My Second 2008 FLANEURISM Video of the Week

"Trapped" Video Walk / WDC

... to the Corcoran Gallery of Art / Annie Leibovitz

Saturday Afternoon, 12 January 2008

Elvert Xavier Barnes Projections

background music featuirng:

"La Liberate" / Tangerine Dream

"Downtown" / Petula Clark

"Trapped" / 2 PAC

click image

Ed Hamilton, Author of "Legends of the Chelsea Hotel" Book Signing & Reading At Dupont Circle Olsson's

The Chelsea Hotel recently made news as money hungry corporate types ousted long-time proprietor Stanley Bard and his family.[In} danger of losing the artists and outlaws that made it the cities "rebel Mecca", author and Chelsea Hotel resident Ed Hamilton recently released his book Legends of the Chelsea Hotel: Living with the Artists and Outlaws in New York's Rebel Mecca. The book, an extension of the Hotel Chelsea Blog, started as a chronicle of the outrageous events that always seem to happen at the hotel, but with the removal of the Bards, may be a eulogy of sorts.

For Hamilton, Legends Of The Chelsea Hotel is also something of a labor of love. The book begins with the residents gathered in the hallway of the hotel after a fire that may or may not have been started by the hotel's telephone operator — who is herself a rather eccentric character. Sadly, it ends with the inevitable realization that like so many other things these days, the Chelsea is about to become the latest victim of gentrification — despite the rich history detailed here.

While Hamilton has been on a book signing and reading tour mostly in NYC since Legends Of The Chelsea Hotel late October release I am pleased to report that Ed will be in WDC on Thursday evening, 31 January 2008, for a 7 PM book signing and reading event at Olsson's Books & Records at Dupont Circle (South).

Here are some reviews:

• “One of the recurring pleasures of Ed Hamilton’s Legends of the Chelsea Hotel is his sly rendering of its former proprietor, Stanley Bard, an eccentric patron of the arts…There’s something remarkable about the way the author manages to celebrate the Chelsea’s singular atmosphere without ever forgetting how toxic the air is for many of the people who come desperate to breathe it…What really resonates in the book, what makes it so sorrowful at times, is Hamilton’s evocation of all the young and old hopefuls who have just enough ambition to push their lives past the point of no return. Legends comes close to convincing you that, as destructive drugs go, self-delusion has heroin beat.”—New York Times Book Review, October 28, 2007
• “"Legends of the Chelsea Hotel" is a collection of bizarre tableaux -- aging actresses, bathroom high jinks, ghosts and tricksters. It is full of affection for a passing era. Surrounded by creeping gentrification, the Chelsea may not long remain affordable to the kinds of characters Hamilton describes.” — Los Angeles Times, January 6, 2007
• “The stories in this book are far too numerous to recount here. But let us just say if you have an appetite for true stories about the famous (and some not so famous) that range from the somewhat bizarre to the downright insane, then this book will leave you breathless. With the truly odd collection of punk rockers, beat poets, and other colorful characters who populate the pages of Legends Of The Chelsea Hotel, your perverse satisfaction is guaranteed.” — Glen Boyd, www.blogcritics.org, December 08, 2007
• “Hamilton's best sketches come from direct observations and firsthand experiences — and don't worry, there are plenty of them. In "Expert Advice on Combating Terrorism," for example, he takes a break from writing his novel to transcribe construction workers bothering him outside his window. The result is a concise and accurate portrayal of what it is to live in post-9/11 New York as it builds itself into something new.
  Maybe now he can get back to writing that novel. He certainly has enough material — he just needs a quiet place to write.” — Philadelphia City Paper, December 4, 2007

The book signing and reading event begins at 7 pm on Thursday evening, 31 January 2008 at Olsson's (Dupont Circle South) which is located just a few feet south of the Dupont Circle South Subway Station exit at 1307 19th Street, NW, WDC. Telephone 202-785-1133.

