P E R V A S I V E / P E R S U A S I V E

2009-04-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

P E R V A S I V E / P E R S U A S I V E will be continued on Tumblr to take advantage of a richer format. I hope you will continue to check in on the site at the new address: claudegrant.tumblr.com. All previous postings will remain on Blogger.

You will be taken to the new and improved P / P by clicking here.

2009-03-28T07:23:00.001-07:00

Guy Bourdin

Film study by Guy Bourdin

2009-03-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Live model drawing at the National Arts Club is becoming a Monday evening institution for me. The prestigious and historic private club in Gramercy opens its doors to the public for a drafting class every Monday at 7p. Perhaps I'll see you there.

2009-03-25T13:55:00.001-07:00

William Eggleston

2009-03-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Storefront window of Obscura Antiques, Greenwich Village

2009-03-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

I want to live in this room. I can picture myself in it, in some small city in southern Spain, laying on that couch with my books, watching the days go by in total bliss.

Impressions, The John Coltrane Quintet

2009-03-21T08:50:00.001-07:00

John Coltrane Quintet - Impressions
by Delta_Mike

2009-03-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

Spring! And not at all too soon

photo by Kurt Hutton

2009-03-20T08:09:00.002-07:00

Robert Doisneau

2009-03-20T08:09:00.001-07:00

1947, Howard Hughes inspecting the Hercules

An engineer at Hughes Aircraft stated that Hughes was constantly sneaking around trying to observe the scientists unnoticed– however the stench from his old tennis shoes he refused to change usually gave him away!

Photo & quote from the Selvedge Yard.

2009-03-07T07:45:00.000-08:00

James Dean

"Boy, when you're dead, they really fix you up. I hope to hell when I do die somebody has sense enough to just dump me in the river or something. Anything except sticking me in a goddam cemetary. People coming and putting a bunch of flowers on your stomach on Sunday, and all that crap. Who wants flowers when you're dead? Nobody."

J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

2009-03-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

The show will be held at the Deitch Projects studio in Long Island City, with a performance tonight, Friday, 3.07 from 7-10p.

4-40 44th Drive, Long Island City

2009-03-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

TRAILER REPULSION 1965 ROMAN POLANSKI DENEUVE
by kirivalse

2009-02-28T07:15:00.000-08:00

The Seduction Moltrasio, Italy 1998

"I read this book once, at the Whooton School, that had this very sophisticated, suave, sexy guy in it. Monsieur Blanchard was his name, I can still remember. It was a lousy book, but this Blanchard guy was pretty good. He had this big chateau and all on the Riviera, in Europe, and all he did in his spare time was beat women off with a club."

J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye

Fall 2009

2009-02-23T16:25:00.000-08:00

Images from the Fall 2009 collection will be posted soon.

You Are Cordially Invited

2009-02-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

2009-02-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

Untitled

2009-02-07T18:10:00.001-08:00

Lara Stone, photographed by Hedi Slimane; excerpts from Vogue Paris Feb. 09. This month's entire issue was dedicated to her.

She's a femme fatale in every sense of the word, and my unofficial muse.

Two Pence Magic, Hans Richter

2009-02-01T06:56:00.001-08:00

Richter-Hans_Two-Pence-Magic_1930
by XLanig

Spring Summer 2009

2009-01-29T06:55:00.000-08:00

2009-01-25T19:03:00.000-08:00

Mr. Powers

2009-01-24T08:49:00.000-08:00

"I saw that individual for a moment or two in your office yesterday, but one cursory glance at his face was enough to convince me that he was a scheming, quarrelsome, sycophantic swine."

Mikhail Bulgakov, The Master and Margarita

Debbie Harry & Phil Spector; photo by James Wasser

2009-01-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

Sergei Rachmaninov, 1897

2009-01-21T10:54:00.000-08:00

Marcel Duchamp

2009-01-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

Henrik Heinz (1932)

2009-01-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

Deitch Projects window

2009-01-06T17:56:00.001-08:00

Rock and roll futurism takes over Deitch's Wooster St. gallery during a showcase of the late NY designer Stephen Sprouse's rarely exhibited artwork.

