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Art’s Infinite Heights
What on earth is this?
This fantastic, swirling mess titled, “The Vertigo of Eros” by Roberto Matta caught my eye today at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). There were many pieces that caused a pause in my step on this rainy afternoon, but this painting certainly had that “it” factor. There was a next-level dimension to it, which is a common characteristic of great art.
But what does it mean?
The verdict is ambiguous, to say the least. Two different people could offer two different reactions. There’s no clear picture of what’s happening in the painting, especially to the casual passerby.
And yet, this work of art is showing us something vaguely recognizable, something to connect with.
While my final conclusion will require a little more time, there are definitely elements of excitement, a labyrinth of creativity and insight and an epic journey that awaits, just waiting to be explored.
With an important job interview tomorrow, experiencing masterpieces and new artistic visions in-person was definitely worth the price of admission.
Including the vertigo.
Where Does Art Begin?
Art is making a bold impression in the 21st century.
Pulling a Ferris Bueller’s Day Off at a museum may become a thing of the past. Not entirely, of course. But like any industry that invites freedom of expression and innovative ideas, there are pressure points that eventually build to what formally become defined as movements.
In the art world, we are experiencing its intellectual and emotional effects like never before.
Whether we cross a street with an all-too-real 3-D cliff, bike on a sidewalk that lights up to the colors and scheme of van Gogh’s Starry Night or walk in the rain without getting wet, our interaction with art’s infinite imagination is expanding into the immersive.
Future three-dimensional innovations may include both the technological with glasses and the experiential sans glasses. Why just look at art when you can go inside art? There’s no name yet for this still evolving movement.
Perhaps it will be called the “Whether Age,” meaning we have to constantly determine whether we’re in life or art.
Or both…
The Art of Getting Wet
There is an exhibit at The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York City that encourages men, women and children to stand, walk and dance in the rain. And, if cautious, you will not even get wet.
Wait…what?
Being surrounded by rain without getting wet is a groundbreaking phenomenon, but there is still something pretty wonderful about feeling those raindrops. Kids know this better than anybody. They instinctively get it.
Imagine that you are trying to catch a cab for a meeting in the city in pouring rain as your umbrella is flailing around in the wind like a dog wagging a chew toy. All the while you’re dressed to the nines to impress. Frustrating would be putting it gently. And yet, why are we angry? Is it really because of the rain?
No, it’s not the rain. It’s the meeting.
Hearing the rain while you sleep is a tranquil experience and being caught in a sudden downpour can be refreshing and oddly relaxing. It’s the sky’s way of giving you a timeout. A break from reality. Take a deep breath, close your eyes and spread your arms out wide and feel the stress drip away drop by drop. In a peculiar sense, rain serves as a personal rejuvenation.
And the best kind of rain is random. When we expect and plan for it, it becomes work. When we don’t see it coming and it arrives in the seconds it takes to glance up to the heavens, then it’s glorious. Depending on your mindset, it can feel like it’s right on cue. And yes, within those rain drops can be despair and heartbreak. However, they can also be filled with love, humor, fun, clarity, reflection or those desperately needed moments to exhale, “aaahhh.”
MOMA, in the heat of the summer, decided to offer its patrons and random museum-goers time to step into the “rain” by stepping out of their daily routine and Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday and Thursday self’s.
Maybe, just maybe, it’s raining because someone deep down wants and needs to splash in a puddle or two.
Think of it as your, “Big” moment. Well, in reverse.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 