Fetish Photographer Adam Kozik Work Included in LA's Antebellum Gallery "S&M For Valentine Day" Group Exhibition

Though I first became acquainted with Adam Kozik when he contacted me on 13 December 2007 regarding my connection to Robert Mapplethorpe who his work is often compared to ... I wanted to make sure that my blog posting pertaining to Kozik's inclusion in LA's Antebellum Gallery "S&M For Valentine Day" Exhibition was in conjunction with the Mid Atlantic Leather Weekend.

Born in Chicago, in 1970, Adam Kozik's work is of thee classical tradition. After attending The American Academy of Art in Chicago, where he studied painting and drawing, Kozik moved to New York City in the 1990s where his interest in photography grew.

Kozik traveled to Europe in 2001, and lived in Paris for six months where he was introduced first hand to the style of classic mannerism, which continues to serve as a mainstay in his work today. In order to create his own images he turned to photography. Interested in portraiture, when returning to Chicago, he found an entirely new world for the photographer with gallery associations, commissions, and future artistic course.

Adam had his first shows in the spring of 2007 in Chicago, with two galleries showing his homoerotic works. Adam’s diverse works - S&M, floral images, still lifes, and commissioned portraits - are brought together by the photographer’s constant approach to clarity and honesty.

Here are some Press Reviews regarding his work.

Though he and his partner are in the process of relocating BACK to NYC from Chicago, in the midst of putting the final touches on the prints that will be included in the "S&M for Valentine Day" Group Exhibition at the Antebellum Gallery in LA Adam says "After exhibiting relatively small prints in the past year, this will be the first exhibit where all of the pictures are 13" x 19". I'm using a fiber based inkjet paper. The tones are real warm and rich - it's very nice paper, though quite expensive .... The result is the nearest that I have seen to produce similiar silver gelatin darkroom prints. Even though the process is entirely digital. The quality of the finished print is almost as important to me as taking the picture."

Owned and operated by Rick Castro, the Antebellum is a casual space for art and engaging conversation. Antebellum Gallery is intended as a hybrid of artistic, cultural, and political iconoclasm.

ANTEBELLUM GALLERY presents "S&M: an exhibition of sadomasochistic art" will feature the works of Mitchel Evans, Adam Kozik, Aj Epstein, Marsorama, Rick Castro, Tony Ward, Dillinger, Ashley, Buck Angel Elayne Angel, Dave Naz, Domasan, Edward Lucie-Smith, Fakir Musafar, Robert Maplethorpe, Herb Ritts, Steven Meisel, Joel-Peter Witkin, Pier Paolo Pasolini & More.

Opening on Valentine Day, 14 February 2008, with a 6 - 9 pm reception ($5 admission) the exhibit will be on display until 15 March 2008.

Rick Castro's Antebellum Gallery is located at 1643 N Las Palmas Avenue in Hollywood, CA. Telephone at 323.856.0667. Email at antebellum@earthlink.net.

A contributing artist to the Tom of Finland Foundation (Los Angeles) and Leather Archives & Museum (Chicago) Adam Kozik can be reached by email via his contact page.

Or, if you are 18 years of age or older, and are interested in being photographed by Adam Kozik, please submit inquiry (with JPG image) and brief self-bio by email at adam@adamkozik.com.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 18 January 2008

Richard Dertadian In Search of Arshile Gorsky

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Midtown . 11 West 53rd Street . NYC

Wednesday afternoon, 6 September 2007

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

I. M. Pei and MoMA Curator Barry Bergdoll Reflect on the Life, Design & Architecture of Marcel Breuer at National Building Museum's Lecture Series

I. M. Pei, Founder of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners and reknown architect of WDC's L'Enfant Plaza Promenade Complex, Waterfront Mall and the National Gallery of Art - East Wing Building joined Museum of Modern Art's Architect & Design curator Barry Bergdoll on stage last night at the National Buiding Museum's lecture and symposium series to discuss and reflect on the life, design and architecture of Marcel Breuer.

