwide.

Complimenting the exhibition is an aesthetically designed fully illustrated 120-page monograph by Sebastien Moreu, serving as a lasting souvenir for the visitors. Join us in this celebration of Deener’s remarkable vision of the world, echoing the resonating sounds of jazz within the art realm, only at “Resonance.”

Monograph cover
Sonic Salute, 2024 (detail) Gesso and oil on canvas
72 x 60 in / 182,9 × 152,4 cm

The post “Resonance” – Exploring Brandon Deener’s Musically-Inspired Iconography in Paris Summer 2024 appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

Introducing Tokyo’s Newest Gallery: Pace’s 2024 Fall Program

The international art scene is abuzz as Pace Gallery announces the grand opening of its latest venue – a breathtaking new space in Tokyo. This fall, art enthusiasts will be treated to an inaugural exhibition showcasing a selection from Los Angeles-based artist Maysha Mohamedi. This will be Mohamedi’s first-ever solo show in Asia, followed by New York sculptor Arlene Shechet’s first solo show in Japan, commencing in November.

Arlene Shechet, Winter Dusk: Together, 2023 © Arlene Shechet, courtesy Pace GalleryThe Grand Opening: Celebrating the New Age of Artistry

Pace Tokyo will be unveiled to the public in September, highlighting new paintings by Maysha Mohamedi in the gallery’s Sou Fujimoto-designed space located in the Azabudai Hills. Mohamedi’s pieces will be the centerpiece of the grand opening, delighting visitors with her atmospheric abstractions that seamlessly blend color, shape, language, and matter.

Arlene Shechet: Redefining Sculpture

As autumn turns to winter, November will see the unveiling of Arlene Shechet’s unique collection. Famed for her genre-defying ceramics and hybrid sculptures, Shechet combines architectural, organic, and mechanical elements into distinct forms that command attention and provoke contemplation.

Calder: Un effet du japonais – A Glimpse into Alexander Calder’s Artistic Evolution

Before the grand opening in September, art lovers can enjoy a groundbreaking exhibition titled Calder: Un effet du japonais at Azabudai Hills Gallery, co-presented by Pace. This landmark exhibition will feature a collection of 100 works by Alexander Calder displaying the profound influence of Japanese traditions and aesthetics on the iconic American modernist’s art.

A Peek into Pace Tokyo – A Special Summer Preview

From July 3 to August 17, a special preview of Pace’s Tokyo gallery is openly accessible to the public. This preview will contain a rotating display of an assortment of artworks, showcasing the diversity of Pace’s program.

Pace Gallery: A Beacon of Artistic Innovation

Established in 1960, Pace Gallery has built a reputation for showcasing legendary 20th-century figures and contemporary artists, significantly influencing the international art world. The Tokyo gallery, designed by renowned Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, embodies the essence of symbiotic relationship between the human body, nature, and architectural design.

Pace’s Tokyo gallery represents the bridging of tradition and innovation in the art world. Whether you are an established art aficionado or a blossoming enthusiast, Pace Tokyo promises a transformative journey into the world of art.

The post Introducing Tokyo’s Newest Gallery: Pace’s 2024 Fall Program appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

“Hit Man”: A Clever Comedy Showcasing Glen Powell’s Performance

“Hit Man” is a smart comedy under the adept direction of Richard Linklater (“Boyhood”, 2014), starring the talented Glen Powell and Adria Arjona. What starts as a classic, seemingly silly comedy gradually transforms into a thriller with depth and psychological undertones. This film masterfully flips the script on clichéd narratives and evolves into an intelligent comedy with key messages, boasting two outstanding performances from Glen Powell and Adria Arjona.

The premise involves Gary Johnson, who moonlights for the police department until he’s given a unique assignment: pose as a hitman to unmask those opting for such services. The plot thickens as a charming woman seeks to employ his services, and Gary, smitten, begins a romantic entanglement with her while continuing his hitman facade.

The acting is top-notch, with a variety of roles impressively executed. One standout is Glen Powell, who displays a new personality, accent, and demeanor with each case. Powell seamlessly adapts to his own script, shining in each role while maintaining a consistent comedic edge.

Alongside him is the stunning Adria Arjona, equally talented in her ability to alter her persona from seductive to tender to evil, beautifully mirroring the film’s shift from comedy to thriller.

Directed by Richard Linklater, known for his indie films, his foray into mainstream comedy may surprise some. However, he manages to put his unique spin on it, seamlessly transitioning from a light-hearted comedy to a darker, more psychological terrain without losing the comedic essence.

In terms of pacing and, importantly, actor direction, Linklater excels — a fact evident not only in the performances of the leads but also in the roles played by the excellent Austin Amelio and Retta, adding charm as the friendly police officer.

The film starts as a comedy but weaves in deeper psychological questions: Are we who we pretend to be, or is our identity malleable? The script is laced with irony, and it successfully transforms a seemingly complex idea into entertaining content that is simultaneously intelligent and fun.

“Hit Man” skillfully merges genres with perfect screenplay treatment. It develops characters beyond their surface personas, turning a seemingly ‘mundane’ product into something more complex and amusing, without slipping into the ‘author film’ territory.

In our opinion, this comedy is worth watching. It will not only entertain you but also provoke deeper thoughts. Enjoy the laughter, embrace the suspense, and dare to ponder the questions it poses. Enjoy the journey, it’s worth it.

