Aaron Curry Sculptures - Melt to Earth

A kind of "self-portrait" silhouette in one of the sculptures.

Last weekend I noticed some sculptures had been placed in the Lincoln Center plaza, around the fountain and I snapped a few photos.  I happened to be walking by again this evening and took a closer look.  The sculptures are by a Californian artist by the name of Aaron Curry.  The New York Times wrote an interesting article about the exhibition (here).







I took a few photos last saturday as well, although they are a bit busier, as I didn't have my 50mm lens with me that day.  I like how colorful they are and how they really stand out against the lines of the architecture for the Lincoln Center buildings.

Summer Stroll

Ralph's Italian Ristorante - 9th Ave (is Ralph an Italian name?...)

I was starting to feel a little cooped up today. It's been so hot recently here in the city, I've sadly spent many a day in air conditioned coolness (well, not sad for staying cool - sad for staying inside). Felipe and I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood this evening, and to take photos. I decided I would jack my ISO up as high as it can go (1600) and turn on the black and white and see if I could get some gritty looking grainy photos, but still find something nice.

We walked down 10th Avenue and then back up to the Lincoln Center. It was a really nice evening to take a walk, warm but still enjoyable with a bit of a breeze.


The Empire Hotel


Lincoln Center Plaza - There isn't a night that this plaza doesn't look nice.


L'Arte del Gelato - a cool treat for a warm night. It was nice to people watch, the tourists, the workers...


I was taking pictures of the silhouettes around the fountain, and wasn't getting a shot that I didn't have before, with a good frame. Then I realized that the light was perfect for portraits. And there was this woman there, listening to her music and watching the fountain intensely. She stood very still and very solitary among all of the tourists and other people taking a night stroll. I had to take a photo, and I hope she doesn't mind...although I was quite far away, and discreet at possible.

Well, they are grainy, and some have blurry spots, but overall I think I was able to capture a few good shots or what was a really lovely summer stroll.

Turandot at the Metropolitan Opera

On Wednesday night Felipe took me to the Metropolitan Opera to see their production of Puccini's Turandot as my anniversary gift. I had not yet been to the Met to see an opera, although I have wanted to go since I arrived in New York City four and a half years ago. The story of Turandot takes place in Peking China, and it about a princess that declares any suitor must answer three riddles correctly in order to take her as a bride. If the suitors don't answer correctly, then they must die by execution. Turandot is "challenged" by a new suitor Calàf, who answers the three riddles correctly. Turandot, still not wanting to belong to or be conquered by any man becomes upset and the Calàf offers her one riddle - find out his name by dawn and he will willingly be executed, but if she cannot find out his name then they will marry. Turandot then wildly tries to find out his name through intimidation and threats to her subjects, only to be persuaded by his love to marry him in the end.

The story was nice, and I really enjoyed the minor parts of Ping, Pang and Pong who were her three ministers. Their characters tried wildly to persuade Calàf to leave and to give up his pursuit of Turandot. Their costumes were beautiful and colorful (I'm sorry I can't find any links to photos on the internet...all of them were from different productions). The sets were also amazing, very very elaborate and consuming the entire stage. If only they allowed photography during the show ;)

In addition to the production being beautiful, the Metropolitan Opera house if full of amazingly opulent details. Of course when you walk in you are greeted by an enormous Swarovsky chandelier, the style of which is repeated through out the House.

This one was in the main entrance to the Opera House.

Felipe took a photo of me with the chandelier in the background

It really looks like fire works or sparklers. Really brilliant!

Then there was the inside of the theater (completed in 1966) - full of gold leafing and beautiful woodwork, and more crystal lights.






Here is a photo of the last scene, from the New York Times review of the show


I can't wait to get back for another opera!

Silhouette

Sylvain is back in town for a few days. It's been a year since he and Laurence have moved back to Paris. We've been lucky enough to have her visit several times, but this is his first visit back since leaving.

We did a little bit of shopping this evening, and walked through the newly redone Lincoln Center Plaza with the new fountain. I am excited for them to be done with the construction around the Lincoln Center. I pass by it every day on my way to work.

In a couple of weeks I'll be going to see the Opera at the Metropolitan Opera House. For my anniversary gift, Felipe got us tickets to go see Turandot, Puccini's last opera. I'm very excited about this - as I have not yet been to the opera in the four years I've lived here.

Going back to Sylvain's visit...I am looking forward to catching up and doing a bit of shopping with him! Send good vibes our way though, because poor Felipe has gotten a bit sick and won't be able to join us.