January 09, 2009 — February 28, 2009
Deitch Projects
18 Wooster Street, New York

Rendez-Vous: Paris Comes to NY Fashion Week

2009-01-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

if mohammed will not go to the mountain, then the mountain must come to mohammed

photo by Guy Bourdin

The French trade show Rendez-vous will have its NY debut during Fashion Week from February 20-23 and I am proud taking part. Rendez-vous is spearheaded by members of the design team Surface to Air, whom I have a great deal of respect for. Needless to say I am eagerly looking forward to it.

www.rendez-vous-paris.com

Purple Haze

2009-01-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Hendrix - Purple Haze (Live Atlanta 7-4-70)
by fuzz59

2009-01-03T19:21:00.001-08:00

"In Mexico women gather in small groups by the beach to smoke cigarettes"

2009-01-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

Spring Summer 2009

2009-01-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

Available February 2009

Frank O'Hara

2009-01-02T10:53:00.000-08:00

POEM

Instant coffee with slightly sour cream
in it, and a phone call to the beyond
which doesn't seem to be coming any nearer.
"Ah daddy, I wanna stay drunk many days"
on the poetry of a new friend
my life held precariously in the seeing
hands of others, their and my possibilities.
Is this love, now that the first love
has finally died, where there were no possibilities?

1956

2009-01-02T10:43:00.000-08:00

Title cover of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. First Edition (1886)

How did this short novella become one of the most enduring stories in modern Western Literature. Perhaps people can relate in some way to the Dr.'s dual personalities? I know that I can.

2008-12-30T16:44:00.001-08:00

Charles Bukowski

2008-12-30T08:23:00.000-08:00

Alphamale

By now every Polaroid enthusiast is aware of the disappointing news that the film cartridges have been discontinued. There are however a few sites where you can still buy (at a premium) film, cameras, and limited edition accessories that have been stockpiled. Polapremium is one with a decent selection that may tide me over until someone wises up and acquires the rights to continue film production. www.polapremium.com

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T05:40:00.000-08:00

John Waters & friend

Happy Hannukah

2008-12-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

2008-12-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

Couturier, model & colleague Yiqing Yin.

Yuichi Hibi

2008-12-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

239 East 33rd Street

East Village

4 a.m.

2008-12-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Calvin & Hobbes

John Maynard Keynes

2008-12-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

portrait by David Grant

With the economy in the state it is in, I've been brushing up on the subject of economics and its recent history. I've noticed the brilliant British economist John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946) garnishing a lot of attention once again. Keynes is remembered for being outspoken, his associations with the Bloomsbury colony (group of avant garde artists and writers, including Virginia Woolf, David Grant, and Gertrude Stein, living in Bloomsbury, London during the early 20th century), serving as economic adviser to the Allies after the close of both World Wars, and for writing "General Theory of Employement, Interest and Money". His theories from this book support the plans to prop up the failing economy rather than balancing the deficit, which has become one of the most debated and important topics in recent history.

2008-12-15T16:37:00.000-08:00

Baudelaire

2008-12-15T16:27:00.000-08:00

Kim Jong Il-ness

Sebastien Tellier

2008-12-11T09:04:00.001-08:00

M. Tellier has been playing New York a lot, among other places, since the release of his last album. Tonight he's performing at Le Poisson Rouge along with HeartsRevolution. I've heard good things about his live performances and am looking forward to it.

