Sol LeWitt "Whirls and Twirls" @ Columbus Circle

Five years in the making, the MTA is finally unveiling a giant, energetic mural in the 59^th Street Columbus Circle subway station designed by conceptual artist Sol LeWitt. That the mural was installed post-humously, on what would have been LeWitt’s 82^nd birthday, the absence of the artist is actually a part of LeWitt’s process. Like most of his wall-drawings, LeWitt’s specifications constitute the art, and the execution, usually carried out by studio assistants, is the manifestation of his instructions.

The mural consists of 250 porcelain tiles cut and colored to LeWitt’s exact directions. The proposal was created in 2004, during which time LeWitt selected the site and titled the work “Whirls and Twirls (MTA).” The project was included in the $108 million revamping of the Columbus Circle station. Two more circular floor works are planned for installation. We are told they are compass-rose designs in a contrasting light and dark grey color scheme. As the construction subsides passengers will be greeted by a colorfully saturated, vibrant, and playful piece of work by a world-renowned artist and one of conceptual art’s great masters.

Dash Snow: A Community Memorial

In memory of New York based artist Dash Snow, who died of a drug overdose on July 15th of this year, Deitch Projects opened the doors to their Grand Street gallery to house a community memorial for friends and fans alike. Organized by Snow's grandmother, collector Christophe de Menil, Jeffrey Deitch, and fellow artists Dan Colen and Agathe Snow, among others, the exhibition engaged audiences encouraging visitor participation through flowers and commemorative works of art. The memorial is documented by a sampling of snapshots below.

Make-Up Art Cosmetics: A Video

In collaboration with ARTCO, M∙A∙C takes you behind the scenes to visit three top contemporary artists as they create dynamic images for the Fall '09 Make-up Art Cosmetics collection. Watch now to see what happens when M∙A∙C makeup and art world luminaries collide...

The Bride Wore (And Was) Terence Koh*

Artist Terence Koh was fittingly outfitted in one of his very own designs this past weekend when he wed longtime boyfriend, graphic designer Garrick Gott. The dress, originally worn by Koh's mother, was altered to include dramatic billows of tulle; Gott wore a sleek white tuxedo to match. The unconventional ceremony, during which Koh made his entrance in a majestic white canoe and whispered promises to Gott amidst the branches of a nearby tree, was held at the East Hampton home of art collectors Phil and Shelley Aarons. Same sex marriage is currently not recognized by the state of New York, but to the happy newlyweds and 30 onlookers the vows exchanged were as interminable as Koh's 30-foot train...

M.A.C. 1 2 3

On July 15th M.A.C. Cosmetics hosted three parties in honor of three very special artist collaborations that will be featured in its upcoming fall campaign. By putting makeup into the hands of three very different artists, ARTCO helped foster the creation of three works that showcase M.A.C.'s brand new fall collection in exciting and innovative ways. Needless to say, the summer night spent in the fabulous studios of painter Richard Phillips, illustrator Maira Kalman, and photographer Marilyn Minter was a night to remember. Although the M.A.C. campaign won’t hit stores until the fall, the three equally amazing events entertained many glamorous fans; starlets Ed Westwick, Jessica Szohr, and Zoe Kravitz, nightclub empresario Amy Sacco, painter John Currin, and designers Cynthia Rowley, Isaac Mizrahi, and Erin Fetherston, to name a few.

LANCE ARMSTRONG GETS BUTTERFLIES

In a winning collaboration where art meets sport, artists including KAWS, Shepard Fairey, Kenny Scharf, Marc Newson and Damien Hirst have paired with Lance Armstrong to realize a series of charitable artworks. Now in the final stages of his Tour de France challenge, Armstrong will ride the Damien Hirst bike pictured when he crosses the finish line in Paris July 26th. Complete with the artist's signature butterfly wings and LIVESTRONG logo all proceeds will benefit Armstrong's cancer charity.

MINTER & MADGE

Marilyn Minter and Madonna fans are rejoicing! Premiering during Madonna's Sticky & Sweet concert in London on July 4th Green Pink Caviar is the new backdrop for Candy Shop, the tour's opening number. With a personal collection of artwork by Minter the sensuous video seemed a logical next step for the pop star, who sent the artist tickets for the video's opening night.