La Serenissima in New York City

Just back from a few days in  wild and wondrous New York City. I went to see the old European  masters at the Metropolitan Museum, then some contemporary ones at PS1MOMA in Queens.
Contemporary Egyptian artist Wael Shawky's 120 minute video about the  second and the fourth crusades,Cabaret Crusade was on view as part of an exhibition  entitled Zero Tolerance. The theme of the show was the artist as activist. It consisted of mostly video works related to political manifestations. e.g strikes, demonstrations, around the globe.
  Shawky's work is different because he deals with an historical conflict from an Arab view point. Moreover, he  designed a series of extraordinary glass marionettes which enact the events. These were created in  Venice by master glassblowers. The costumes were sewn by an Italian tailor

 

Although there wasn't enough time to watch the video in its entirety,(it's 120 minutes) what I did view was really interesting and I'd love to see the whole thing.

      Another  highlight of this trip was Veronsese's painting of St Catherine in Prison at the Metropolitan Museum. Created  in Venice sometime between 1580 and 1585, this small oil painting is a testament to  genius at work.
http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/438134
Enlarge the image and notice how each gold line on the green velvet fabric is treated with passionate precision. What's so extraordinary to me  is the freedom with which Veronese applies the pigment; his sensitive cross-contour  lines, and, of course, the rich, shimmering colours.
        Here's to Venice in New York!