The Gruppo Underground Art Mafia Report Written and Photographed by Lesny JN Felix

Julian Schnabel and Auctioneer Simon de Pury

I’m always on the outlook for hot scenes so Phillips, the contemporary art auction house in the Meat Packing District, is a great place for me to do what I do best - socialize and shoot photos.

On November 10, 2006 I had the chance to take this photo of artist Julian Schnabel and auctioneer Simon de Pury.

Flavin Judd

I also got this photo of Flavin Judd, son of minimal artist Donald Judd. I saw the Rubells, but unfortunately they turned down my request for a quick portrait; I put up a fight but still came up empty. I’ll get them next time.

John Doe

At Christies I shot my best portrait - a man whose name I did not catch. So he is John Doe to me. If you are new to the art or auction scene, you really should attend these auctions. You won’t find a Basquiat (I think the Schorrs and the Rubells have them all) but there are many under-appreciated works of art by artists such as Francis Picabia on the market today.

Tim Eitel

Then on Thursday, November 16, 2006 I was off to Tim Eitel’s exhibition Center of Gravity at the Pace Wildenstein Gallery at 534 West 25th Street, New York City. The exhibit will be open through January 20, 2007.

Sienna Miller (left)

On November 22, 2006, my posse and I tried 205 Bar where we saw Sienna Miller and a friend. Sienna is a cool chic with no attitude, just like 205 Bar. Lots of artists hang at 205; you most likely will find me there. You can also check my photos online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lesnyjnfelix/

Lesny JN Felix - Photo by Melinda Maclean