The CJM Blog

Arnold Newman, Georgia O’Keeffe, painter, Ghost Ranch, New Mexico , 1968. Gelatin silver print © 1968, 22 5 / 8 x 28 1 / 8 in. Arnold Newman/Getty Images.  Considered one of the twentieth century’s major portrait photographers, Arnold Newman (1918–2006) took photographs that captured the artists, writers, celebrities, politicians, and businessmen that shaped the world during his long career. Well known for his perfectionism, he would meticulously craft his photographs both at the sitting and in the darkroom. However, this rigorous process often meant that in publications and exhibitions of his work, it was nearly impossible for a curator or editor to prevail against Newman’s strong opinions. Because he wanted to show work he felt was most impressive, figures who were no longer well known such as businessmen, as well as landscapes, cityscapes, and abstractions were often omitted from documentation of his work.

The Contemporary Jewish Museum features live music every month in the Yud Gallery, our sound space. We began and will continue our quarterly after-work happening, Night at the Jewseum, which features art-making, music, drinks, and noshes. With the recent opening of Hardly Strictly Warren Hellman, The CJM will be activated through live music, featuring bands and acts that have performed over the years during the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. Listen to previous performers and those soon to come to The CJM. These local artists will make you put all conversations on hold and dance in The Museum’s Gallery. Their music will surprise and delight you. Sonny Smith Prince Nedick & The Conks featuring Sonny Smith – Back in the Day (I Can’t Stand It). . . Happy Fangs – Hiya Kaw Kaw Carletta Sue Kay – Joy Division Whiskerman – Fair Mind, Maker, Weeper, Babe Kelly McFarling – Distractable Child Jesse DeNatale – I Hear Your Voice David Berk...

Lindsey White,  Steal Ditch Switch , 2014. C-print, 2014     Artist Lindsey White was interviewed by CJM Associate Curator Lily Siegel about what is going on  In That Case:  Havruta  in Contemporary Art . White is the first artist to participate in this collaborative series. She chose to work with Los Angeles-based comedian and performer Ron Lynch. Both artists have an affinity for challenging expected modes of visual presentation.  What is the most exciting part of In That Case for you? Most people don’t think about artists as being researchers, but we are. Artists are always asking funny questions and stealing time from various people. So the chance to go above board and connect with one of my heroes is a singular opportunity.

Installation of   In That Case   with Lindsey White and Ron Lynch  is under way. In That Case :  Havruta  in Contemporary Art  brings individual Bay Area artists together with a scholar, scientist, writer, or other thinker of his or her choice for a ten-week fellowship in creativity. The resulting collaborations will be presented in The Museum’s Sala Webb Education Center.

Born into a prominent California family, Warren Hellman created his own enduring legacy in business, culture, and philanthropy. His fortune largely self-made, Warren was known for his keen ability to identify talented people. He established two of America’s premier private equity firms and aided the creation of a large number of successful alternative investment management firms across the US. He is best remembered for his philanthropy and his iconoclastic approach to life. An endurance athlete who competed in long distance running and horseback riding competitions, he was also a musician and music enthusiast who believed in the importance of community arts. Among a host of business and philanthropic accomplishments, Hellman may now be best recognized for the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival (HSB) which he founded in 2001. Held annually in Golden Gate Park, the festival draws more than 700,000 people.

To accompany the exhibition Project Mah Jongg, The Contemporary Jewish commissioned artist Imin Yeh to create the work Downloadable Paper Mahjong. The exhibition is on view through October 28, 2014. On September 18, Imin sat down with former Curatorial Associate Jeanne Gerrity to discuss her work. Hand crafted Paper Mahjong set created by Imin Yeh Can you tell me a little bit about how you came up with the idea for Paper Mahjong? Growing up, my grandmother had a mah jongg set that I was obsessed with because it was really simple and well-crafted. When I was older and living in China, I was constantly searching for a set as beautiful as this one, but all I could find existed somewhere between fake “antique” sets or commercial glossy new ones. I realized my grandmother’s set was so beautiful because it was so loved and worn, having been touched by hundreds of hands. Underlying many of my more recent projects is this idea of making paper facsimiles of the thing...

In That Case collaborator Ron Lynch's "Tomorrow!" the longest-running comedy, variety, and music show in Los Angeles. Photo by Lindsey White. Opening at The Contemporary Jewish Museum on October 23, 2014,  In That Case: Havruta in Contemporary Art  is based on the Talmudic principle of havruta —the study of religious texts by people in pairs. In That Case encourages learning through fellowship for Bay Area artists, established professionals, museum staff, and the entire CJM community. The root word haver —“friend” in Hebrew—emphasizes the communal nature of learning, and the havruta learning model reflects the Jewish affinity for asking questions and grappling with complex topics, together. Capitalizing on the Jewish perspective inherent to the museum, this program will take havruta and repurpose it for contemporary art. Each local artist invited to participate will be given the opportunity of working with an established writer, scientist, think...