This article was printed in an earlier issue of Downtown Magazine
DAN V. ANDERSON SEES MOVEMENT between shapes and colors by removing the boundaries of his own creativity through hyper-visualization. “I take all forms of composition: light, form, and energy, and create a constantly moving dynamic expression; there’s nothing static about it,” he says. “Each one of my works gets into a new theory—like order within chaos.”
A New Jersey native, Anderson began his creative journey at the age of seven when his mother convinced him of his talent through a coloring contest that she created. He “won” and was awarded his first coloring books along with a box of crayons. From that point on, Anderson was driven to pursue art, and eventually ended up with multiple scholarships to Syracuse University.
Anderson does not consider himself to be a sculptor or a painter; he is inspired by Salvador Dali, and considers himself to be a “conceptual thinker.” He attempts to solve the perplexities of the world though his artistic expression, and to shine light on what others may not notice.
“I see a form in my mind that seems animated and must be translated and interpreted as another form,” Anderson says. He coined the term “supreme abstraction,” which is his own unique method of painting. His mind is constantly decoding, breaking down, and rebuilding compositional concepts to fully grasp and “feel the energy” of the various forms of matter. In Diffusion Series #6, Equilibrium Dissolve (above), he used sculptural canvas to create movement, energy, and resolution. Anderson says, “This relationship of light, shadow, and form in a physical evolution is what is captivating to observe. The viewer gets to witness the sculpture as an interconnected byproduct of the very factors that define its own dimension, only to be redefined by its very own compositional elements.”
The Dream Continued, which will be revealed on World Peace Day, is Anderson’s current project and philanthropic focus. The sculpture is inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and focuses on the concepts of equality, opportunity, and unity in relation to education and the aspirations of children. The sculpture consists of four children playing a game of jacks. One of the girls holds a sphere that symbolizes the Earth and emphasizes that children hold the future of our planet in their hands. Each jack is a collection of four fists, symbolizing resistance to inequality. The Dream Continued is the first of six projects titled The HEX Factor. Each project will bring awareness to a world issue, and focuses on spreading feelings of “equality, unity, and love that reinforces the bettering of a global society.” The project will be accompanied by The Dream Continued XOXO bracelets and other purchasable works of art, the sales of which will be used to benefit philanthropic organizations. DT dvande.com
This article was published in an earlier edition of Downtown Magazine
MIKA BULMASH STARTED Wine for the World because there were no companies focused on how winemaking is transforming emerging regions through social and environmental impact. She was working at the United States Agency for International Development and saw an increasing awareness of fair trade and ethically sourced coffee, tea, and chocolate but not wine, so she headed to South Africa to see how they were making wine in the post-apartheid environment. She could see the need to focus on underrepresented winemakers and wine regions that meet strict criteria in the areas of sustainability, social impact, quality, and practice.
Though Bulmash has a background in molecular and cellular biology and international development, her love for wine was never just a hobby. As soon as she discovered how fascinating the winemaking process is, she began a course of self-study and wine tastings that eventually led her to a WSET Level 3 certification. Instead of starting her own vineyard, Bulmash decided to find other winemakers who practiced the ethical and sustainable methods she was seeking.
Wine for the World curates and tells stories through delicious wines, like those of Ntsiki Biyela, who owns Aslina Wines in South Africa. She is the first black woman winemaker in that country and was given a chance through Suo, another brand Wine for the World works with. Many of the wineries Bulmash works with have been named Global Ethical Company of the Year including Ktima Brintziki, Greece’s first green and carbon-neutral winery; Cave Geisse, a trailblazing boutique winery in Southern Brazil leading the way for the country; and Bosman Family Vineyards in South Africa, all of which champion socially responsible and environmentally sustainable practices. Wine for the World is now starting to explore under-the-radar regions in the US as well.
When asked why philanthropy was so important to her endeavor, Bulmush says, “Personally, it’s what motivates me and my team. It’s also what keeps us going strong in an incredibly crowded and complex industry. There’s no shortage of wine in the US, but having the opportunity to meet fantastic producers doing great things, to tell their stories, to see the excitement in our customers’ eyes, to have them become evangelists for the same reasons that motivate us, and then to see how that impacts our producers and their communities—that’s what makes it so exciting and worthwhile. We love to break boundaries, and combining wine and impact is one boundary we are thrilled to break.” DT wine4theworld.com
Just ask Jimmy Webb, owner of rock boutique I NEED MORE, tucked on the quieter side of Orchard Street in the LES. Webb, immediately recognizable by his punker coiffure, tattoo sleeves and bright smile, had the wonderful idea to immortalize the footprints of his friends Iggy Pop and Debbie Harry in concrete.
