Lunch With Sumner Redstone And David Geffen...
Good morning. Yesterday, as I was having lunch with Sumner Redstone at the Hamburger Hamlet in Hollywood (to talk about a very exciting new venture that will be announced soon - but it basically means I'm bailing his ass out), David Geffen stopped by to say hello and asked if he could join us. We've all known each other for years but it was the first time the three of us ever sat down to a meal. We exchanged a few words about his departure from DreamWorks and his idiotic idea to buy 19% of the New York Times (let it go, man). I then asked if he wanted to get back into the music business and, if so, would he be interested in taking over Manka Bros. Records - which really needs a shot in the ass (Seamus is coming in far below expectations). He declined and said the only thing that interests him now are those little Japanese trees. Sumner asked Geffen about his art collection and if he'd be willing to sell a few of his more valuable pieces (in reality, Sumner couldn't afford a wall covering from Pier 1 right now).
As they kept talking, a light bulb went off in my head. I would like to buy some art. I'm sitting on an enormous pile of cash and need to do something with it. Banks and stocks are certainly no place to put money these days. And after the massive layoffs and cutbacks at Manka Bros., it might just be the thing that would cheer me up. I'm sure the remaining employees at the studio would really get a kick out of knowing their boss has just bought some really great art for his house and office. And, from what I understand, there are some real bargains out there because of the recession.
So I started to pick David Geffen's brain. He said his main focus is post-World War 2 Abstract American Art. Well, that's the most boring fucking thing I could ever imagine. What I want are Picassos and Van Goghs - art that people have heard of. He mentioned that he had a few original Picasso sketchbooks that he may be willing to part with... for the right price. And he had some personal items of Van Gogh - a couple of shoes and an unused toothbrush. That kind of stuff doesn't interest me at all. I want that Starry Night painting or the Chick Playing the Lute. He said he didn't own those. He mentioned Jackson Pollock and I reminded him of the horrible box office grosses of the movie Pollock. He reminded me of the horrible box office grosses of Vincent & Theo (which I blame more on Robert Altman than anything else). Sumner then reminded us both of his grosses for Titanic - which absolutely meant nothing to the conversation - he was just holding on to his last remaining gasps of glory).
I could go on about our insane conversation, but I won't (Geffen went on and on about the brilliance of Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons - I looked them up and they are freaks).Here's the deal - I want to buy some art. Anyone at the studio who knows something about it - let me know. There must be a couple of Art History majors floating around the Script Development Department (God knows we have enough Folklore Mythology majors). Perhaps I'll even invite you to lunch in my executive dining room.
Khan Manka, Jr. - Chairman & CEO - Manka Bros. Studios0 TrackBacks
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About Khan Manka, Jr.
Khan Manka, Jr. assumed the title of Chairman of the Board of Manka Bros. Studios - The World's Largest Media Company - following his father Harry Manka's death in 1976. Before that he was the member of several Southern California rock bands.
Your knowledge of art is unbelievable - to say the least. Looking forward to hearing about the new venture with Viacom.
Damien Hirst got $120 million for that skull covered in diamonds.
Greetings Mr. Manka
I wish you all the best in your quest as an art collector.
I am the Curator and featured artist of The Van Jones Museum, an underground art museum here in Amsterdam,NL specializing in more or less unknown artists (sorry no Starry Night here). If you should happen to broaden your search to include newer works by living artists, you might get in touch with me and have a look for yourself. Attention x $ = Appreciation
I was trying to contact David Geffen in L.A. a couple years ago to interest him in the West Coast Wing of The Van Jones Museum, which I was busy with at the time,(it seemed to me like the kind of piece he would like and since he had just sold that Pollock for 140,000,000 I thought he might be interested) unfortunately nothing ever came of that dream and the project(housed in a 1978 Dodge van) was donated to some L.A. artists. Anyway I'm back in Amsterdam now and The Van Jones Museum is always interested in hearing from serious art collectors. If anyone offers me a Van Gough or a Picasso I'll keep you in mind for it.
Best wishes
Gabriel Van Jones
The Van Jones Museum
Oudehaagseweg 58
1066BW Amsterdam,NL
gwizart@yahoo.com
0031(6)24239230
Mr.Manka,
I have seen at Twitter that you would like to buy some art.
I'm an artist and a poet, born in Russia, now I'm an US citizen.
A native Russian, I was born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). I received an M.A. from the Herzen Pedagogical Institute (now the St.Petersburg Pedagogical University).
In addition to exhibitions in St.Petersburg, I also sold a number of paintings and pen and ink drawings through private referrals to collectors from St.Petersburg, Moscow, London, Toronto, and New York.
I am also the author of three volumes of poetry published in St. Petersburg and Seattle.
Since immigrating to the United States in December, 2004, I have lived and worked in Seattle.
Excibitions (St. Petersburg, Russia)
Intertour
Ozerky
Beloved City Gallery
Elite Contemporary Arts (online gallery)
Exhibitions (Seattle, U.S.A)
Seattle Artists Gallery (Mar. 2005)
Seattle Artists Gallery (Oct.-Nov. 2005)
Home Street Bank lobby, QA branch (Jan. 2006)
Starbucks, Belltown store (Feb.-Mar. 2006)
Artist statement
I could paraphrase Gertrude Stein and say, ironically, that “An artist is an artist is an artist.” Or I could, with great pathos, say, “I am a Russian artist.” But I’d say more simply and less pretentiously that “Art has to bring beauty.” That Beauty could be tragical or not, but always gives people joy and a possibility for their souls to be more human. That is all I wish to say about Art. The rest is the business of art critics.
You may consider my work if you wish.
www.art-and-collectors.ning.com
www.zn-enterprises.com
Kind regards,
Olga Zalogina
Dear Mr Manka,
When it comes to Art I have a few interesting LARGE pieces that would interest you...NOT done by living artists you should appreciate but by currently deceased Masters... If you would send me a contact email I would be happy to send detailed photos.
Wishing you the best of days.
Gary Lee Connor