Interview

How do you define the current state of American art when America itself seems more cross-cultural, convoluted, and conflicted than ever? An exclusive preview of this year’s Whitney Biennial  ARTICLE PUBLISHED: 01/20/10

They were New York before New York knew what to do with them. They were lovers, best friends, fellow survivors. Patti Smith & Robert Mapplethorpe both became art-world legends and ’70s icons of radical downtown bohemia. Now Smith finally opens up about their days together, living at the Chelsea Hotel, buying art supplies before food, mixing with Warhol superstars and future rock gods, and doing whatever they had to do just to stay together.  ARTICLE PUBLISHED: 01/20/10

The story of Jay-Z’s rise from Brooklyn street hustler to the pinnacle of the music industry is one as old as America itself. But what the artist formerly known as Shawn Carter has done since he’s reached the top has been more about making history than living it down  ARTICLE PUBLISHED: 01/14/10

As Alice Cullen in the Twilight movies, she has been thrust into a maelstrom of earthshaking vampire-teen-sex-wolf-out hysteria. But for the actress herself, there’s more to life than being beautifully undead  ARTICLE PUBLISHED: 01/13/10

Brazilian model Jesus Luz has recently fallen under intense media scrutiny. (Google his name and all will become apparent.) But Luz is a man of many passions. He’s a nature enthusiast, a student of music, a believer in the value of hard work and a strong spiritual life. Just don’t ask him to justify his love.  ARTICLE PUBLISHED: 01/13/10

Three shows to look out for in 2010.  BLOG POSTED: 12/29/09

The Nutcracker asks us nothing in return, does not confuse us, challenge us or disappoint us. That's why we only get it once a year.  BLOG POSTED: 12/15/09

50 Cent on his new album, the art of the hustler, the magic of Bette Midler, and why rappers don’t cry.  ARTICLE PUBLISHED: 12/14/09