November 16, 2005
MoMA
And what would a visit to NYC be without a stop at the new Museum of Modern Art? Sadly my little camera was not really up to the task, in that flash is not allowed, and I did not have my megaphone with me to shout "Freeze!" to the mob of museum goers. They inconsiderately kept moving, thus spoiling many a shot.
But enough of photographic complaints. The drinking fountains were well set, down a long, inpenetrable hall. In tamdem they made quite a lovely inanimate display -- design worthy of the setting. The bathrooms, though, were a disappointment. Fixtures, handles, dispensers were ordinary, if plentiful, pale in comparison to the drinking fountains.
The new MoMA serves the large canvas well. Vast white expanses are terrific for those artists who had the foresight to paint on canvas larger than 18 feet x 18 feet. Unfortunately, some of the more famous paintings in MoMA's permanent collection are quite a bit smaller. These too are hung on vast white expanses, in large amounts, which does nothing to enhance their uniqueness or their beauty. I would rather not look at art under the same lighting one might find in a morgue. I found myself craving intimacy.
There was an astonishing photo/video exhibit featuring the work of
Michael Snow and Sam Taylor-Wood . "Still Life" , (phase 1 shown in the blurb) grows mold and disintegrates in it's very own frame. A dead hare is eaten by maggots right in the gallery-- quite remarkable. These rooms, of necessity are dark, and make viewing more pleasant.
Other delights included the Matisse ladies, staring back
And a becapped gentleman communicating on his cellie while ladies romped.
Of course, I shot Brancusi sculptures with avian flu in mind.
Then, with perfect synchronicity, upon mounting the summit, I discovered the exhibit entitled "Safe: Design Takes on Risk". You can see the entire slide show if you go to the audio clickie. I was pleased to see my dear 3M95N masks displayed (I am the proud owner of a case), in addition to many other handy dandy items, including an iron security fence with bladed birds atop.
Severely overstimulated, I joined the crowd resting their weary feet, staring out the window. I would have hit The Cafe had the line been shorter than fifty, so I cannot review the snack situation, though I'm sure prices matched the $20 entrance fee.
Bless them all for sitting still.
Posted by Dakota at November 16, 2005 09:25 AM