17 Jun 2009

The James Kalm Report: Top 10 Most Discussed

Hello, this is James Kalm, the guy on the bike welcoming you for another half-ass production...

Those words ring from the beginning of 'The James Kalm Report,' which has become one of the leading art criticism using the medium of video, particularly on YouTube. His ten minute commentary on selected New York shows and art fairs manifest the insights of a monk, the wit of a profound comedian, and the controversy of non-corporate and uncensored views of exhibitions of the vibrant New York art world. YouTube's 'Kalm Report' exemplifies Munk's blurring of criticism, historic documentation, journalism and performance art and began a new mode of art reportage on the internet.

Text adapted from the interview 'Double Assassination' by Qi Peng

Check out the Top 10 Most Discussed James Kalm Reports on YouTube:


1) Cy Twombly 'Blooming' at GAGOSIAN GALLERY

James Kalm once again goes undercover to bring viewers unauthorized video of Cy Twombly's latest exhibition of paintings, 'Blooming: A Scattering of Blossoms and Other Things'. With this collection of recent paintings Twombly has encouraged his most lyrical expressions. With a poetic sense influenced by the elegant simplicity of haiku, these pieces have a reduced color spectrum and a basic repeated form manifest as bursts of blooming blossoms. Despite having lived in Europe for the last fifty years, Twombly still holds a major place in postwar American painting. These works bare witness to his continuing vigor as a major influence among young artists.


2) 'What Is Painting?' At THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART Part I

James Kalm responds to a gracious invitation from MoMA to attend the press preview of this timely exhibition. Like the coming of summer, or the swallows returning to Capistrano, the cycles in the art world have returned to focus on the practice of painting. Organized by Anne Umland, this show spotlights 50 works of art that are painting, or relate to, the question, 'What is Painting?' and displays works from the museum's permanent collection. Ann Temkin, curator in the Department of Painting and Sculpture leads viewers through a brief walk-through and delivers an insightful explanation of the works. Artists represented include Philip Guston, Philip Pearlstein, Lee Lozano, A.R. Penck, George Baselitz, John Baldessari, Lynda Benglis, Lee Bontecou, Marcel Broodthaers, Chuck Close, John Currin, Anselm Kiefer, Sigmar Polke, Gerhard Richter, et al.


3) Lisa Yuskavage at DAVID ZWIRNER

James Kalm scurries through a busy Thursday night of gallery openings in Chelsea to document this debut of Lisa Yuskavages recent paintings. Presenting lusciously painted images of young voluptuous women, the content balances precariously between the obviously pornographic and cutesy sweet realm of girly pulp. This ambiguousness has provoked critical attention and prompted Yuskavage to be considered at the cutting edge of contemporary figuration. Featuring interviews with Lisa Yuskavage, Jerry Saltz, Rick Prol and Wolfgang Petrick.


4) Elizabeth Peyton Live Forever at the NEW MUSEUM

James Kalm wakes up early to peddle in for the press preview of Live Forever Elizabeth Peytons first museum retrospective. Since her appearance on the New York scene, Peyton has stirred controversy, with her pretty pictures. Eschewing the macho dictums of large scale, heavy paint and profound formalistic dogma, she has rather produced intimate works of a light, fresh and jewel-like quality that reflect her personal world of art historic heroes, Rock-n-Roll stars, friends, family and lovers in domestic settings. This exhibition organized by Laura Hoptman, Kraus Family Senior Curator, documents the arch of her development over the last eighteen years. Appearances by: Laura Hoptman and Larry Qualls.


5) Jeff Koons On The Roof at the METROPOLITAN MUSEUM

James Kalm is invited back to the Metropolitan Museum to document this sculptural exhibition by one of America's most recognized artists. Jeff Koons is honored with the placement of three of his highly polished stainless steel works from the 'Celebration' series, 'Balloon Dog Yellow', 'Sacred Heart (Red/Gold)' and 'Coloring Book'. Jeff Koon also responds to a provocative question from Kalm regarding the art market.


6) Damien Hirst 'School' at LEAVER HOUSE

James Kalm challenges holiday traffic and peddles to midtown for this report on Damien Hirst's 'School: The Archaeology of Lost Desires, Comprehending Infinity, and the Search for Knowledge'. As one of today's most recognized artists, this 10 million dollar installation represents one of the grandest projects completed by Hirst. Rife with art historical references this work is one of the largest indoor art installations in New York History.


7) 2008 WHITNEY BIENNIAL Busted

James Kalm peddles up town and attempts to bring viewers a few glimpses of the latest Whitney Biennial. Every two years, 'the show you love to hate' stirs up controversy and passion. As an art critic who has covered several show at this museum in the past, inexplicably for this preview, Kalm was excluded See what happens when he challenges this cultural institution's notions of elitist control and access, and covertly tries to expose this art to a worldwide audience via the internet.


8) 'What Is Painting?' At THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART Part II

James Kalm responds to a gracious invitation from MoMA to attend the press preview of this timely exhibition. Like the coming of summer, or the swallows returning to Capistrano, the cycles in the art world have returned to focus on the practice of painting. Organized by Anne Umland, this show spotlights 50 works of art that are painting, or relate to, the question, 'What is Painting?' and displays works from the museum's permanent collection. Ann Temkin, curator in the Department of Painting and Sculpture leads viewers through a brief walk-through and delivers an insightful explanation of the works. Artists represented include Francis Bacon, Robert Colescott, Gene Davis,Carroll Dunham, Wade Guyton, Al Held, Shirazeh Houshiary, Martin Kippenberger, Sherrie Levine, Andy Warhol, Agnes Martin, Elizabeth Murray et al.

9) André Butzer at METRO PICTURES

James Kalm brings viewers the New York debut exhibition of this German artist. Born in Stuttgart, and now living near Berlin, Butzer was a founding member of the 'revolutionary' Akademie Isotrop in Hamburg in 1996. Using a heavily pigmented technique of freewheeling paint application, Butzer extends the Expressionistic tradition while infusing it with his own unique version of cartoon and kitsch imagery, with comments by Anthony Hayward. . Included are an opening glimpse of Austrian Actionist artist Herman Nitsch, and a closing peek at a DIVA Art Fair container featuring 'Glass Block Video' by Willi Bucher, curated by ALP Galleries.


10) Lucas Samaras NYC Chairs at PACEWILDENSTEIN PACE / MACGILL

James Kalm saunters through an exhibition of photos by cult favorite Lucas Samaras. Vertiginous is the series title, and ratty street worn chairs, are the subject matter. Each study is snapped as if by an ornithologist documenting exotic birds in their natural habitat. Extravagantly rich and quirky compositions are enhanced with digital manipulation and juiced up colors for a taste of the Surreal distilled from the urban mundane.