Rooftop Viewing in Spanish Harlem

Friendly people in New York seem to be easy to come by, and we were cordially invited to the movieviewing of the debut of Corinne van der Borch, a New York-based Dutch filmmaker. On the rooftop terrace in the middle of Spanish Harlem, we were surrounded by an astounding view of Manhattan and in the best of American traditions, a barbecue was lit. 

Corinne was planning to show the movie ‘Girl with the Black Balloons’.

An unexpected spell of very serious thunderstorm and heavy rainfall posed a threat to the welfare of the chef and the food, but with perseverance, the willingness to brave the danger of being struck by a lightningbolt, and by vigourously waving a King Kong-cardboard the fire was saved. When the skies cleared, a great sunset was enjoyed along with the burgers and sausages, and the viewing could proceed.

Justus grabbed the opportunity to share our plans about changing all advertisements on Times Square into art. With the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, the Corinne’s viewing then started. 

The movie is about the completely obscure and never exhibited artist Bettina, sometimes seen wondering the streets of NY sporting several black balloons. She is said to be the most beautiful woman to have ever lived in the legendary Chelsea Hotel in New York City, according to residents, yet has hidden herself away in her studio for over 40 years.  She sleeps on a lawn-chair and surrounds herself with boxes stacked from floor to ceiling, filled with works of her art that have never seen the light of day. These boxes hide a stunning body of work - but it’s come at a huge cost.  Her life as a reclusive guardian over her creativity and artwork inspires us to think about the world that we have each chosen for ourselves, how we are captive of it or freed by it.    

Corinne actually became a friend of Bettina, and that’s how she managed to make the movie. We left Spanish Harlem that evening with Corinne as our new ambassador in New York, and the resolve to look up Bettina in the Chelsea Hotel. Her fist exhibition might just be of a very special kind indeed.

To be continued. 

Alexander Bakkes, NY