2008-12-10T07:35:00.001-08:00

Marlene Dumas: Measuring Your Own Grave Opening December 10, 2008. Open to the public December 14, 2008 - February 16, 2009. This will be the largest exhibition of her work in the United States to date, organized by The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, in association with The Museum of Modern Art. 'Through her focus on the human figure, Dumas merges themes of race, sexuality, and social identity with personal experience and art-historical antecedents to create a unique perspective on important and controversial issues of the day.' -www.moma.org

2008-11-23T02:13:00.000-08:00

2008-11-22T09:16:00.001-08:00

Lartigue

2008-11-22T07:27:00.000-08:00

David Lynch
by DocMango

Years ago before I ever saw my first David Lynch film I met a woman who had worked on several projects with him. I was immediately fascinated by her. She displayed many of the characteristics to be found in her mentor's artwork: sex appeal, danger, mystery, and a hint of insanity. I still owe her a debt for introducing me to this man, and some of the bizarre people who have made his films possible.

Lee Miller

2008-11-21T13:29:00.000-08:00

One of the most unconventional female artists of the 20th century, Lee Miller was admired for her classical beauty, intelligence, and photographic talent. She was born in New York in 1907, and modeled for Vogue before meeting Man Ray in Paris in 1929. Inspired by his work, Miller began creating her own surrealist photographs. Later, she became a war photographer for British Vogue and was the only woman in combat photojournalism in Europe during World War II. After the war, her later work included portraits of art-world friends such as Max Ernst, Alfred Barr Jr., and Saul Steinberg.

2008-11-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

D. McCullin 1963

Journal Gallery 11.22.08

2008-11-21T07:37:00.000-08:00

2008-11-19T14:35:00.001-08:00

Hotel

LIFE

2008-11-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

Fans of photography and 20th century history will be pleased to know that LIFE magazine's archives will soon be available through both Google and the soon to be launched www.life.com. The site will house over 10 million iconic images all available for free. I'm going to have a field day with this site.

Thee Ohsees

2008-11-12T16:34:00.000-08:00

I got the chance to see The Oh Sees perform in September at the Yard in Brooklyn. The band is from San Francisco and has a sound that walks a fine line between genuine rock and roll and sheer noise. It produces interesting if not entirely consistent results. Nevertheless they've grown on me.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=104288182

2008-11-12T15:51:00.000-08:00

2008-11-04T07:21:00.001-08:00

2008-10-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

Vampires, by Egon Schiele. Happy Halloween

Reflections on Fall

2008-10-29T05:33:00.000-07:00

Now that we are well into fall, I've noticed the amazing sound made by the brisk winds blowing through brittle, changing foliage. It makes a great 'woosh' that rises and falls, like a colossal broom sweeping across the countryside in one powerful brush. The autumn wind conjures up all kinds of mysterious and exciting images in my mind; it would hard for me to imagine fall without those lovely sounds.

The Graduate

2008-10-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

The graduate (1967) - Original Trailer
by Voldie81

In Flagranti

2008-10-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

After being recently introduced to In Flagranti by a friend, I was hoping Sasha would be taking part in the CMJ Marathon this week, but alas, he is currently touring Europe. I imagine this is what Studio 54 would sound like if it were around in 2008, i.e. great raunchy retro dance music.

400 Coups

2008-10-10T12:00:00.000-07:00

Les 400 coups
by skins-dandy

I was speaking with a friend about this film some time ago and was really disappointed to hear that he considered it one of the lesser titles to emerge from the French New Wave. Although I do tend to appreciate art inspired by the juvenile delinquent (no doubt because I was one myself not long ago), I also found it really charming. This is mostly due to the young lead played by Jean-Pierre Leaud. Even in the screen test, he shows quite a bit of swagger for such a young man. He really nails the role of the frustrated teen, and it's beautifully shot in 50's Paris; how could you not like this film?

