Tag: 5th Avenue

September 10, 2020

Pandemic Guggenheim

Only 113 days remain in 2020. This 366 day lap around the sun is about ceding control. And so, while creating the 12th work in my 20-year Guggenheim Painting Series — I embraced our new reality, and went rogue. This was painted entirely with my left hand. First with a brush, then with a palette knife. There was no plan… like 2020? It simply happened.

Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes the bear, well, he eats you.

https://www.facebook.com/JasonBorbet/videos/10108198608120410

Being surrounded by the wondrous art created by my children, the importance of spontaneous creativity is palpable. Art, like life, is about routine, protocol, strategy… and sometimes, you must eschew the standard, and simply create.

September 14, 2016

The Neon Guggenheim, aka Guggenheim #8 of 20

In the summer of 2009, I painted the Guggenheim on a 30″X30″ canvas and practically sold it on the street. In 2010, I longed to paint the Gugg once more… but it felt wrong. Opportunistic.

Unless? I wondered… if I made a more serious commitment. And with that, I decided to paint a 30″X30″ Guggenheim, each summer, for 20 years. Today, I’m proud to share Guggenheim #8 — “The Neon Guggenheim”. Fittingly, this painting will debut at The National Arts Club in November, for the Accessible Art Fair.

MH the Verb sent me “Good Morning”, and, well, I couldn’t cut a single beat… so this video is long, strong and down to put the acrylic on. From MH, “‘Good Morning‘ perfectly exemplifies the collaborative style ArtHouse95 is all about. I produced the track featuring live bass from engineer, Dave Humes and layered drums. It’s pure Hip Hop… digging crates for the perfect sample, chopping the jazzy groove, and linking with two of Philadelphia’s most lyrical emcees – Drusef and Mic Stew. We wrote the song during a cloudy studio session a couple years ago while reflecting on our daily grind and ambition as artists. The homie, Kuf Knotz even had to make a guest appearance at the end. Overall, when the beat drops after the intro, you can feel the energy build… I just can’t wait for people to hear what comes next.

Enjoy… and do read on for an unusual painting recap.

July 21, 2015

Mindscape Guggenheim, AKA Guggenheim #7

Introducing “Mindscape Guggenheim”, aka, “Guggenheim #7”. In 2009, I completed and swiftly sold a 30″X30″ painting of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece. In 2010, I found myself longing to paint the Gugg once more, but two canvases of the same subject felt opportunistic — so I committed to painting a new 30″X30″ Guggenheim, each year, for the ensuing 19 years.

July 12, 2014

Guggenheim #6 AKA Pink Guggenheim

In 2009, I decided to paint the Guggenheim each year for 20 years… this is #6…

January 12, 2014

55 West 11th Street, A Commissioned Painting

I’m delighted to share my first completed painting of 2014: a commission of 55 West 11th Street in Manhattan. Ironically enough, I painted this in Minnesota.

June 10, 2013

Guggenheim 5 in the Guggenheim for 20 Years Series

In 2009, I decided to paint The Guggenheim for twenty years, each summer, from the same corner, on the same size canvas, with the sole variable being my style. This is Guggenheim 5… the latest of my recent futurist works, joining the Seattle Space Needle, Central Park South, Sutton Place, Welcome to Las Vegas Sign and The Bellagio.

July 7, 2012

Painting Process The Guggenheim #4

Back in 2009, my first professional painting was of The Guggenheim. This became an important landmark for my career, so I decided to try it again in 2010. Finally, I decided to make one each year for 20 years. This black-and-white canvas marks year #4 of 20.

May 12, 2012

Painting Process The Guggenheim Rotunda in Grey and White

The lure of The Guggenheim is simply too great. No, this isn’t Guggenheim #4… my 20 years of Guggenheim’s are painted in the same location on 89th and 5th Avenue, of the opposite view, on 30″X30″ canvases… This black and white painting was made to support Frank’s Doors — treat it like Chicago politics, vote early and often.

June 27, 2011

Painting Process | Marilyn Monroe, Andy Would Understand

A few years back, I was strolling along Madison Avenue when I happened upon an “up-scale” thrift store. There, perched high upon the wall was Blue Marilyn by Andy Warhol — a 25.5″X25.25″ reproduction shimmering in the low light. After no small amount of negotiations, $125 later I found myself with a fake Andy tucked under my arm, but six blocks from his old townhouse on Lex and 89th.

June 10, 2011

Painting Process | The Guggenheim #3

It began in 2009… my first Guggenheim painting. Then in 2010, I decided to do it again… same location and canvas size… after #2, I decided to paint The Guggenheim every June for 20 years. Beyond being one of my favorite places in the city, this will allow me to see my style progression in a consistent way. After the jump, process shots of The Guggenheim #3.