Art: Capturing Diego Rivera's Colossal Talent

Growing up Mexican I have always been very familiar with and immensely reverential towards the art of the great muralists of Mexico- Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Jose Clemente Orozco.  I was, thus, very excited to recently visit MoMa's current exhibit, Diego Rivera: Murals for the Museum of Modern Art, which runs through May 14th.  The exhibit features pieces from Rivera's 1931 exhibition at MoMa, and though not extensive, the story that unfolds of Rivera, revolution, industrialization, and New York in 20's and 30's is truly transporting. Standing in front of the emotive Rivera frescoes is absolutely breathtaking.

After letting each piece fully soak in, I felt the need to make the experience last and headed to the gift shop.  Surprisingly, I ended up falling in love with a book not directly related to the murals presented, but rather a compilation of Rivera's many political cartoons and leftist propaganda drawings entitled, "Diego Rivera: Great Illustrator" (Biblioteca de Ilustradores Mexicanos.)  While his murals are clearly worthy of their prominence, this book highlights Rivera's extraordinary and prolific body of illustration beautifully.  The book was too expensive to buy in the design shop, but I did find it at Amazon.com for a much more decent price and decided it will be my next art book purchase as soon as I have the chance.

Still, if bringing Rivera's murals home is what you are really after, I would save up and spring for the mother of all Rivera books, Diego Rivera: The Complete Murals.  Like all Taschen books, it truly captures the magic of Rivera's murals through oversized, fold-out pages.  You're looking at a much higher price-tag, but it's an exhaustive tome that will never cease to wow you, and is guaranteed to always have a home in any art aficionado's collection.  Of course, if you have the chance, don't miss out on the real thing.  I highly recommend visiting the exhibit itself as it is truly an experience never to be forgotten!

Housewares: MoMa Sale Section Finds!

I've been on a dishware collecting kick.  In my younger years I ascribed to the "matching" school of thought.  I believed in sets and order.  But over time I've come to favor having stories behind my pieces instead.  I enjoy the quest of hunting down that perfect cloisonné plate, or stumbling upon a chic Georges Briard cocktail glass.  Last month, I found that the MoMa Design Store (a great place to find pieces for any number of collections) offered some particularly lovely finds, and all in their sale section!  Given that I was on a dishware trek, I honed in on this gorgeous porcelain Cup and Saucer and Dessert Plate set by Lee Chi Wing of Miix Design.

The fine detailing on the handle of the cup and the rim of the dessert plate are infused with a fresh, modern feel thanks to a little punch of avocado.  They are delicate enough to feel antique and noteworthy, but hip enough to use any day of the week.  Plus, at $5.95 and $7.95, respectively, they won't drain your wallet.  I quickly bought a pair of each, and can't wait to use them while drinking tea and snacking on cookies during Sunday night Mad Men watching!

For a more laid-back, but still stylish approach, I thought this Whistler Cork Tea Cup by Raquel Castro was another cute steal at $4.95.  Or, for a more artful, handmade feel these Bisque Drip Tumblers by Kimikazu Ito are spectacularly priced at $16.95 for a set of two.