photos by Samantha Marble

Vivian Girls @ ATP NY

"Andrew Edlin Gallery is pleased to present Henry Darger, its third solo exhibition of the renowned self-taught artist's work. The show, comprised of approximately two dozen works taken from the gallery's inventory and borrowed from private collections, encompasses some of Darger's very earliest experiments in collage, as well as an ample selection of his large-scale, late-career masterpieces. Among them, are several works that are being exhibited for the first time, including a panoramic composition that showcases creatures never before encountered in Darger's Realms of the Unreal: green-skinned plant/human hybrids with vines and blossoming flowers growing from their girlish bodies...

...The opening reception on Saturday, September 11th, from 4 to 7 pm, features two special events: At 5 pm, the acclaimed author Rivka Galchen (Atmospheric Disturbances, 2009), accompanied by Karen Russell, will lead a discussion on Darger centered around John Ashbery's poem Girls on the Run. At 6 pm, the indie rock band The Vivian Girls will give a musical performance.

That's on Saturday (today). On Sunday, Cassie plays a ten minute set at Todd P's annual Unamplified event. For a full set from Cassie, who has gone solo, you'll have to wait until September 19th when she plays Glasslands. La Sera, aka Kickball Katy, plays NYC during CMJ, and October 2nd at Funhouse in Seattle.

And as we pointed out already, the Vivian Girls played a set at ATP NY last weekend. A second set of pictures from that show, and a video of Cassie playing solo at Cinders Gallery in August, below...

Continue reading "Cassie Ramone played solo (video), Vivian Girls played ATP (pics), playing actual Henry Darger event (today), other shows "

According to Wikipedia, Henry Darger lived from "April 12(?), 1892-April 13, 1973)". That means he may or may not have a birthday coming up (really though, who doesn't have a birthday coming up?). To celebrate, the American Folk Art Museum (where his work is on display) will have a party for the man who created the vivian girls on...

Saturday, May 15, 2010
@ Espace, 635 West 42nd Street, New York City

Concert o Premium Open Bar o Hors d'Oeuvres o Dancing o DJ o Aerial Performance by Cirque-tacular Entertainment

Join us to celebrate Henry Darger's birthday at this extraordinary benefit party. Rock-and-roll legend Patti Smith will perform an intimate concert, preceded by a VIP party and followed by dancing and a DJ. Platinum VIPs will have the opportunity to meet Patti Smith at a private cocktail party. A night you don't want to miss! All proceeds from the evening support the museum.

Continue reading "Patti Smith celebrating Henry Darger's birthday at (and raising money for) The American Folk Museum "

the original Vivian Girls (on display at the Folk Art Museum in NYC)

"Each Friday, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, the museum trustees and staff invite the public to explore the galleries free of charge, have a drink in the cafe, and enjoy live music in the stunning atrium." The linueps are listed at the NYC museum's website.