NK in NYC after the snowstorm
Having just managed to escape the airport chaos in London, I got marooned in NYC on Boxing Day when 24 inches of snow fell overnight and scuppered immediate plans of a sunshine break in South Beach, en route to Anguilla.
I cannot recall Park Avenue ever looking like this, however the positive side was being able to see exhibits that eluded me on previous trips – Chaos and Classicism at the Guggenheim, covering French, Italian and German artists between 1918 and 1936, made me reflect on the aftermath of war and how society is forced to start functioning again. I also saw Edward Hopper at the Whitney, tracing the development of realism in American art between 1900 and 1940 - an all together, much more uplifting afternoon’s gazing.
Antonio Donghi, Circus, 1927
Edward Hopper New York Interior, 1921
I also managed to catch up on some of this season’s hot Oscar contenders at the movies. Colin Firth movingly comes of age in The Kings Speech and will probably battle it out for the Best Actor with James Franco in Danny Boyle’s compelling 127 Hours. The take away from Franco’s adventure gone wrong, is always let someone know your intended route - makes total sense even when going for that New Year’s resolution run in the park.
Natalie Portman should be a shoe-in for Best Actress for her mesmerising performance as Nina (complete with Rodarte-designed tutus), in Darren Aronofsky’s disturbing ballet drama Black Swan. Portman reportedly trained for over a year for the role (dance training, choreography and cross training), and dropped over 20lbs in the process by sticking to a healthy vegan diet.
For some of the latest thinking in this regard and a lot more, check out US statistician and time management obsessive Tim Ferriss’ The 4-Hour Body - a personally tested collection of minimalist methods for rapid weight loss and body transformation which has shot to the top of the NY Times Non Fiction Bestseller List. Ferriss’ cutting edge thinking, garnered from many of the world’s top athletes and scientists, makes a fascinating New Year’s read – going forward no white carb is passing through my lips!
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