San Francisco...MOMA "Focus on Artists" enlightens! Jan 16 - May 23rd...

Frank Stella inspired trends after sixties era!

San Francisco's MOMA celebrates its 75th Anniversary with an exciting exhibition titled:

Focus on Artists

The comprehensive collecion of pieces on display include 100 paintings, sculptures, and photographs (circa 1944 to 2006).

Curators have personalized each artist's contribution to the insightful show by hanging their indiviudal works in their own "intimate" gallery setting.

According to Gary Garrels (Senior curator of painting and sculpture) the eclectic exhibition puts the spotlight on a major shift in art being offered after the boisterous sixties era (which concentrated on more social and psychological themes).

In essence, there are two halves of the show, which complement each other admirably.

One body of work focuses on major American artists who helped nuture and impact the abstract expressionist movement (such as  Richard Serra, Frank Stella, Ellsworth Kelly).

A section on artists of International renown (unveiled this weekend) consists of the highly-individual artistic styles of Jeff Wall, Warhol, Diane Arbus, Sigmar Polke and others.

According to Garrels, museum staff are thrilled with this turning point at the SFMOMA.

"The two halves of the show will have their own internal argument that will, I hope, be clear and relevant to people. I think it's been a revelation for everybody here to see what depths we have to see all these works together and to realize this really is a world-class museum."

See for yourself!

San Francisco Museum of Art
151 Third Street
San Francisco, CA

Dates
January 16th - May 23rd

Exhibition Hours

Daily Viewing
(closed Wednesdays)

11 am - 5:45 pm
(Thursdays 8:45 pm)

Info:  www.sfmoma.org
         415.357.4000

Controversial works by Pop Icon Warhol

Canadian Artist Jeff Wall featured

http://www.julianayrs.com

Gotham Independent Film Awards...NYC's prestigious festival for Indie Filmmakers! Honors Penelope Cruz! Nov. 20th - Dec. 6th

To the delight of filmgoers who thrive on off-beat Independent feature-length films with Art House sensibilities, the Gotham Independent Film Awards Series returns to the "Big Apple" once again.

The 18th Annual Fest - which kicks off November 20th and runs through December 6th - is the Nation's oldest and largest organization of independent filmmakers.

For film buffs, Gotham is not only a must-attend Festival, but one of the social events of the year.

In addition to a scintillating round of screenings throughout the week, there will be a host of glittering cocktail parties and tony Award Celebrations sure to intoxicate and swell any pretty little head.

Gotham Award Tributes go out to Gus Van Sant, Sheila Nevins, Melvin Van Peebles, & actress Penelope Cruz.

The nominees for Best Feature include Ballast, Frozen River, Synecdoche (New York), The Visitor, and the Wrestler (Micky Rourke).

A handful of exceptional directors have been given the nod in the "Breakthrough Director" category, as well; for instance, Barry Jenkins, Alex Rivera, Lance Hammer, Dennis Dortch, and Antonio Campas.

The "Breakthrough Actor" category has rustled up a few intriguing choices, too.

Rosemarie Dewitt, Rebecca Hall, Michael J. Smith, Sr., Alejandro Polanco, Melissa Leo, and Pedro Castaneda will compete for the coveted prize.

For the third year, IFP teams with MoMA to select the year's best films off the festival circuit which have yet to be released theatrically. (Best Film Not Playing at a Theatre Near you)

Films such as the New Year Parade, Afterschool, Meadowlark, Wellness, and Sita Sings the Blues, are sure to attract large enthusiastic audiences at the eclectic gallery at the heartbeat of the city.

"Best Documentary" hopefuls include "Chris & Dan: A Love Story", "Encounters at the End of the World", "Man on Wire", "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired", and "Trouble the Water".


The Gotham Awards are selected by distinguished juries.

The Awards began in 1991.


The public showcase honors the independent filmmaking community and expands the audience for independent films.

In addition, the Gotham Awards Festival supports the work that IFP does behind the scenes throughout the year to bring such films to fruition.

Founded as a satellite program of the 1979 New York Film Festival, the nonprofit IFP, has evolved into a premier advocate for Independent Film.

Since its start, IFP has supported the production of 7,000 films and provided resources to more than 20,000 filmmakers' voices that otherwise might not have been heard.

IFP believes that independent films broaden the palette of cinema, seeding the global culture with new ideas, kindling awareness, and fostering activism.

Currently, IFP represent a network of 10,000 filmmakers in New York City and around
the world.

Through its workshops, seminars, conferences, mentorships, and Filmmaker Magazine - the IFP - schools its members in the art, technology, and business of independent filmmaking.

IFP also builds audiences by hosting screenings, usually in collaboration with other major cultural institutions, in Gotham City.

Venues
Director's Guild Theatre
(110 West 57th Street, NYC)
MoMA
(11 West 53rd Street, NYC)
BAMcinematek
(30 Lafayette Avenue, NYC)
Tribeca Screening Room
(375 Greenwich Street, NYC)