Artists in the Kitchen
Monday, May 30, 2011
Michael Jackson Peed Here
by James Humphrey
Just around the corner from the western-most end of “Restaurant Row,” where 46th Street joins the hustle and bustle of 9th Avenue, you’ll find an unassuming little bar that has quietly been part of the Hell’s Kitchen landscape for over 50 years. You’ve most likely walked by it dozens of times and never even noticed it. From the outside, there really isn’t that much to notice.
The 9th Avenue Saloon (still fondly referred to as “Cleo’s” by the devoted regulars remembering back five hundred cocktails or more) is almost invisible to the daily throng of tourists hurrying to the nearby Broadway theaters, or across the street to Justin Timberlake’s newly erected outpost of his “Southern Comfort” barbecue restaurant chain (previously owned at different points by Britney Spears, and Marla Maples).
Outwardly the 9th Avenue Saloon doesn’t hint of anything remotely cultured or artistic. But once you’ve actually found the place, taken a step inside and let your eyes adjust to the perpetual twilight cocktail lighting, you’ll notice that instead of the usual flat-screen TVs showing sports along side the ersatz pub décor on the walls, there is something unexpected: art.
You read that correctly my friend, ART! While the Saloon has many of the usual things one finds in a neighborhood dive— a long oak bar worn smooth from many a bent happy hour elbow, draught beer, a Juke box and a few red-eyed regulars who open and close the place — what’s unusual is the ever-changing display of art gracing its long, exposed brick wall.
Even if the chilled vodka martini just placed in front of you is the priority of the moment, you can’t help but notice that you are surrounded by art, largely due to the fact that it’s staring back at you from the reflection in the mirrors that run the length of the bar. And it changes almost every month.
. . . . .
Philip Martoglio has been a working artist for over 30 years, and has lived in Hell’s Kitchen for many years. He has now exhibited at the Saloon four times, two of which were solo shows for him.
This spring, if you were lucky enough to catch it, Mr. Martoglio exhibited a series of large format, acrylic on canvas portraits, a departure from his usual work, but not without his signature “unusual” twist.
At first glance, the portraits appeared to be almost photorealism but then one notices the small elf sitting next to one face, a boll weevil next to another, and next to mine dear reader (yes, MY portrait was among the titular “Fascinating Monsters” in the exhibition), were fireworks and bubbles! I had to ask the artist if he thought I was an “airhead” or was that meant to be some kind of exploding crack pipe in the bathtub? “It’s your intelligence and dreams,” he explained. “I’ll take it,” I replied with a smile.”
When asked why he likes to show his work at the 9th AvenueSaloon, Mr. Martoglio very humbly stated, “I guess I see the Saloon as a meeting place where people gather to share ideas, relax and have fun. I’ve always felt it was a terrific venue to try out new things…see how people react and talk about the art. Having this space available to exhibit at pushes me to do work I otherwise might not have done. Knowing my work will be seen is a powerful incentive, and I’m very grateful for that.” When asked how he would describe his style of art he didn’t hesitate to blurt out Magic Realism! You heard it here first kids.
If you were wondering about the title of this article, well, it is indeed true. Michael Jackson once actually peed at the 9th Avenue Saloon. Nobody was around to see it but the weekday bartender Joe. If you don’t believe me, drop in sometime and ask him. You see, at the Saloon, you never know who’s going to drop in to use the bathroom, have a drink, or stop in to enjoy the art. But everyone is always welcome so it might as well be you.
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