No. 13: Arielle Berman
A preserved nature property, Cassi Namoda, Copenhagen, Elysian Park and Altro Paradiso's martini & fennel salad.
Arielle Berman is a casting director & creative consultant primarily based in New York City while spending time on the West Coast & Europe, too. The focus for her personal work (and perhaps life) is largely engaging in deeper conversation that links us all through a shared sense of humanity, and her ethos centers around evolving human narratives, representation, and community. Enjoy the other Arielle’s notes this week :)
I. a preserved nature area
I recently had the pleasure of spending a day at a stunning 700-acre preserved property in the San Juan Islands. This beautiful area has been cared for by a local family for over a century. Across generations, the family has devoted themselves to environmental preservation. In an admirable gesture, they have set aside a significant portion of the land as a national park, preventing any future development.
The community actively chips in, particularly to care for the horses and handle their day-to-day needs. This joint effort not only preserves the natural beauty of the land but also reflects a shared commitment to environmental responsibility and community well-being.
II. a show
I caught the most beautiful show by Cassi Namoda this fall right before it closed at 303 Gallery in NYC. I felt it held such an emotive connective quality that was so intuitive somehow. In the realm of "art world" spaces, I often experience a sense of exhaustion. I appreciate having my senses and perspective challenged, and the environment can unfortunately sometimes feel mundane and unremarkable. I love when artists in our community move past this boundary and create a feeling — a world or even a sense of community that weaves a special thread connecting us all.
III. a city I love
I am truly enamored with Copenhagen. Would absolutely love to live and work there more in the coming years. The creative energy and efficiency in this city is both equally grounding and inspiring. The cohesion of art, design, city planning, and design is unlike any other city I’ve personally been to. My first impression of Copenhagen was the honest, curious, and playful nature of the culture – where adults can co-exist with the children (frankly speaking lol). Plenty of options for enjoyment and activities, such as public swimming canals, bouldering, biking, a variety of boating options, etc.! A few new favorite spots during my short time there were: Frama shop and cafe, Wine Bar Sabotoeren, Tekla Flagship, La Banchina (SO good), Blocs and Walls climbing gym.
IV. a moment in Elysian Park
There’s something so incredible about being in the middle of LA and hearing the howls of a coyote pack at 4PM in Elysian Park. I suppose that's the enchantment of Los Angeles—the mystical, beautiful early evening light, set against the backdrop of the city and flourishing plants. Although I grew up in Oregon and am familiar with encountering wildlife, the experience still strikes me as truly magical. For me, coyotes and our local wildlife always evoke a sense of awe and respect.
V. a martini and fennel salad
One of my guilty, possibly even cliche indulgences is a mezcal martini at Altro Paradiso… I know! After a cold sunny winter day, whether that be after galleries or work is so wonderful. I prefer people watching at the bar and catching up with a friend, somehow cozier and less of a fuss. They also have a great fennel salad that I always get when I’m there.
~ bulletin ~
los angeles
Open: Elizabeth Neel’s The Ghosts of My Friends at Vielmetter. Franz West at David Zwirner. Fashion still life photographer Sheila Metzner’s From Life at The Getty — I went last week and it was really beautiful.. highly rec. Hannah Taurin’s Issues at Chateau Shatto. Jonas Woods’ Drawings 2003-2023 at Karma. Tom Anholt’s Sticks and Stones at BLUM. Gideon Rubin’s Substance to Shadows at Anat Ebgi.
Tonight: Susan Morgan – Dr. Block Color Productions: A 35mm view of architecture & design, 1943 - 1955 at Schindler House.
Saturday: Daniel Graham Loxton: Living Room | Roy McMakin: Dining Room & Bedroom at CASTLE Gallery.
new york
Open: Lizzy Gabay Still Towns at Entrance. Derek Fordjour Score at Petzel. Tracey Emin’s Lovers Grave at White Cube. Jenna Gribbon’s The Honeymoon Show! at Levy Gorvy Dayan. Group show BREAKTHROUGH at James Fuentes. Robert Ryman 1961 - 1964 at David Zwirner. Katherine Bradford’s Arms and the Sea at Canada Gallery. Ann Craven’s Night at Karma. Karyn Lyons’ show The Tresspasser and Other Tales at Turn Gallery. Laura Footes’ Somewhere Else at Shrine. Henry B Taylor’s B Side and Ruth Asawa’s Through Line at The Whitney. A Glorious Bewilderment: Marie Menken’s ‘Visual Variations on Noguchi’ at the Noguchi Museum. Ed Ruscha’s NOW THEN at MoMA.
Friday: A series of lighting works by Stefan White Constellation Club at TIWA. Intramural Shop pop up at FRIEND EDITIONS.
Saturday: Masha Tea pairing with bites by Piece Abernathy and dessert by Paris Starn.