New York Stories

Joseph Roberts: The Sustainability Advocate

Yuri Sandulov: Bridging Nations

For years, the city has tried to transform Willets Point, a hub of auto shops and junkyards, into prime real estate space for apartments and offices. But local businesses, their workers, and the neighborhood’s only resident, Joseph Ardizzone, have stood in staunch opposition. Ardizzone, who attends many Community Board 7 meetings, is frequently sought after by news publications for interviews regarding the ongoing legal battle. But this three year battle has only been a small sliver of Ardizzone’s 78 years at Willets Point.

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Growing up in various parts of Brooklyn, Ms.Morales has always stood out among her peers. This 20-year-old college student is no stranger to New York trains, buses, schools, and stares of those she passes on her way through all three. She realized how “different” she looks at a very young age, and is reminded of her appearance as a bright red-haired person by multiple people every week with questions of race and nationality. Although annoyed by the constant questioning, Ms.Morales has learned to turn her spectators in her entertainment.

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Browsing the interwebs this evening I came across this video that is narrated by the same blonde guy who was in the “Happy Carriage” video M. Owens posted a few days back. Taking the subway every day, I tend to forget that the individuals around me are actually human beings and not merely obstacles that are trying to make me miss the 6 train. I believe that most of you can relate. I appreciate the effort this gentleman is making in approaching total strangers and attempting to put a smile on their faces, as well as making them feel important, for making them feel human, even if for only a moment. This video reminded me that every single one of us in this city has hopes and dreams; every single one of us has our own New York Story.

50 Moganshan art district (Shanghai):

Shanghai Urban Planning Museum:

Shanghai art museum:

798 Art District (Beijing):

We will meet on Wednesday, March 30, in a different room so that I can work with students on their multimedia “One in 8 Million” features. We will meet in Room 7-165, which is a Journalism Department Mac lab. We will meet at the usual class time. I can stay late for those who want to stay.

I’ve always been amazed but perplexed by abstract expressionism. I think that is what is so intriguing about this style, the images are not concrete or tangible, but there is always something new to discover. After looking at some of the artist Dorothy Miller helped gain notoriety, I wanted to share some of my favorites.

This is a “Marilyn Monroe” by Willem De Kooning

Joan Miro’s Circus Horse

Robert Motherwell –  Poncho Villa, Dead and Alive

Jackson Pollock, I couldn’t find the title to this one.

Jackson Pollock’s work reminds me a bit of Wassily Kandinsky, what do you guys think?

This 2003 article from New York Magazine offers a exceptional portrait of Dorothy Miller, definitely one in 8 million.  In a world dominated by men, she was the first curator at MoMA and is responsible for introducing the world to artists such as Frank Stella, Franz Kline and Mark Rothko.  Without her, her friends Walker Evans, Jackson Pollock, Robert Motherwell, Joan Miro, Arshile Gorky and Willem de Kooning might not have become giants of Abstract Expressionism.  On Monday, March 28, we’ll meet at the FEIT seminar room and then visit The James Gallery’s exhibition “The Making of Americans” and see what’s so special about Abstract Expressionism, New York and Mama MoMA, Ms. Dorothy Miller.

When we think of skyscrapers, we usually think of gravity-defying, beautiful, high-rise buildings that are usually occupied by offices of wealthy companies. However, I wanted to look at a different end of the spectrum: the nyc housing projects, which are usually associated with the opposite, accommodating low income families. Most of the housing developments were built from 1946-65 in a “tower-in-the park” modernist style. The developments grew, mostly due to Robert Moses (ones of nyc’s greatest urban planner and builder), in his plan to clear old tenements and modernize nyc (wikipedia).

I thought it would be interesting to compare the two extremes. The saying: “the sky is the limit” supports the new york narrative. Dreams, careers and even physical buildings can reach unimaginable heights but at the same time, NYC is home to thousands of families facing financial problems and joblessness. This is the reality and irony of NYC. These housing developments cater to those in need, and we still refer to them as “the projects.”  This is to say, not all buildings are symbolic of success and prosperity, although the nyc skyline- of skyscrapers, does.