Inside NYC - June 2006

Bodies: The Exhibition
South Street Seaport Exhibit Center
11 Fulton Street, 2nd Floor

Now through February 28, 2007
Admission: Adults $24.00, Child (under 12) $18.50

Bodies: The Exhibition consists of a series of human bodies donated for scientific and medical research which have been preserved using a process know as plastination. This relatively new process has made this fascinating exhibit possible. The detailed look into the marvel of the human body, heretofore reserved for the medical profession, is now available to the general public.

Since their introduction in 2002, these anatomical exhibits of the human body have been shown to audiences in 32 cities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Collectively, more than 18 million people have viewed these traveling exhibits. Considered by some to be controversial, the preserved human specimens are the creation of German scientist and professor of anatomy, Gunther Van Hagens who claims that the purpose of the exhibits is to provide a respectful look at the body's functions, its level of sophistication, beauty and fragility. Diagnosed at a young age with a rare blood disorder that caused him to spend long periods of time in hospitals under the care of physicians and nurses, Van Hagens developed a keen curiosity for science, medicine and the human body. His work with existing lab specimens during his medial studies caused him to question the need for a method of infusing polymers into the body's tissue as an improved means of preservation. Just three short years after completing medical school Van Hagens had invented plastination, a process through which all bodily fluids and soluble fat are removed from the body and replaced with vacuum forced resins and elastomers, such as silicon, rubber and epoxy. This process has revolutionized the preservation of human specimens for medical study and has been adopted by many research and educational institutions. Dr. Van Hagens holds numerous patents, has authored six books, has established companies in three countries that produce materials used in plastination and travels to various institutes of higher learning, including the New York University College of Dentistry, as a visiting professor. Amazingly so, Dr. Gunther Van Hagens finds time to continue his own research to further improve the plastination process.This exhibit is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 1-888-9-BODIES or on line at www.bodiestheexhibition.com.

Max Liebermann: From Realism to Impressionism
The Jewish Museum - Now through July 30, 2006
1109 Fifth Avenue (92nd Street)
(212) 423-3200
Mon-Wed 11-5:45, Thurs 11-8:00, Fri 11-3
Add'l summer hours: Sat 11-5:45 (galleries only)
Admission is $10, Pay what you wish Thurs 5-8.
www.jewishmuseum.org

The collection of 45 paintings displayed in this exhibition has been chosen to illustrate the influence of the artist's Jewish heritage on his work and to make American audiences more aware of this prolific and influential painter. Leibermann is said to have taken German art several steps forward through his own work and his introduction of French painting, which he himself collected. The art reflects the changes that occurred to Jewish life in Germany during his lifetime and the preservation of upper class ideals, which he inherited as a member of a wealthy family. As a Jewish artist he struggled between his desire to be an individual and his need to assimilate within a German society. There are certain instances where traces of both arguments are found in the same painting.

A Passion For Asia: The Rockefeller Family Collects
The Asia Society Museum
Now through September 3, 2006
725 Park Avenue (70th Street)
(212) 517-ASIA

In celebration of its fiftieth anniversary (1956-2006) the Asia Society has brought together 100 years of collecting Asian Art. This extensive collection of Asian and Southeast Asian art considered to be one of the finest in America is primarily attributed to the bequeaths of the Rockefeller family. Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller III spent their lifetimes collecting art from every region of Asia. Their promise to leave their entire collection to the Asia Society was the society's primary reason for erecting their current building on Park Avenue. In 1978 upon the death of her husband, Mrs. Rockefeller fulfilled their promise by donating their entire collection. She continued, in later years, to make additional bequeaths of pieces belonging to her foundation.