Avenida Paulista : June 17th, 2009

São Paulo is known for it's this incredibly long and wide avenue called "Avenida Paulista" . . . It is mostly banks and office buildings, however there are a few things that make it very special:

1. The MASPE (Museo de Arte São Paulo) - The São Paulo art museum is well known for being an authentic landmark in Brazil's largest city. The biggest expositions currently being featured are "French Realism"- which in my opinion is just ok - and THEN... Vik Muniz - I'm in love I'm in love I'm in love I'm in love I'm in LOOOOOOVE.


If my friends know me as being a "Trash Artist" - for my Found Art work, then Vik would be considered the KING of "Trash Art." Some of his mediums include: wire, cotton balls, peanut butter, jelly, wire, thread, sugar and dust - and of course random found objects and trash.

This man is an illusionist. He has the uncanny ability to create highly detailed pieces that look like mush from up close but as you begin to step backwards - OMG - The Mona Lisa! The Last Supper! It is way way cool. Brazilian born, he first came to the US to pursue his artwork in 1983 - since then he has gained international recognition. Here is his website: http://www.vikmuniz.net/

I was so impressed, I broke down and bought a killer book featuring the works from this current exhibit of his - this book will be the first thing to adorn my coffee table just as soon as I sign the lease on my apartment in Buenos Aires :)

I also stole some photos from inside the museum (super-covert operation requiring quick cat-like reflexes and cunning speed)






After the museum - I took a walk down the avenue. Which leads me to:

2. Historical and Present day architecture juxtaposed. Love it. Check this out. This is the Casa Flores, which houses cultural information and poetry from some of Brazil's best loved poets. Here are some photos of the house, I particularly liked the staircase.



Fun fun fun. Tonight... I went on a date :) The guy I went out with is a friend of Samya's and he is pretty impressive. He is a singer/songwriter/producer - currently working on producing a few Brazilian artists as well as the Brazilian version of "American Idol" and the t.v. show "High School Musical". His parents were big time artists themselves in the 60's - so it's a bit of a legacy. That all being said, he is just really humble, sweet and fun to be with. We had a great time - ate some killer sushi (they put fruit in the rolls here, like exotic tropical fruits with names I can't pronounce) then went to check out another Samba rock band at a bar/venue called "Grazie a Dio". I drank caiparinha, which I have now learned does not mix well with wine, but still... Good times... here are some fotos from the club and a video of the band that was performing.



Boa Noite. Beijos :) TJ