On 24 February, he made it happen. With Iggy Pop in town for the Tibet House Benefit, Webb and his army of PR, managers, and the fantastic I NEED MORE staff welcomed Iggy Pop and Debbie Harry to the hot pink emporium with unbridled enthusiasm. As each person filed in one by one, they were greeted with cheers and big hugs from Webb.
Iggy and Debbie are immortalized on either side of the counter. Iggy was reluctantly persuaded to not cannonball into the concrete, although one could understand the temptation. Debbie gingerly stepped in wearing a pair of gorgeous red heels, and embellished her autograph with her signature X’s. Both pairs of shoes were given to Jimmy Webb as gifts, and will be on display at I NEED MORE, along with other amazing music memorabilia, unique pieces of art fashion, rock photography, and merch from your favorite bands.
Amongst the fans in the crowded shop were Henry Rollins, Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses, Chris Stein, David Johansen and Mara Hennessey, famed photographers Bob Gruen, Godlis, Bobby Grossman, Roberta Bayley and Mick Rock; Danny Fields, Jim Jarmusch, Amos Poe, Sara Driver, and Nina Alu.
Warrie Price is president of the non-profit Battery Conservancy, which she founded in 1994 to improve and rebuild one of New York City’s oldest and most historic public spaces. The park of 25 acres is visited by an estimated six million people a year. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
WARRIE PRICE Founder and president of the Battery Conservancy. Raised $160 million to rebuild and revitalize the Battery Park Gardens and Castle Clinton.
1. Name three women that inspire you, and tell us why. I am inspired by Lady Bird Johnson, my mentor since I was 18. She shared with me her passion and commitment to give the public free access to nature’s beauty. She instilled in me the role that laws and governance must play in delivering on this promise.
Franny Reese, the founder of Scenic Hudson and savior of Storm King Mountain, taught me how to fight, to be forceful without raising your voice, and to win.
Agnes Gund encouraged me to follow my vision and to trust in one’s intuitive creativity to enhance all people’s lives.
2. What has been the secret to your success? See blight as unacceptable and create beauty. Be innovative and strive for design excellence. Fill a void; don’t duplicate. Set the bar high. You only live once. As my great grandmother used to say, “Let’s shoot the works.” Exceptional ideas attract support and have a better chance to be implemented.
3. If you were going to pass on one piece of advice to a young woman, what would it be? Never give in on your values or give up on your aspirations.
4. In the fight for equality, what area do you think needs the most attention? We get in the door now. We deserve the same paycheck and advancement.
5. What are you most proud of in your career? Creating the first chemical-free NYC public landscape/park.
6. Where do you get your confidence? I have always been fearless—a foundation for confidence. From birth, I was raised by strong loving women who made me feel I could achieve anything. Small and big achievements build confidence.
7. What makes a woman beautiful? Optimism and generosity. Good hair helps, too!
8. What gives you joy? When I experience creativity as a problem-solver. I am happiest when I fix things.
With Pride Month in full swing, New York City is alive with color and empowerment. This year, there is an added sense of importance in the air with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots that began the movement for LGBTQAI+ visibility and acceptance. In the last fifty years, the movement has evolved immensely; moving from having to force visibility with violence, to having the ability to celebrate the queer community, and celebrate it loudly.
NYC musician, songwriter and DJ, Greko, is one of those loud voices, especially this year with the release of World Pride anthem: #LIFTEMUP. The song is a group collaboration featuring Greko himself, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Sharon Needles, legendary Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry, groundbreaking Broadway superstar Peppermint, and iconic glamour queen Amanda Lepore. Streaming proceeds are donated to LGBTQAI+ charities around the world with the 5 artists choosing a different charity to align with every two months.
The song is vibrant, fun and uplifting, for both its catchy sound and its inspiring message of camaraderie and love. It’s timely, it’s meaningful, and it’s the perfect tune to blast as you celebrate pride, even after June ends.
