The Magic Words

“Recession-proof” is the new black -- and like "the new black" itelf, it's a snowclone that every lazy journalist can latch onto for a timely hook. It's also the adjective with which every brand, company, industry and product hopes to associate themselves in these troubled times. I did a Google news search for the phrase in the last month to see just what specific concepts and things the pundits are aligning with the holy grail of being economically immune. And they are:

• Humor
• Death
• Liquor
• Gambling
• Sex
• James Bond
• The Olympics
• The Mall of America
• Organized crime
• Video games
• Denim
• Mac and cheese
• Celebrity gossip
• Medical sector stocks
• Fishing stocks
• The waste sector
• Waco, TX
• Filipino teachers
• Comic books
• Political campaigns
• The military
• The Dave Matthews Band

Of course, for every age-old vice, stalwart classic, niche profession or crappy band deemed impervious to the economic crisis, there's an ominous warning that "no one," "nothing," "no sport," "no industry," "no sector," and "I don't think anything, really" is recession-proof. So take your mac and cheese with a grain of salt.

Nice Guys Finish First

...that's what the booklet for the fantastic Outsider street art installation at Houston & Bowery said, and that's the vibe I got from the very friendly & very cool people running things at the space.



The show's been extended to Oct. 26, so there's a scant two days left to see it if you haven't yet. It's well worth the visit, especially if you're just popping between the Elizabeth Peyton & Mary Heilmann shows at the New Museum and Man On Wire at the Sunshine (all highly recommended) as I was that day.



David Choe, Invader, Faile, JR & Blu are among the artists providing graffiti, paintings, sculpture, collage, mixed media, and Sesame Street characters in illicit & borderline alarming poses.



The work is fantastic and more to the point it's just fantastically well integrated into the gritty industrial setting. Coming into the space off Bowery is like stumbling into a surreal & subversive urban garage/wasteland/paradise, depending on your point of view. Don't forget to stumble downstairs too, where things get even deliciously darker. & say bye to the nice guys on your way out. They're definitely coming out on top.