The post “Hit Man”: A Clever Comedy Showcasing Glen Powell’s Performance appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

“Kota Factory” Season 3: A Journey Through Indian Student Life Leading to the Decisive Exam

“Kota Factory” is a Netflix series directed by Raghav Subbu starring Mayur More, Jitendra Kumar, Ranjan Raj and Revathi Pillai.

“Kota Factory” is an Indian series that reveals the daunting reality of the consequential examination in India. A test where millions of young minds across the country prepare with hopes of shaping a prosperous future. The series sets the stage in Kota, a city renowned for its high educational standards, where they send out the best performers, and everybody aspires to go. However, only the best get there.

The storyline follows a group of students studying in this city and the team of dedicated teachers preparing them for the major examination. Over two years of preparation, we get an inside look at how the Indian educational system operates.

The narrative takes us to the formation of a new school, from its inception to the exams, which will not only shape the students’ lives but also dictate the success of the new educational institute. The success or failure of this new institution heavily depends on the students’ scores.

Kota FactoryAbout the series: Monochrome for Realism

“Kota Factory” is primarily a student series, focusing on student life and their struggles. However, there is much emphasis on the hardship of the examination and the complete student journey. As we well know, things are different in India, and we have heard stories of how internet services were suspended a couple of years back to prevent question leaks. This is a grave examination, and the competition is steep among millions of kids vying against each other to secure a better future and access to superior education.

“Kota Factory” might be a fictional series, but it lies close to realism, especially in its intent. The series aims to portray reality, and despite moments of sentimentality, it provides the feeling that all the fiction is real. The stories seem like true representations of real lives, and what we see is a part of today’s reality in India.

Beyond its cinematic strengths, “Kota Factory” is a social series focusing on the students and their lives. It is a series that is very real, relatable, and endearing. It appears to be another series that bids farewell to Netflix. The end has arrived, and the students face the big examination.

Our Opinion

It’s a piece of reality, sometimes bitter, yet relatable and endearing. A series that offers a glimpse of the Indian educational system and its fierce competitiveness.

Where to Watch “Kota Factory”

Netflix

The post “Kota Factory” Season 3: A Journey Through Indian Student Life Leading to the Decisive Exam appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

“The Accidental Twins”: The Curious Tale of Twin Switcheroo on Netflix

“The Accidental Twins” is a documentary directed by Alessandro Angulo.

“The Accidental Twins” is a unique documentary on Netflix that tells the intriguing tale of two pairs of twins who were switched at birth and end up reuniting 25 years later in the most unexpected circumstances. When a girl in a butchery greets one of the twins thinking he was the other—her coworker—neither recognizes the other. Her stubborn persistence and continuous jokes about her coworker’s “double” leads to a startling revelation. The twins were switched in a blunder by the hospital, which only came to light after one of them fell ill.

Unfolding more like a Disney movie, where one pair ends up in Boston and the other in California, this real-life drama unravels in Colombia, among two pairs of twins between La Paz and Bolivia, more than ten hours apart by car.

Beyond the Comedy: A Desperate Quest for Justice

While the story might seem amusing or even hilarious at first, the twins see it differently. They decided that they had been robbed of the childhood they deserved and took the matter to court. Among the initial laughs, the documentary narrates how one of them turned this blunder into a legal issue, stating that in some way, his rightful childhood was stolen.

Featuring engaging dramatizations and firsthand accounts from the protagonists, the documentary goes beyond the switcheroo and explores the impact of genetics. It highlights the marked differences between the swapped twins, who have dissimilar tastes and hobbies.

“The Accidental Twins” is an intriguing documentary that you can start streaming on Netflix from today.

Where to Watch “The Accidental Twins”

Netflix

The post “The Accidental Twins”: The Curious Tale of Twin Switcheroo on Netflix appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

“America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” – A Year in the Life of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

“America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” is a Netflix documentary series directed by Greg Whiteley.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, often abbreviated as DCC, are globally renowned for their exceptional beauty and outstanding athleticism. Year after year, they undergo rigorous training to entertain millions of viewers who follow their every move on television. Stepping into the shoes of a cheerleader is a dream cherished by many girls from a young age. Among the world’s cheerleading squads, the DCC, representing the legendary NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys, holds a unique position of esteem.

Thousands of aspirants send in their audition videos from all corners of the world, but only 70 get the golden opportunity to compete before judges and join the exclusive group of approximately 35 cheerleaders. Intrigued to meet them?

America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders“America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” – A Year in the Life of a Cheerleader Squad

Beyond what the cameras capture and the smiles that never wane, the life of a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader involves constant travel, relentless training, resilience in the face of adversity, and an unwavering commitment to entertain the audience, regardless of personal circumstances.

In “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” viewers will join these remarkable women through a year of their lives, from the rigorous auditions to the peak of the cheerleading season. We travel through diverse stories, witnessing their selection process and training, and gaining insight into the rigorous standards to which they must adhere.

Additionally, we explore the unique bond between the cheerleaders and their mothers, who often serve as their biggest cheerleaders off the field and assist in their training.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy an intimate journey through the world of cheerleading with “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.” Enjoy the ride!

Where to Watch “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders”

Netflix

The post “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” – A Year in the Life of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.