The idea...
Five unique artists.
One chef, Brian Merel.
The art defined by the group.
The food paired with the art.
The space itself defined and created by both.
This show is about Brian's passion for food, art and the human experience.
He always want to test himself in culinary artistry.
At this event, Brian promises you to take it to a next level experience.
Here's the first pairing for next weeks show!!
The Carrier, by Brin Levinson
35x57, oil on canvas (it's HUGE)
And Brian's interpretation and pairing, based on the giant land and sea tortoise's eating habits:
The city that never slept. Constantly on the move for new land, their mammoth tortoise used its man made shell lights to seek it's source of strength and power.
Here is a taste of what the folks will be dining on
Salt Water Braised Lobster
wrapped in fresh seaweed w/ blackberry drizzle
The artists involved are
Brin Levinson
Craig Tapecat McCudden
David Welker
James Flames
Tim Doyle
All will be in attendance on Friday and Saturday night except for Craig
To learn more and buy tickets visit the Merel Gallery Website HERE
who cares
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you open your mind a little, you might find new things to enjoy.
DeleteHaters gon' hate.
DeleteWho cares?? The artists care, there is allot of work that goes into putting on a show of this caliber. If you get off by threatening the livelihood of artists, and people trying to better themselves, you are a sad human being. Let this man put on his show without all the negative criticism.
DeleteThis is going to be an amazing SHOW!!!
Oh my. This sounds incredibly pretentious. Nice piece by Brin though.
ReplyDeletePretentious how?
ReplyDeletePretentious how?
ReplyDeleteIf you read that and don't see it, you are beyond saving.
ReplyDeleteAlso, nice to see that Brian is mentioned more times in the posting than the actual artists. Newsflash: no one cares about a third rate chef who saw a quick exit on a television show.
I love the internet where people talk shit and tear other peoples work down but don't have the balls to stand behind their statements with a name.
DeleteNewsflash: If you read any press release/PR piece from any gallery they are generally mentioned more since they are the ones putting on the show.
It's more pretentious to trash someone's passion project based on a blurb than it is to do something you care about.
DeleteThat man, brian, sounds very obsessed with himself
ReplyDeleteI am not obsessed with anything other that putting on a great show, together with an absurdly talented group of artists. All i care about is helping to create an event that people will remember and appreciate. Thats all that matters. The show will be quite different from most others out there...hopefully in a good way!!! Cheers and please show a bit of respect to these artists that have put a massive amount of time and energy into this show. See you all next week!!
ReplyDeleteall you care is filling your pockets like you've been doing since you foudn the "urban art world", pretending to be a collector and the biggest fan of every artist around and then just shamelessy filling their works for a profit, with random excuses here and there. hope your mediocrity as a chef and a human being won't impact these artists that decided to work with you. also, discounted tickets now? that'a a nice "fuck you" to whoever supported you months ago payign the full price while they could have just waited anyway. what about the extra 6000 bucks you got on kickstarter? used them already to buy more crappy and overhyped art (that will be sold anyway within 6 months)?
DeleteHe is basically opening a restaurant do you have any idea about the logistics besides the time and money goes into something like that ? Oh and a gallery also at the same time. There is a whole creative world outside the mondo bubble and some of you need to understand and respect that. Open your mind just a tiny bit you might find some amazing things outside the world of poop culture.
DeleteAnonymous posters -Despite your reservations about the host or the format of the event, Please show respect to the artists who have worked hard for this show and will be flying in from all parts of the country to be in attendance. If anything the host, Mr. Merel is truly obsessed with ART and just happens to be a chef who wants to try something different. Give him a chance & dont find fault in enthusiasm.
ReplyDeletecomments 1,4,7, & 9 ...... FTW!
