4 HEADS (Gold, silver, Copper, White) 2016. J.Morrison (Homocats)

On the New York Art Book Fair, a Perfect Place for Publications and Accessories.

On the 25th of September, after visiting Runn at the Astral and then Agnes for a new hat, Bubi called and mentioned we should go to the opening party for the New York Art Book Fair at MoMa PS1.

I immediately thought what a great idea, and on we went to meet at the Delancey F platform and head on to Queens.

The fair was a sensory overload of books and magazines of all kinds, the majority of them exquisitely conceived and put together… So much to look at! And even harder to decide what to get… Intrigue and beauty at every corner. Not to mention it is also one of the best places to get unique t-shirts and accessories!

Bubi and I met his friends Oscar and Roberto—the multifaceted dynamo behind RV Papers—who were visiting from Madrid and were lovely company. We all had a fun time taking in the displays and music wafting through the large patio space.

We walked into the zines section, where we saw a book that recalled the spirit of Italian Futurism, Bubi and I thought it was the best thing in the entire fair. Oscar and Roberto had also talked about a book they had liked, and it turned out to be the exact same one! I made it a point to return on Saturday to pick one up.

James Morrison had a booth with his beautiful silkscreens and t-shirts, Bubi and I had been to his birthday party a couple of weeks, where he did an intriguing performance while having us wear masks with feathers while holding shot glasses with flashing LEDs.

It was lovely to say hello to James and admire his wares, buying a lime green t-shirt with a pink Homocats design that I lived in the next few days, as I love it so much.

We also said hello to Scott Hug, who was sitting across the aisle. He was offering his gorgeous books and art, which we thoroughly admired. There was a writing compilation book in a metallic finish and with a music CD that I admired, as it reminded me of my love for books with music media.

We went into the domed building and I immediately fell in love with a book bag made of vintage chicken print fabric, which at this point is most likely the most beautiful fabric I’ve ever seen, featuring chickens, florals, gingham, polka dots… Erik Van Der Weijde, who was selling the bags for a zine called 4478, told me it was an edition of four. I got it and it is a treasure.

Bubi and I went with Scott for burgers after the party ended; we shared lovely conversation and camaraderie. Scott is a kind and gentle soul. On the way to the Petey’s Burgers, a fellow named Ko stopped me and said hello, as he was wearing the exact same night camo parka I was wearing. I loved meeting him and checking out how he was wearing it; Bubi took our picture. I was also wearing my brand new Agnes de Garron hat, which I have already written about earlier.

I stayed at Tony’s that evening and went to Housing Works during the afternoon on Friday, where Scooter decided he was going to acquire the rocking chair I am sitting on. He took my picture on the chair; I helped him bring it home later on during the week.

Friday night, Van and I hung out; he went to the fair during the day. He had also bought a Homocats tee and gotten a matching tote from James in the pink colorwave. I loved the bag so much; I borrowed it as we met with Bubi, Paul and Duane to go out in Bushwick. We went to Happy Fun Hideaway for a while and then ended up at the Black Box Basement, which we all loved, especially since they were having an exhibit of vintage photos of Bushwick in the 70s next to images from the same time period at Studio 54.

After saying our goodnights, Van took the picture of me in front of the Delancey Street station tree mosaic, which shows the Homocats 2014 bag and t-shirt along with Scooter’s 514 jeans and my signature Adidas Superstars.

On Saturday, I said hello to James and he gave me a Homocats bag in the gold and black colorwave which I featured on my Blondie exhibit post, and I bought the metallic book and a magazine from Scott.

I was also intrigued by the Hueso-Records booth from Barcelona, which featured exquisitely designed records of experimental music as well as sharp sweatshirts and t-shirts. The floor of the booth was covered in foam bedding, and the music poured out of beautiful birch wood speakers. I also admired some drawings by Lenny Kaye nearby, and said hello to Christopher Stout, Howie Seligman and Evan Garza, who were also there.

J. Morrison HomoCats: Fight the Power

February 8 - March 15, 2014

Opening Reception: February 8, 6-8pm

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Transformer presents NYC-based artist J. Morrison’s HomoCats: Fight the Power, a large-scale installation exploring both the abundance of cat culture on the Internet and the intersection of art & activism. Morrison’s drawings, prints, and related multiples utilize the popularity of the feline as a vehicle to address socio-political concerns. Humorous and playful, the HomoCats’ banners and slogans brazenly counteract phobias and debunk cultural stereotypes, propose equal rights, examine global health concerns, and challenge social norms.

Pussy Pop Performance: Purrrformance Art Party Saturday, February 8, 9pm-2am at Black Whiskey

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Inspired by J. Morrison’s HomoCats, Transformer in collaboration with Animals & Fire present a night of performance art exploring the intersection of the freedoms of club culture, fashion and digital politics. Proceeds support Animals & Fire.

Be My Forever Valentine: Cat Adoption Day Saturday, February 15, 12-3pm at Transformer

Transformer in collaboration with Homeward Trails, hosts a special Valentine’s weekend cat adoption event to support and promote feline rescue and adoption.