Photo by Pascal Kerbel
The song premieres on June 23, 2019 with a music video and documentary to follow. The music video features all five collaborators from the song along with voguers from Haus of De La Blanca, Jimmy Webb of NYC boutique I NEED MORE, former team USA figure skater Colin Grafton, journalist Michael Musto, Nightlife legend Michael T, Musician Matthew Katz – Bohen and many other members of the NYC LGBTQAI+ community. The main set was a CBGB-inspired, brightly-colored room created by actor and multimedia artist Kyle Glenn, Co-director Courtney Brooks, artist Tana Torrent and set designer Mariano Rubin De Celis.
Photo by Pascal Kerbel
Greko invited Downtown to Blonde + Co Creative Agency who produced and directed the music video. The company donated their two studios in which #LIFTEMUP was filmed. I got to engage in conversation with Greko, Julie Stahl, Blonde + Co’s founder / Co-director of the project, and behind the scenes photographer Ann Lawlor. We spoke about the new song, its vision of empowerment for the LGBTQAI+ community, and the hard work that went into creating #LIFTEMUP to appropriately deliver its message on film.
Downtown: Can you explain a little about the shoot, Blonde + Co and this space?
Julie Stahl: We’re a creative agency and production company, we create campaigns and content all the way through. However, our wheelhouse is mainly beauty, fashion and lifestyle. Considering the cast of characters involved with #LIFTEMUP, we knew that we could create something so perfect for this project.
Ann Lawlor: It was an incredible shoot to be a part of. Everyone involved was extremely talented and supportive. The energy on set was completely contagious!
DT: How did the collaboration between you come about?
Greko: Well the 50th anniversary of The Stonewall Riots was a major catalyst in creating the song, and including all of these people. We were working in the studio recording the track, but there was no actual plan to do a music video. I didn’t have the ability or access to blow this out the way that I knew it needed to be done. You know, in order for a song to be effective in this day and age it needs creative media content. So through Ann, Julie and I became connected. We had a meeting here at Blonde + Co and after I explained the whole project, before I could finish, Julie was just like “yes, yes, yes, let’s make this happen.” Honestly, I didn’t know what that would entail, this is not my industry. I perform, I write and produce songs, but yea, this whole thing was very new to me, and Blonde + Co has gone above and beyond. They have given their absolute all to this project. As I’ve gotten to know the entire team here, especially Julie, you realize that people do actually care about the LGBTQAI+ community, and that there are true allies here for us. That’s the positive energy and take away I have from working with Blonde.
Julie: The funny thing was… so originally it was going to be a photoshoot, and then “oh let’s get a bit of video,” and I was like “no, this is bigger than that.”
Greko: There had to be about 80 people here on Monday for the video shoot. Everyone just donated their time, no questions asked! It was absolutely incredible. People flew into New York for this thing. It was really beyond my wildest dreams.
Julie: Yeah, everyone was just so generous, it was unreal. The Director of photography Jendra Jarnagin canceled a trip to California just to join us. I mean, when they learned about it and saw Mike’s creative vision, it was like “I’m in.” It was a beautiful moment, it really was.
DT: How would you describe your creative vision?
Greko: Well the song is called #LIFTEMUP and while the message is to be taken seriously, I wanted the music and overall vibe to be lighthearted with memorable dance hooks. I love NuDisco and house music, from my experience here in NYC, that’s what our community dances too. It’s the heart and origin of the modern artistic gay club scene. So to me, it was a really important element to keep alive throughout the song. However, we also wanted to be acccesible to the pop music world as well, which is difficult. You know, you try your absolute best, bounce ideas off people, attempt to follow the patterns and rules of songwriting et cetera… but you still never know what your audience will say about it. Lyrically, I knew the way I worded the songs message would make or break it. The themes within the song needed to be displayed in a special way. So I called Sharon Needles who is a wordsmith and creative genius when it comes to this stuff. Low and behold, she wound up co-writing a majority of the lyrics with me. We focused on being less cryptic and more straightforward.
Photo by Ann Lawlor
DT: What would you say is the overall message?
Greko: The message of the song is to look out for people in the community who are struggling. If we are to face the world, we must face it together, and our responsibility is to empower the most marginalized and embattled among us. To #LIFTEMUP. Even if it’s the littlest thing! Be friendly, engage with people even if they aren’t your closest friend. Make more of an effort to ask how someone is doing with their job, relationships, or life in general. You never know what a person is going through, they might really need that interaction. I just think it’s our job to make the effort and be more aware of our LGBTQAI+ family around us.
DT: Can you talk a little bit about the people collaborating on the song with you?
