The Last Days of Brooklyn

Local

Right around the time my Grandma Nettie began to lose her memories, I became a scavenger, unearthing the mysteries of my neighborhood’s lost past.

Gauze, Manga and Delinquency, Tadanobu Asano with David Wilentz

Film

No discussion of contemporary Japanese cinema is complete without the mention of maverick movie star Tadanobu Asano. From his work with cyber-punk innovators Sogo Ishi (Burst City) and Shinya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo) to the meditative master behind Sailor Suit and Machine Gun, Shinji Somai, Mr. Asano is a lens through which to view the bolder side of contemporary Asian cinema.

Subprime Crimes From Wall Street to Brooklyn and Beyond

Express

It starts with someone like Milagros Munoz. She has lived in East New York for nearly all of her 46 years.

Daniel Joseph Martinez with Phong Bui

Art

On the occasion of the artist’s inclusion in the Whitney Biennial, which will be on view from March 6 to June 1, 2008, Daniel Joseph Martinez spoke with Rail publisher Phong Bui about his life and work.

Michal Rovner with Phong Bui

Art

Right after the completion of the artist’s latest large-scale structure, Makom II, which will be on view at PaceWildenstein’s 22 Street location until March 15th, 2008, Michal Rovner welcomed Rail Publisher Phong Bui to her downtown loft/studio to discuss her life and work.

The End of City Politics

For the better part of a year now, the primary focus of city politics has been on whether the mayor would run for president.

Bass Rules: Israel “Cachao” Lopez and Andy Gonzalez: From Mambo to Salsa: Part Seven

Music

The loft that propels Afro-Cuban music—a loping vibe buoying the percussive components, facetted choruses, and elegant ferocity of piano and horns that front an ensemble—derives from the bass lines.

Stan Brakhage with Pip Chodorov

Express

In February 2003, I had the opportunity to transcribe the audio recordings that Pip Chodorov had taped for his film, A Visit to Stan Brakhage, a brief, 15-minute portrait film of the great American avant-garde filmmaker, commissioned for French television. The interview was to be Brakhage’s last.