ReplyDeleteHere is a perfect example of a bunch of jealous little bitches that are to scared to even put names on their hateful little rants. C'mon man up put a name on the comments. Otherwise I'm not publishing anymore that are anon
ReplyDeletet's easy to sit back and hate. What's difficult is putting your ass on the line, spending months organizing and planning and countless sleepless nights with eyes wide open hoping that you've done enough that day to make this work. Kickstarter money?...into my pockets? Sir, if you look at what money was raised you'll see that roughly 95% was for the dinner party reward. That means that the money that I would normally earn from a private dinner and use to pay bills, rent and all that less important stuff, would be going directly to the show, and FAR from my pocket. I have killed myself for every dime that is going to pay for the show. It's very personal to me. It's the culmination of an enormous amount of time, thought and energy...for the artists and myself.
ReplyDeleteA little respect goes a long way. Anonymity shouldn't be used as a mask of hate. If you strongly believe in something, show your face. Otherwise, find something constructive to do with your life. No need to throw fireballs here. This show is about fun, creativity, energy, life, wonder and beauty.
@insidetherockposterframe - while I may agree with your stance on these anonymous comments, your use of "bitches" and "man up" make me disregard your opinion. Learn to make a point without denigrating women or reinforcing gender norms.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Man up did it occur to you that it meant for them to stop acting like little boys ? Female dogs are refereed to as bitches did you think about that ? If that is where your thoughts go to first you may be the one that harbors those feelings towards women. Because I dont and never have, I look at women as equals. I much prefer to be around women, there is none of the testosterone fueled bullshit I gotta be the king of jungle attitude.
DeleteI don't doubt you look at and treat women as equals; it's time for your language to catch up. Did I think you meant that a female dog wrote anonymous comments on your blog? Not for a second. Now that you mention it though, that sounds totally plausible ;)
ReplyDeleteRegarding "man up": yes it occurred to me that you meant instead of acting like boys. Do you get that you're pigeonholing what it means to be a boy or a man?
No need to go on the offensive because I pointed out something about your writing that made me lose respect.
Well when someone says things about my character that are not true I'm going to say something.
DeleteBack to the man up comment again. Boys like to hide in things, boxes, tree forts, under the covers and behind their keyboards
There's no such thing as a sea tortoise, and if there were, they certainly wouldn't eat lobsters. Tortoises are land dwellers and are largely herbivores, though there are a few species that are omnivorous. They would probably eat your seaweed, expect there's not much of that IN THE DESERT. Someone needs to re-take Biology 101.
ReplyDeleteWow. One doesn't have to go far in the online art world to find bmerel and controversy. He posts on several forums across the web, and while his intentions seem okay, he comes across as an obnoxious fanboy most of the time. He also has no problem throwing people under the bus on the very same forums. Completely unprofessional, and not how I think a "gallery owner" should behave. From reading these comments, it seems this website operates on the same level, and I don't think I will be coming back.
ReplyDeleteWell, I see where the kickstarter money went...to Inside the Rock Poster Frame to pump him up and be his white knight.
ReplyDeleteHow is he "basically opening a restaurant"? He is renting a gallery space for a few nights, for an event where he will also serve food. If I book a venue for an event where I am serving food, it is not the equivalent of opening a restaurant.
As for disrespecting the artists, I don't think anyone has done such a thing. I have a lot of respect for the artists participating, and I wish them success at this event. I do however question their judgement in getting involved with this egomaniac.
You guys are hilarious. Speculation is not fact. I have not received a dime from him. Believe it or not people still do things just because they like it and not for personal gain. I love the concept and artists involved.
ReplyDeleteJohn do you have a clue about the logistics in preparing food in a location that is not set up to do it ? Permits, refrigeration, equipment to cook with, cleaning facility, storage etc. That is why I said "basically opening a restaurant", because a gallery is not equipped for food service. You must not understand that all the food is being prepared on site and served in the gallery.
I really don't understand why all you are attacking him just for doing what he loves and trying to bring you a great show with great food. While all the comments on facebook are nothing but positive. Did he do something to all you personally ? Or is because he was on TV ? What poster/art group of you is just so outraged at this event that you feel the need to tear down all the hard work that has gone into by the artist and everyone else ?
You must not read his forum posts, of which there are many. He comes on strong and is beyond obnoxious. His Kickstarter campaign was rude and unprofessional. After a few days of very few donations, he attacked everyone for the lack of support. He has even publicly attacked people and artists online.
