JOHN FREEMAN ON BOOKS
1. Naomi Klein, The Shock Doctrine
In her towering polemic, Naomi Klein shows how the free-market ideas associated with Milton Friedman have spread, often through catastrophe (as in Thailand, post-tsunami, and in New Orleans, post-Katrina) and at the point of a gun (as in Chile in 1973 and Iraq today).
2. Hirsham Matar, The Country of Men
There is a rightness and terrible melancholy to every sentence of this debut novel, which tells the story of a young boy entrusted with a secret; it reveals how in times of political duress everyday betrayals can become lethal.
3. Junot Diaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
I would be remiss not to point out that I have a conflict of interest with this book—Diaz is represented by my girlfriend—but not to mention the novel, which tells the story of a young Dominican kid’s coming of age, by way of Star Trek, the dictator Trujillo and powerful women, would feel criminal. Here is our Latin Bellow, taking the American novel and giving it a powerful new sound.
4. Dinaw Mengestu, The Beautiful Things that Heaven Bears
Heartbreaking, exquisitely made, this book tells the story of three African refugees making their way in Washington, D.C., long after they’ve given up on realizing their wildest American dreams.
5. Michael O’Brien, Sleeping and Waking
The New York Times finally ran a review of this wonderfully urban new poetry collection, and the book has now sold out almost everywhere. If you see a copy, nab it, because there wasn’t a more limpid book of poetry published in 2007.
6. John Richardson, Picasso: The Triumphant Years, 1917-1932
Occasionally bitchy, often brilliant, John Richardson’s ongoing study of Pablo Picasso is far more entertaining than almost any biography on the market. This latest volume is superb.
7. Don Delillo, Falling Man
The only novel about 9/11 that re-creates the trauma of that day and turns it into a new aesthetic. Here is the Great American Novel on Nembutal.
8. Helen Simpson, In the Driver’s Seat
Simpson is the U.K.’s answer to Lorrie Moore. There is nothing flashy to her latest collection; it’s the after-effects that are worth dialing in for—and the laughs, which are plentiful.
9. Francisco Goldman, The Art of Political Murder
Goldman’s gripping and important new book, which recounts the murder of a Roman Catholic human-rights activist in Guatemala and the political theater that ensued, just may change the course of that country’s current affairs.
10. Robert Walser, The Assistant
For every minute you’ve slaved at a job so far beneath your intelligence level, for every slight you’ve taken from a maniacal boss, the late Swiss writer’s novel will be a balm and a salve.
GERI JETER ON PERFORMING ARTS
1. Choreographer’s Showcase
New works choreographed and danced by members of Nevada Ballet Theatre and Cirque du Soleil. The dances ranged from the intelligent and dramatic “Another Lonely Day,” by Racheal Hummel-Nole, to the hot, hot, hot duet “Show Me Your Hand,” by Yanelis Brooks, and the choreographers discovered new depths and range in their performers. It played for one public performance; maybe next year, they’ll add more dates.
2. Las Vegas Philharmonic Masterworks II concert
Cleverly mixing the lush romanticism of Schubert’s Ninth Symphony with 20th-century Ravel and Shostakovich, the program offered something for everyone. The Phil’s new conductor, David Itkin, is proving capable of engaging the audience and exciting the orchestra members with material beyond the usual repertoire.
3. Dance in the Desert Festival at College of Southern Nevada
One of the few opportunities for modern dance fans to see a broad spectrum of choreographic visions and approaches. Highlights were new choreographic talent Javier Gonzalez, whose “Faces of Frida” showed him to be a gifted storyteller, and the virtuosic dancing of Peter Kyle, Marko Westwood and Bernard Gaddis.
4. The 5th annual Samuel Beckett Festival.
One of the most intriguing theater events in the city, challenging the audience and performers alike. Organizer Ernest Hemmings was especially successful with the productions of LionHeart Theatrics’ Act Without Words and Las Vegas Little Theatre’s Autobahn.
5. The Producers
Tony Danza shows who’s the boss in the production currently at the Paris Las Vegas, where his Italian-stallion charm makes the silly plot almost believable. Catch this before it closes February 9.
SUSANNE FORESTIERI ON FINE ART
1. Las Vegas Diaspora, Las Vegas Art Museum
I had five criteria in compiling this list: sensuality (i.e. color and texture); skill and craftsmanship; visual complexity; a personally honest interpretation of a theme; an ability to surprise. This exhibition contains many works that fulfill all or most of my criteria. James Gomel’s kinky triptych “Ridicule” is colorful, complex and skillfully textured; Gajin Fajita’s large multimedia paintings are dazzling in their complex layering. Through December 30.
2. Modern Masters, Guggenheim Hermitage
If I had to pick my favorite painting from this blockbuster show it would be Picasso’s “Pitcher and Bowl of Fruit,” an erotic, exhilarating roller-coaster ride of vibrant colors, sensual black lines and masterful composition. Ongoing.
3. Twist + Shout, Reed Whipple Cultural Center
A delight. All the works were textural by nature of the materials; i.e., yarn and threads, which were not used traditionally but in contemporary, thought-provoking and surprising ways; i.e., a mitten the size of a small car. January.
4. 56th Art Roundup, Las Vegas Art Museum
What I loved about this show was its many revelations: that photography could be painterly (Linda Alterwitz’s “Desert Light”); that I could actually enjoy a video projection accompanied by new-age music (Mark Grothman’s “Digital Landscape”); and the overwhelming poignancy I felt when contemplating reconfigured wooden drawers (Brent Sommerhauser’s “Wedge”). June.
5. Tom Holder’s Recent Paintings, Rosemary’s
It’s no mystery why I love Holder’s paintings. He sends me with the way he plays with colors—like a jazz musician improvising on a theme. February.
6. Celebrating Life!, Charleston Heights Arts Center
It’s great to see older artists displaying a freshness and vigor associated with youth. Two examples: Betty Johnson’s drawing “Tuesday’s Model” and A.J. Schreiner’s digital photograph “Retention,” as he experiments with new media. June.
7. 3Dementia, Contemporary Arts Collective
At the other end of the age spectrum, it’s satisfying to see young artists using a wisdom usually associated with age to tackle difficult subject matter—like death (Brandon Davey’s “home for the holidays”) and impermanence (Justin Crabtree’s “waste lamps” and Brent Sommerhauser’s “still can’t keep”). December.
8. CAC 18th Annual Juried Show
This show gave me hope for the future of art and artists in Las Vegas. There were highly skilled and thoughtful paintings (Carlos De Las Heras’ diptych “The Planet Earth Awards”) and offbeat and personal statements that questioned cherished beliefs and institutions (Loretta De Grandis’ “The Radiation Room” and Janet Greek’s “Thanksgiving”). March.
9. Printmaking Invitational, Donna Beam Gallery
I was pleased to see a high-quality and comprehensive display of contemporary printmaking that offers something for every taste, from meticulous small figurative lithographs to abstract expressive etchings. November.
10. Gerald Sequeira Paintings, Clark County Library
When I saw these paintings I couldn’t believe my eyes. They were marvelously complex, textured renderings of figures and streetscapes composed of blocks of color that camouflage a hidden text. April.