The Poetic Scribbles of Twombly and Basquiat

"Apollo" by Cy Twombly

Editor's Note (August 9, 2011): The Museum of African American Cinema in Harlem will pay tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat's work with a series of exhibits scheduled to run through January 2012.

I had never paid much attention to Cy Twombly's art until I read in the New York Times this week that he died recently. But immediately after focusing on his work, I realized that Jean-Michel Basquiat must have been heavily inspired by Twombly. I must admit that I laughed with glee when I showed a friend Twombly's scribbles and childlike masterpieces. There's something about his art that brings out the silliness in me. At first I joked about his "art," but then as I viewed more and more of it, I was mesmerized -- sort of like I'm fascinated with Basquiat's art.

Below are some samples of each artist's work. Tell me what you think. Can you see the resemblance?

Cy Twombly, whose spare childlike scribbles and poetic engagement with antiquity left him stubbornly out of step with the movements of postwar American art even as he became one of the era’s most important painters, died in Rome this week on Tuesday. He was 83.

Twombly

Basquiat

Lost: The Autobiography of Malcolm X

I just reported the book The Autobiography of Malcolm X as “lost” at the public library today. But if someone happens to find it and return it to any Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library branch for me, I won’t have to pay the $7.99 fee. The last time I saw the book it was somewhere off Central Avenue. Can somebody ayudame por favor?

Muchas gracias,
alicia

What's truly artistic?

I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.

-- Vincent Van Gogh

I can feel Van Gogh on this one.

Joseph Prince: Incline Your Ear and Listen, Listen

This is a partial transcription of a Joseph Prince sermon, held in Singapore on January 2, 2011. Listen to a portion of the sermon below.

When God says something twice…”listen, listen.” Listen with your inside ears and your outside ears. Be fully there. You are in God’s house. It’s not a time to be distracted, it’s a time to be fully there. “Listen, listen.”

“Incline your ear.” You think God is trying to get something across? … It’s the act of humility to incline your ear when God speaks.
Listen diligently, incline your ear – Hear, and your soul shall live.
Faith comes by hearing.

If you are in trouble, listen, listen. Get an iPod and listen. You can listen your way out of that trouble. If you are fearful, you have panic attacks – get the word of God, incline your ears, listen, listen, listen your way out of that panic attack, out of that fear.

Isaiah 55:2-3
New King James Version (NKJV)

Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.

Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you—
The sure mercies of David.

Jill Scott: The Magnificent

I'm gonna give a shout out to Philadelphia musicians after watching Jill Scott's music video for her song "Shame," since she is "the magnificent." In the video, Jill elicits the help of some of her homegrown Philly comrades like Black Thought from The Roots and Eve to spice up her project. Director Devin Hampton does a good job of bringing the down-to-earth flavor of Philly to the video. For me, the big girls in red, referred to as The A Group, upstage everybody, including Jill and Eve. The two guys dancing behind Jill are energetically bringin' it old school style, and the idea of having the trumpet and trombone players jump up when they hit their notes is just special. The video was filmed in Philadelphia at the Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center, which is a special place for Jill, since she frequented the place as a child and decided to step in and save the center when it was scheduled to be torn down.

Jill's "Light of the Sun" CD debuts on June 28. I don't buy many CDs these days, but I might have to break down and purchase this one, since both Gigi and I love Ms. Scott's artistry. She's our girl.

Check out "Shame" and one of Gigi's favorite videos right now, "Proceed 2" by The Roots, featuring Roy Ayers. This version of "Proceed" is one of the most brilliant remixes of a song that I've ever heard.





"What if you could just -- just blink yourself away?"

African Proverb: Peace and Understanding

This one reached me on a deep level and explains so much, without using many words. Oh, the wisdom of Africa.

There can be no peace without understanding.

-- Senegal

 

The Perfect Birthday Card

This birthday card to Gigi from Auntie T and Family says it all! It's true too. Thanks Auntie.

Gigi Tiene Nueve Años Hoy!

Feliz cumpleaños a ti Gigi! (She's 9 years old y'all!)



"I'm tuckered out from the pajama party."




"Showin' off my birthday earrings, I just
bought at SouthPark mall."



Gigi and Caitlin, after the pajama party.

"I met Shrek last summer in L.A. and I just saw him again in "Shrek the Musical" in Charlotte! Shrek is my boy."

Gigi in Front of the Fountain

Here she is, wearing the beautiful red necklace that she made herself.

The Gigi Fund

Even before I leave this place, I want to thank three of my girlfriends for making my stay bearable, funny, and cathartic. Annette, thanks for the laughs my dear sister. You can make me laugh longer and louder than just about anybody. You’re a natural comedienne. Don't forget to tell that person that the $400 fee better include a layin’ on of hands, casting out of demons, AND a massage. Marilyn, the sermon was passionate, educational, and full of the Holy Spirit. Also, the meal was truly delicious – I don’t think I’ve ever tasted such succulent crab cakes. Ironelly, mi hermana, what a joy to see you and your little lady! She is as beautiful as you are. Congratulations on creating your new family. I can’t wait to see a picture of all three of you together. It’s always fulfilling to have a conversation with you. You’ve always felt like family to me. (Please tell your mom how much I appreciated her hospitality. She truly is a lovely woman.)


Mom, Dad, MaDear, and Cheryl – thank you for the Gigi Fund, and I think you know what I mean. We could NOT have made the trip without the gifts!

God is good and you all are a blessing!