The Chelsea Hotel - the past, future, and hope of artists.

Last night I went to the Chelsea Hotel for an art party, on the 9th floor. Linda Troeller was exhibiting her memories, in large format glory. That of great dresses walking past the wrote iron banisters and Ethan Hawk meandering the corridors of the Chelsea Hotel, there are tales of sex and fame, of the famous ghosts that once walked the halls. Linda’s large format prints are breathtaking; unfortunately the small book doesn’t do her vision justice; nor fully encapsulates the provenance and mystery that is this hotel and New York institution.

During lulls in the event I walked the halls and gazed at the insanely good art. When leaving, I didn’t take the crowded elevator, instead, preferring to discover the many works contributed by it’s storied residents. I got lost in nooks and crannies, discovered the fire escape, alcoves that looked like they belonged medieval nunneries. The doorways to varied apartments are just as interesting as the halls. Some are decked out in glitter and are, in their own way, freestanding sculptures.

No one knows what the fate of the residents will be, Linda is sure though, that the art parties, will no longer happen. Because the cheap booze that flows readily and the gathering of many guests in the outside hallways; will be frowned upon and never authorized again.

When I see letters like this one, asking that the halls be cleared of personal things, I immediately think of the art. Art is a very personal thing.

Yet what strikes me most is that few people. know the story of the Chelsea Hotel, how this SRO has fostered the artistic life blood of the city. So many celebrities got their start in the hotel. It’s truly of national interest because so much of our artistic heritage is contained within these walls. I had a challenge getting friends to come.

I was able to see some mesmerizing work by Arthur Weinstein, one was a silk screen of Hunter S. Thompson, it was truly brilliant.

What strikes me is that it’s residents (both past and present), such as Cristo are not roused up and screaming for change. I wonder, in my outsiders why, why it doesn’t just turn Co-Op. I know that seems odd. Now that the hotel is owned by Andre Balazs, [Correction: I'm being informed that Andre doesn't own it, but has only taken interest, I don't know who currently owns it.] the question isn’t weather the hotel will change, but when and how much. If his other properties are any indication, it’s going to be, by quite a bit. The planning is still in it’s early stages. So change can now be affected; once the residents start leaving (as is the case of some commercial tenants) it will become too late. I do not believe in altruism from New Yorks many landlords and management companies.

At the end of the evening Linda herself expressed it best, when she shared a small moment of frustration in an otherwise sublime and delightful evening, that frustration was to the internet community and to bloggers that didn’t show up.  “The past must connect with the future.” She is so correct.

As artists must market themselves directly to their audience to survive and they must not only be amazing at art but also understand the nature of the market and PR.

I truly, somehow long for those stayed days, when art could be just that, art. Not that I’m deluding myself for “simpler times” it’s just nice to see, that art was once, somehow more stoic. These artists are some how quieter and truly seem to be left alone, to be allowed to create their art in peace. Unfortunately this can no longer occur. I read the Village Voice piece on the hotel and was struck, that lots of people didn't want to be interviewed.

This hotel must be saved. I truly hope it will be. 

Comments

[Victoria]

Andre Balazs does not own any portion of the Chelsea Hotel. Other than that, I agree with your sentiments 100%.