Greko: I think everyone who is a part of this project has different personalities. There are five main artists – Debbie Harry, Sharon Needles, Peppermint, Amanda Lepore and myself. We all are good friends and fabulous freaks, but everyone really does have their own thing going on. So it’s kind of funny. I would say that in the end, we all strongly believed in this message, especially when we consider our own lives and experiences. Everyone’s a little rock n roll, everyone’s a little downtown New York, and you’ll see that the music video reflects that community.
Photo by Ann Lawlor
DT: What made you have the initial idea?
Greko: Well at this point in my life I was thinking… I’m sick of writing things based around the same emotions and topics that most songs discuss. Being in love, breaking up, partying with your friends in a club, etc. We have enough music being released telling those stories. I wanted to do something that’s more impactful, specific and in your face. Something that talks to my people, my community. It’s like what Sharon Needles said on the day of the video shoot… she stopped everyone on set and said “I just want to thank everyone, this is a really big deal and it means something because there’s a twelve-year-old us that’s going to listen to this song and hopefully take something away from it.”
Photo by Paula Randazzo
Julie: And it coincided with the 50th anniversary of The Stonewall Riots.
Greko: Oh yeah, well that was the big inspirational push for this of course. We all really related to the idea of lifting up people that surround you to make a difference. It took one bisexual trans sex worker to throw that first brick at Stonewall, and with that, her movement inspired others to join.
Julie: We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a lot more to accomplish.
If you haven’t seen Andy Warhol at the Whitney Museum yet, make sure you get there before it ends on March 31. You have plenty of time, so no excuses. Andy Warhol–From A to B and Back Again includes over 350 works, and yes, the soup cans are present and accounted for. It is, according to the museum, the “first major reassessment of his work in thirty years.”
Andy Warhol at the Whitney
I think it’s safe to assume that most people in the world are familiar with Andy’s work. I mean, you’d really have to be living under a rock not to be. Soup cans and coke bottles and portraits of Liz, Marilyn, Liza–icons all, captured by an icon. These images are some of the most recognizable in pop culture. Of course, just because they are universally known, does not mean they are universally loved. I know many people who don’t LOVE Andy Warhol. And, I know some people who actively dislike Andy Warhol. “I mean, it’s just a bunch of Brillo boxes,” was a thing I heard at the exhibit (standing in front of the Brillo boxes). To each his own, especially when it comes to art. Full disclosure: I love the guy. He’s a disruptor. A troublemaker. I love troublemakers.
Portraits by Andy Warhol at the Whitney
I’m not going to give you a screed on Warhol’s contribution to art and culture. Like the saying goes, I’m no art critic but I know what I like. But whether you love him or hate him, this exhibit is worth seeing. Why? Well for one thing, it’s rare to see this volume of work in one place, spanning so much time. The scale of the exhibit is staggering. It includes everything from his earliest commercial work, Interview magazine, film and television projects, early silk screen experiments, private sketches, and ephemera, to collaborative work with Jean-Michel Basquiat, and a huge collection of commissioned portraits. It’s exhausting to view, just imagine what it must have been like inside his head.
Mao Tse Tung, Andy Warhol
If you think you know Warhol, seeing the work all together like this will give you a new appreciation. If you dislike Warhol, you may find yourself inspired by the sheer voluminous output. And if you are one of those people who thinks that all he did was reproduce soup can labels, you may find yourself reevaluating your opinion. Photographs of the silkscreened flowers or the gigantic Mao Tse Tung don’t show you how “painterly” these works are. Getting up close to the lovely and delicate shoe portraits is a rare treat. (I COVET the Diana Vreeland shoe drawing.) The line drawings, some never before seen by the public, are touching and intimate.
Diana Vreeland’s shoe, Andy Warhol
It’s true, no matter how you feel about him, that Andy Warhol had a huge impact on art, celebrity, society, music, print media–the list goes on and on. And for that reason alone, the exhibit is a must. But it is the personal moments that most resonate–a simple self-portrait, the portrait of his mother, Julia Warhola, the Time Capsule, the special projects and collaborations that give you a small window into the artist’s interior life. Those are the moments most valuable to me. Go. Meet the artist. He’s an interesting fellow.
But those soup cans, though.
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Anderson does not consider himself to be a sculptor or a painter; he is inspired by Salvador Dali, and considers himself to be a “conceptual thinker.” He attempts to solve the perplexities of the world though his artistic expression, and to shine light on what others may not notice.
