working against the clock

"One Year Performance 1980–1981 (known as Time Clock Piece)"
Tenching Hsieh
1980-1981
Bitch, Please was in town this weekend and oh what a joy to see a face from home. The last time I visited her , it was nothing but a weekend of binge eating, drinking, and shopping. We're a little older now and we're in a recession, so only one Diane Von Furstenberg shirt dress for Bitch, Please and one Marc Jacobs plaid tie for me. It wasn't a total weekend of frivolity. On Saturday we went to the Guggenheim and Sunday we took in the MoMA. Unfortunately we missed having our psychological state potentially altered at the Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition in the Guggenheim (damn closing times!), but we were introduced to Taiwanese performance artist Tehching Hsieh, whose work was featured at both museums. His work is somewhere in between a stunt, a fascinating document of the man made social construct that is time and a dialogue about where art and life begin and end, his performance pieces vexed me, amused me, but most of all intrigued me. The set-up is always as basic and straight forward as its title. In 1978-1979, he locked himself in a cage for a year. In 1980-1981, he punched a time clock every hour of every day for a year. In 1981-1982, he spent the entire year outside, never going in doors (that has be nearly impossible with the temperamental weather in this city). And the true test of endurance came in 1983-1984, when he was attached by rope to artist Linda Montano, but couldn't and didn't touch her. Requiring the monastic concentration of the most Zen monks, Hsiesh goes beyond the edge for his art and I liked what I saw.

for err man

Thinking of you...
W.

start spreading the news

It's funny to think that last Monday I was running around Manhattan for a day. I don't want to give away too much because I'd hate jinx myself, but I guess I'll state the obvious and say that I am more than excited about moving. Louisville has been kind, but a change of scenery is definitely in order. I saw my apartment for the first time and in turn met my awesome new roommates. I'll be living in the Clinton Hill neighborhood in Brooklyn and thanks to a guided tour from a dear friend, I'm already looking forward to movies at BAM and dinners at Chez Oskar.

Oh yeah, and naturally I did a little bit of shopping. Am I the only one that thinks Uniqlo is a little overwhelming? The stacks upon stacks of basics startled me and didn't lead me into one particular direction. I did like the cashmere sweaters, but with the late summer heat settling in, the thought of cashmere anything makes me break out in a sweat. And when will the price point break at A.P.C.? Not all of us mortals can afford such classic pieces at insane prices. I still have my eye on eventually owning a pair of their jeans, but $160 for a plaid shirt is a bit much to ask. My favorite new find was Odin, a contemporary menswear store in Soho that carries brands like Band of Outsiders, Comme Des Garcons, Rag & Bone, Trovata, Nice Collective, and Engineered Garments. What did I get you ask?

Rag & Bone
Classic Short, on sale for $59
Rag & Bone
Cardigan Vest, on sale for $59

I have come to terms with the idea that I might go in slight debt when I move because when you buy such well made pieces at such great prices, there is no turning back. None. The countdown begins...

chili a la stephanie

Now that there's a chill in the air and the temperatures have dropped, I can't think of a better relief from the cold than a nice big bowl of chili. The cacophony of flavors and soothing warmth make it an essential dish for the winter. My friend Stephanie, director at the excellent Gallery Nulu here in Louisville, gave me a recipe for some of the best chili I've ever had the pleasure of consuming. I had thirds the first night I made it and over the course of the next few days it got better as the flavors infused together coalescing into one of the best meals I've made for myself. Here's her original recipe:



2 tsp. olive oil
1 big tsp of red curry paste
2 diced onions
3 diced bell peppers (any color)
5 minced cloves garlic
2 tbsp oregano
3 cans black beans, undrained
2 cans diced tomatoes
1/4 cup garlic chili pepper sauce
1/4 tsp salt

Heat oil, add curry paste and saute until bubbling. Add onions and cook until they begin to soften. Add peppers, garlic, oregano. Saute two minutes. Add all that other ingredients, reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes (or longer if you got the time). I added ground chuck to the recipe to satisfy my inner carnivore, but this could be prepared minus meat. I topped mine with shredded colby cheese but sour cream can also be used. Make it yours and not only will you think me but the next time you see Stephanie you'll want to give her a big bear hug.