CURRENT MUSEUM EXHIBITS
Surrealism Beyond Borders
One of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s current exhibitions brings together Surrealism works of art from around the globe from Egypt to Mexico to Europe. Most of the artists I did not know. I also don’t know that I liked these paintings and objects but they are different, often provocative, and sometimes chilling.
At least one, Salvador Dali’s black telephone, has some whimsy.
Jasper Johns: Mind/Mirror
The Whitney Museum of American Art and the Philadelphia Museum of Art are jointly presenting the largest retrospective ever of Jasper Johns’ work. Prolific since the 1950’s, he is 91 and still producing. There are many rooms of paintings on display at the Whitney. I agree with the critic who stated that the Whitney might have showed two-thirds of what is here.
Lots of American flags in different color combinations; several maps of the U.S., some multi-colored, some black or gray; and various paintings including real objects (tableware, used paint cans) or string and pieces of wood. I especially liked the colorful version of the United States, the placement of tableware along a frame, and the fifteen monotypes of a Savarin coffee can filled with paint brushes.
Seeing gallery after gallery, one appreciates Johns’ recurring themes and recognizes the repetition of certain elements. I wish we’d been in Philadelphia long enough to see the other half of this massive exhibit!
EATING AROUND
Marwin Thai
A nice addition to the Upper East Side, Marwin has about five tables and offers on site or takeout dining for lunch and dinner. We enjoyed a satisfying and modestly priced meal from the special lunch menu. Between us, we had Thai dumplings and spring rolls to start. The Chief Penguin tried pad Thai while I sampled the green curry with chicken. His pad Thai was good and my curry very satisfying. It’s a brothier curry with less coconut milk and lots of green peppers, bamboo shoots and basil. And since Happy Hour runs from 11:30 to 7:00 pm, we decided on beer—Singha and Stella d’Artois—$5.00 apiece.
Canyon Road
Occasionally, I have a yen for some good Mexican food and prefer to patronize a restaurant that isn’t part of a chain. Canyon Road on the Upper East Side fit the bill for a recent casual dinner. It’s decorated with colorful square flags and strings of little white lights and has a comfortable feel.
We ordered the requisite original margaritas and the house guacamole. Both were very good, and the guacamole had a lively kick. I tried the chicken tacos (three small corn tortillas on a board and plenty of food). The Chief Penguin, who’s a fan of quesadillas, had the shrimp and jalapeno one which came with salsa, sour cream, and a bit of guacamole. We went early so there were only a few other diners. Service was excellent. It’s now on our yes, return list.
Note: All photos by JWFarrington. Header images is Squash with Pan de Muerto by Maria Izyquierdo, 1947.