DeleteAnd he is not basically opening a restaurant. Renting and moving cooking equipment is pretty basic stuff. By your definition of a restaurant, my BBQ at the park this summer would constitute an establishment. Grill for cooking, check. Cooler for refrigeration, check. Table for prep, check. I just need to tack some art to the trees, print some tickets, and charge $150. Now what to do with that 20K I made on my Kickstarter? Perhaps a $900 Geddes print set is a good start?
*facepalm
DeleteDon't put words in my mouth
Wow, this is ridiculous. Someone tries to do something a little different in the art world, mixing what they love to do with what they love seeing others do - and willing to share this experience with others as well as put together some awesome pieces for art collectors to get their hands on. And people hate on that? If you have a problem with Brian, then don't attend. The trolling is crazy from anonymous creeps. I for one am looking forward to seeing what this show brings and if I was able (i.e. in the US), I would definitely attend. Ignore the douchebags Brian and keep enjoying what you do. You are putting your neck out there and I for one personally appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteArt and food are two of my favorite things. This event sounds awesome. I hope its a great success and the first of many.
ReplyDeleteI can't speak for Brian's cooking... but his taste in art is aces (see what I did there?). It's always cool to see a collector becoming a curator. In this case - where the new curator manages to fuse his original job with his passion for art - we should see some really cool stuff.
ReplyDeleteGreat concept, great chef, and a person who has a passion for art - Seems like a recipe for success.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I've never met Brian but I've had a few exchanges and he seems like a stand-up guy. The concept of the event does look like it's out of the ordinary but I assume that's the whole point. Nothing wrong to try and marry two seemingly different worlds in order to create a new experience that tries to set itself apart from other gallery openings. Won't be able to attend but I really wish him the best.
ReplyDeleteI never met Brian myself but having read a few of his posts and his passionate support of artist and art, I can't understand the vitriol towards his passion project. He's making it happen for himself and for artists. Sounds to me like a win-win. The Toucher's minions will be dispatched.
ReplyDeleteBrian is a stand up guy. This is a great idea for a show. I wish I was going. Congrats on the show and I wish you future success.
ReplyDelete"The Toucher" thing isnt funny. It never was. What is funny is how many people know its not funny and talk about how annoying it is behind the scenes. Keep beating that dead horse.
Ooohhhh...Brian! Now I know how you feel about your haters! I got some!
DeleteMy only regret is not being able to make the show since I am from philly. Curious how the food turns out.
ReplyDeleteWish I could be there. Good luck, Brian!!
ReplyDeleteAll the bashing of Brian is completely unwarranted. He's a good dude, and I didn't hear one person say that he has personally wronged them, rather they only resort to name calling. They are either still in middle school, or just being a*holes (Claiming to understand the scientific classification of a non-existent turtle with a city on it's back makes me think it's the latter).
ReplyDeletePeople forget that cooking is an art unto itself, and Brian's idea of putting the two together is clearly a little too outside-the-box for some people. I love the idea, and that line up is sick! Going to be one hell of a show to anybody that misses it. :D
Brian and i have gotten over our feud but yes he personally wronged me.... threw me under the bus with a gallery owner and artist, and i have witnessed him have bad words for artists (i.e. Sail) in public forums. I may have not been nice to him and never meant to hurt his feelings, but have to chime in after #39 and agree more with Jim that this behavior is not professional for a future curator and i feel bad for the artists!
ReplyDeleteAlso having one of the finest chefs in the city at an art show is NOT new... Brian < Finest chef in Chicago
I don't get it.
ReplyDeleteBrian is a great guy and I think this exhibition is innovative and really exciting. All of the artists involved are top notch, great people, and deserve respect for taking on something new and unusual in the printmaking world. I for one look forward to seeing what comes of this show, and hope its a great success.
ReplyDeleteChef Ramsey is upset with all of you.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the event Brian! Make it a great one & prove the haters wrong. I wish I was closer I would hit up the opening.
GBD