Casting de Jean-Pierre Léaud pour LES 400 COUPS
by CinemaMonAmour

2008-10-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

Narcissus, Caravaggio (1597-1599)

Old Cowboy Wisdom

2008-10-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

There are three times in life when a man has call to howl at the moon:

1. When he is married
2. When his first child is born
3. When he finishes a job he was crazy to even start

Origin, Unknown

Charles Mingus

2008-09-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

Charles Mingus Sextet in Sweden
by madafonka2

Queens, NY's own Charles Mingus cookin live in Sweden (1964)

James Wasser

2008-09-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

2008-09-25T14:33:00.001-07:00

Practice Space - The Virgins
by VBS_tv

Much respect to KID AMERICA for connecting these characters with who they needed to know...

Us Again Festival

2008-09-25T13:00:00.001-07:00

2008-09-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

Breathless (A Bout de Souffle) stars Jean-Paul Belmondo & Jean Seberg

Justice - Stress

2008-09-22T16:33:00.000-07:00

justice stress (official video)
by 75_prod

I posted this a couple months ago, but I like it, and these boys are going to tear the roof off of that awful Webster Hall next month...

Enjoy Your Fall Friends (Fall 1908)

2008-09-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

photo of Jack Johnson or The Big Smoke to boxing fans

I've always liked this photo of him because it showcases his affinity for fast cars and sharp clothes. A playboy in the true sense of the word.

What better time of year to endulge in these hedonistic pursuits?

Goodbye Summer 2008

2008-09-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

Longnook Beach, Cape Cod (Labor Day 2008)

Sweet Smell of Success

2008-09-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Sweet Smell of Success Scene
by thadk

Anyone who has seen this film knows how much Mad Men has to thank Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis for their performances. So much cooler than the series will ever be (due in part to a glitzy score by Chico Hamilton, and the fact that it was actually filmed in late 50's New York City) this should be on every man's top film list. These men are drinking at the Stork Club, eating at 21, and all the while making and breaking other people's lives and careers. Classic.

JUSTICE

2008-09-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

I was just told that Justice is returning to NYC on 10/30 during their last visit to the states for a while. Webster Hall may not be the greatest venue, but that won't stop many. These boys throw a mean party.

Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds

2008-09-08T12:44:00.000-07:00

Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds "This one is amazing. People came up and said cunningly 'Right, I get it, LSD' and it was when all the papers were talking about LSD, but we never thought about it. What happened was John's son Julian did a drawing at school and brought it home, and he had a schoolmate named Lucy, and John said "What's that?" and he said Lucy in the sky with diamonds." -Paul (McCartney)

2008-09-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

Spring Summer 2009

2008-09-06T15:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks go out to the folks at WE ARE THE MARKET for all the kind words said about the spring collection this week. Thank you!

http://www.wearethemarket.com/blog/2008/09/post_128.php

In Memory of Astroland

2008-09-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

Warriors
by d-xboy226

Everyone knows of course, be it desired or not, that change is inevitable. That said, it is really hard to believe that after this weekend Astroland will be no more. Adding salt to the wound is the fact that it will be replaced by some mega-developer's idea of 'Disneyland in Brooklyn'. I try to keep my reflections positive here, but have nothing good to say about this. Bastards. Anyway, if the storm lets up tomorrow, jump on the D train and say goodbye to the most surreal place in town.

Coney Island Roller Coaster
by SpeedofFright

Happy Birthday Bird (8/29)

2008-08-28T10:49:00.001-07:00

Charlie Parker
by redhotjazz

2008-08-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

The End of the Line

2008-08-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

The NY Times ran a flash pictorial on their website today with photos from the end of all the major subway lines, complete with multimedia. It might have been done better (after all this is the NY Times and not a Bruce Davidson tome), but was still an interesting project.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/08/22/nyregion/20080822_LASTSTOP_FEATURE.html

2008-08-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

2008-08-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

The Thomas Crown Affair - Trailer
by soulpatrol

D.A.N.C.E.

2008-08-15T12:03:00.001-07:00

JUSTICE - D.A.N.C.E.
by edbangerrecords

Weather Up

2008-08-15T11:06:00.001-07:00

I would like to submit my vote for Best Neighborhood Bar 2008.