One of the most influential architects of the 20th century, the 6:30 until 8 pm lecture was held in conjunction with Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture Exhibition of the Vitra Design Museum, Germany which opened on 3 November 2007 and will be on display at the National Building Museum until 17 February 2008. Available online, the exhibition catalogue may also be purchased from the National Building Museum's Gift Shop.

Having embarked, in recent months, on an ongoing Southwest Federal Center Project I was delighted to learn that Breuer had been the architect of the HUD Office Building. Other Works of Breuer in WDC included the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and the Hubert Humphrey (HEW) Building at Independence Avenue at 3rd Street in SW WDC.

Though this was my first, it will not be my last lecture / symposium that I will attend at the National Building Museum.

Click the above photo to view my "Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture" Lecture - National Building Museum - 17 January 2008 photoset.

Here is my video compilation which represents the first of my ongoing Architecturally Speaking Series.

CALOR is this Sunday night with DJ Paulo!

DC Photographer Frank Muzzy's "Bear" Images Featured On Cover & Inside of Winter 07/08 Issue of White Crane Journal

Though bears had been contemplated for the Winter 2005 issue of the White Crane Journal DC gay photoartist Frank Muzzy was smitten, a few months ago, when the editors of White Crane requested his permission for use of his Red Bear self-portrait for the cover of then upcoming Winter 2007 / 2008 issue of White Crane Journal.

A gay journal magazine dedicated to exploring Gay wisdom, White Crane Issue #75, THE BEARABLE RIGHTNESS OF BEING features two images from Muzzy's Bear To Bare Series.

While Muzzy's self portrait, Red Bear, graces the cover his "Mid-Morning" is featured in the Taking Issue section.

Created by Robert Barzan in the Summer of 1989 as the White Crane Newsletter, White Crane Journal is a quarterly forum for exploring Gay Culture and Wisdom.

An independent thought-provoking journal of gay thought published four times a year, White Crane Journal relies on the support and contributions of subscribers to keep going.

Here is where you can find locations in your local area that carry White Crane. Since I live in WDC, I'll be stopping in at Lambda Rising at 1625 Connecticut Avenue, NW, to pick up a copy for inclusion in my Magazine Collection.

Contact Frank Muzzy at muzzydc@verizon.net.

My newly launched MASS TRANSIT EXPLORATION blog

Though still UNDER CONSTRUCTION, this past week, I launched my MASS TRANSIT EXPLORATION blog.

My First 2008 FLANEURISM Video of the Week

Since January 1992 which was shortly after I received a Minolta as a Christmas gift photo walks have represented a most important aspect of my photography.

When in Fort Lauderdale over Memorial Day Week that both my cameras where in for repair I purchased a Canon Power Shot. Since then videography has been an important element of my photo walks and mass transit series.

In connection with my "New Memories / New Year 2008 Campaign" my "FLANEURISM: Walk Away / Video Walk - WDC - 07 January 2008" Projections Project, highlighting flaneurism and mass transit exploration, represents my first 2008 FLANEURISM Video of the Week.

Two other similar video projections projects that I shot during this past week are:

• WMATA - L'Enfant Plaza Station . SW WDC . 04 January 2008
• FLANEURISM: Ricochet Video Walk / Corcoran / WDC . 08 January 2008

Friday's Photo of the Week . 11 January 2008

Men At Work / Waterfront Mall (Demolition)

Southwest Community / DC 2008

4th & M Streets, SW . WDC

Tuesday, 08 January 2008

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

2 WILD CHERRY Events THIS WEEKEND in WDC

Gearing up for the 2008 Cherry Weekend two events will be held THIS WEEKEND in WDC.

On Saturday night, 12 January 2008, in connection with the Wild Cherry Series, the Cherry Fund / Cherry Events will present DJ Revive, whose name is actually Chris Guénard, from New Orleans at the Be Bar.

Tickets are $5 at the door benefitting The Cherry Fund. VIP Tickets are available at $10 which includes a promo CD and t-shirt. Cherry Weekend (April 17-20, 2008) passes & tickets will be available for purchase.

Be Bar is located at 1318 9 th Street, NW, WDC.

