Female Artists, Talking

Article in the New York Times' UrbanEye:

By JULIE BLOOM

Thursday, February 12, 2009

First Run Pictures

Marina Abramovic’s performance piece “God Punishing.”

Maybe “He’s Just Not That Into You,” wasn’t your idea of a perfect vehicle for talented women. If you’re looking for an alternative, try “Our City Dreams,” “a lyrical documentary about the intersection of location and imagination,” Jeannette Catsoulis writes. The debut from the director and art world scion Chiara Clemente weaves together the narratives of five very different female artists — Kiki Smith, Nancy Spero, Ghada Amer, Marina Abramovic and Swoon — and their relationship to New York. It’s at Film Forum through Feb. 17. Go early tonight to hear Ms. Abramovic and Ms. Clemente discuss the challenges of making Ms. Abramovic’s grueling, gargantuan “Seven Easy Pieces,” in person, not to mention the larger ones facing female artists, when they hold a Q. and A. at 6 p.m.

“5 Artists Inspired and Shaped by a Place,” by Jeannette Catsoulis