Highlights: Precision made cocktails, highly skilled barmen, subway tile interior, mood lighting, classic rythm & blues soundtrack, Vanderbilt Ave. address.

Bud Powell @ Club St. Germain Paris

2008-08-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

52nd Street Theme - Bud Powell
by boberwig

Art Parade

2008-08-14T12:10:00.000-07:00

Vanish Your Self

2008-08-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

While searching for more information on a specific album I was led to vanishyourself.blogspot.com. Each post is on a single album (mostly jazz but also a handful late classical artists) including album cover, liner notes and track listings. What makes it so special is this blogger's (Lumpenproletariat) taste. It is so impeccable this blog can be used as a detailed shopping list. I recently found myself desperately in need of new music and couldnt have discovered this blog at a more opportune time.

Wayne Shorter

2008-08-08T12:55:00.001-07:00

Wayne Shorter
by redhotjazz

Spring Summer 2009 Preview

2008-08-07T15:02:00.001-07:00

FOAM Magazine

2008-08-04T11:11:00.001-07:00

Foam has recently become one of my favorite magazines. It is based in Amsterdam and shows off the work of around six internationally recognized photographers in each quaterly issue. Subject matter is as diverse as the roster of contributors giving each issue a unique feel. Although the premise is not new or unique FOAM's execution of it is perfect.

The Master and Margarita

2008-08-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how much pleasure this novel has given me. Bulgakov writes with the most delightfully macabre humor I have yet to find in another book. It was performed as an opera several years ago at the Metropolitan Opera House and I imagine it must have made an enjoyable alternative to the typical Italian tragedy (not that there is anything wrong with that). Published in the 30's, this satire about the devil paying a visit to a young Soviet Russia is now one of my favorites. I try to avoid making sweeping statements, but if you don't enjoy this novel there is something wrong with you... Or vice versa?

The Annual Vice Photography Show

2008-08-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

Spring 09 Posted Soon

2008-07-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

First retail collection to be posted soon.

St. Vincent

2008-07-11T04:48:00.000-07:00

I have been really anxious for something new in music to get excited about and St. Vincent is one of a few that I am enjoying at present. St. Vincent's (or Annie Clark's) first solo album "Marry Me" came out last year, and she is completing her second this summer. I can't say that I love every song but the one's that I do, I really love. She has a very sweet voice, and is easy on the eyes as well.

St. Vincent - These Days
by beggars_usa

Fantastic Woman #2

2008-07-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I designed women's wear, & during that time had come across this young lady's card. We didn't end up working together then but I'm still fascinated by the photos she takes. Her name is Claudia & she's from Copenhagen. In my imagination she is what a woman from the distant future would look like. She's since become one of my MySpace buddies & I hope to finally meet this fantastic woman on my next visit to Denmark.

Miles Davis Quintet: Joshua (1964)

2008-06-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

Miles Davis - Joshua 1964
by Yedi

BMW: Forward Thinking

2008-06-30T11:04:00.001-07:00

BMW GINA Light Visionary Model: Premiere
by BMWwebTV

The first truly interesting design innovation to come along in the auto industry in decades.

Jeff Bark

2008-06-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

Jeff Bank (born 1963) lives and works in New York and I'm a big fan of his. His photography is painstaking; he constructs all of his environments in his studio, including the swamp in his Woodpecker series (example above).

Funeral Parade of Roses

2008-06-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

1969 - Funeral Parade of Roses - Toshio Matsumoto
by captainblood

Funeral Parade of Roses is one of the most hauntingly bizarre films I've ever come across. I have not been able to finish watching it as yet. It was released in 1969 and is a loose take on Oedipus Rex, set in the underground counterculture of late 60's Tokyo. I was told that it was a major influence on A Clockwork Orange, but I assure you, compared to this film, A Clockwork Orange appears as disturbing as an episode of Scooby-Doo.