On Sunday, 13 January, Delirium Sundays at Pasha will host a Special Cherry Preview Dance Party, benefitting Cherry Weekend featuring DJ Alexander from LA.

Delirium Sundays at Pasha takes places on the second floor of the former Mr. P's, at 2147 P Street in NW WDC, this Sunday's Special Cherry Preview Dance Party open its doors at 8 pm. The music goes until 2 am. General admisssion is $10.

Winter Party Festival Early Bird Special Ends Monday!

To have the most fun possible at Winter Party Festival and save a little money at the same time ... purchase one of the multi-event passes by Monday, January 14! Passes always save you anywhere from $45 to more than $400, but you can enjoy additional savings during the early bird special.

Two passes, the Florida Resident Pass and the New Generation 21-25 Pass, are only available until January 14. But only purchase these passes if you qualify, as you'll be required to show a valid government-issued ID at all venues.

A new pass for those of you who like to get the party started and not stop, The Climax 24-Hour Pass includes three events that will take you from noon on Sunday to noon on Monday and maybe even later. This new pass is $150 and includes the 15th Annual Winter Party Beach Party, Orbit and BPM: Red Eye. This pass is available only until Monday, January 28.

Winter Party Festival isn't just a mind-blowing celebration, it's also an essential fundraiser for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and organizations that serve the Miami-Dade LGBT community. It takes over 400 volunteers to produce the more than 20 events on the Festival's line-up. These terrific people -- serving as greeters and bartenders, staffing the Welcome Center, working behind the scenes at receptions and fashion events, monitoring shuttle buses and setting up and striking more than 20 events -- help ensure that more money is available for the benefit of all of us.

If you'd like to contribute some of your time to Winter Party Festival, sign up at VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION.

HOST HOTEL RATES INCREASE ON JANUARY 29!

The Doubletree Surfcomber is THE hotel of choice during Winter Party Festival. The Festival Welcome Center is located in the hotel, only steps away from the magnificent pool, site of the ever-popular Under One Sun Pool Party. Hotel guests receive two complimentary tickets per room to this spectacular event.

Room rates are $299/king and $319/double through January 29, after which the rates increase by $20. To reserve your room, please call 305.532.7715, ask for reservations, and mention Winter Party Festival 2008 to receive the special rate or visit the Doubletree Surfcomber website.

Here is the Entertainment List and Schedule. And Travel Information and official photos from last year.

Click the above photo by Elvert Barnes to view images from his 2007 Winter Party Festival photo collection at flickr.

3rd Annual Just Circuit Awards Ballot Deadline - 14 January 2008

Last year, over 2000 JustCircuit members took the time to vote in the 2006 JustCircuit Awards. Their interest and participation in honoring the best in the Circuit was simply...amazing!

Here is the link which will enable you to access your ballot for the 3rd Annual JustCircuit Awards. Please click this link and follow the instructions provided to vote your ballot. Should you have any questions regarding your ballot, user-name or eligibility, please email JCAwards@JustCircuit.com.

Deadline for ballot submission is at 11:59 PM on 14 January 2008 and no ballots will be accepted after that time.

Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer's Life, 1990–2005 at the Corcoran closes 13 January

Tony Moran's "The Event 2008" NOW AVAILABLE at Masterbeat

Paladino Casting Call for BMXers & 'freelance' X-treme Sports Videographers in the WDC area

I received an email yesterday in my YouTube account from Emily Derr of Paladino Casting pertaining to a casting project for the Reebok website.

Paladino Casting is in search of people with interesting and unusual athletic skills, in particular, BMXers and 'freelance' extreme sports videographers in NYC, WDC and Barcelona who would be interested in having their images and/or videography featured on the Reebok website.

Based in NYC, Paladino Casting is currently making plans to visit WDC in the next few weeks for the purpose of scouting 'potential' subjects. While Paladino Casting hopes to spend a day or more videotaping and photographing BMXers in action at various locations in the metropolitan area - interested BMXers and 'freelance' x-treme sports videographers may also upload their projects to YouTube.

While union members or those under contract are welcomed to inquire and will may will be accepted, this particular project may be better suited for those who are non-union or are not under any specific contract.

In any case, it is important to obatain a signed model release from any subject and/or videographer involved in the project.

Contemplating visiting WDC next weekend or, perhaps, the weekend after ... Kristen Paladino has asked for my assistance in connecting her with BMXers and those who videotape them in the WDC area. However, since the cold weather is setting in and the BMXers (mostly from the suburbs) that I am familiar with frequent Penn Quarter, Navy Memorial, Freedom Plaza and Shaw Skate Park & Recreation Center in WDC it was my suggestion that she wait until the weather is warmer.

From conversations that I have had with the various BMXers, over the years, there are several BMX locations out in the suburbs that I have never visited.

So, if you are a BMXer or a 'freelance' x-treme sports videographer in the WDC area and wish to inquire further regarding this Paladino Casting project please telephone 212-741-2224. Or email Kristen Paladino at kristen@paladinocasting.com or Emily Derr at emily@paladinocasting.com.

In addition to that which you'll find at the Paladino Casting website here is a link to information pertaining to Kristen Paladino's casting background.

Click the above image of BMXer Eric, from Fairfax VA, to view my BMX - Penn Quarter photoset.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 04 January 2008

Creating New Memories / 2008

41st Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Roots of Virginia Culture

National Mall . WDC . 28 June 2007

2008 Fridays' Photos of the Week

Photographer Gerald Mocarsky's "Men Who Dance With Men" featured in January 2008 IN THE LIFE "Wide Stance" Episode

In the "IN THE LIFE" January Program Alert I learn of photographer Gerald Mocarsky whose "Men Who Dance With Men" historiographic project captures provocative images of men dancing together. From socials for senior citizens to ballet and hip-hop dancing, he uses his art to celebrate the honesty and beauty of coming to terms with oneself.

When viewing the JANUARY 2008 - WIDE STANCE video and then Mocarsky's website I was glad to observe another photographer who has similar interest and foci as I.

While my ongoing "And Without Apologies", "Out In The Life", and "Dancing The Night Away" series and Winter Party Festival 2007 Beach Party and 2005 Manhunt Pool Party collections attempt to document and celebrate 'gay life' my Movement Choreophotography Project captures folks of any and all sexual orientations, religious affiliations and political persuasion including those at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, in Dupont Circle, at Malcolm X. Park and the Black Family Renion or the Downtown Holiday Market 'dancing in the street'.

When observing Mocarsky in action on the WIDE STANCE video and viewing his work at his website ... I said to myself "George, I know exactly what it is that you are doing because I, too, have the same interests and similar foci.

IN THE LIFE's January episode, Wide Stance, features a diverse collection of stories, from a look at a film that examines biblical language about homosexuality, to a photo essay of men dancing together. We'll hear what it's like to be a gay rapper, take an unflinching and historical look at public sex and entrapment, through the lens of the Senator Larry Craig scandal. Throughout the show, the ever-controversial Margaret Cho, and lesbian comic Kate Clinton, go head-to-head in conversation.

To see when IN THE LIFE airs in your area, visit the Show Schedule finder.

Russell Richards 2008 Wall Calendar 'Limited Edition' available for only two more weeks

The limited edition of "The Art of Russell U. Richards" 2008 Wall Calendar featuring 12 months of inspiring artwork suitable for all ages, which he presented as gifts during this holiday season, will be available for only two more weeks from Russell U. Richards store at Cafe Press.

Click the image to order the limited edition 2008 calendar. Other products featuring "The Art of Russell U. Richards", including T-shirts and posters can be found at his Cafe Press Shop.

To learn more about Russell U. Richards visit his webiste at "The Art of Russell U. Richards.

Friday's Photo of the Week . 28 December 2007

Picture Man . Street Artists Series

in front of 14 U Cafe . 1939 14th Street, NW, WDC

Saturday afternoon, 22 December 2007

2007 Fridays' Photos of the Week