Last night I was supposed to have a date with this guy who I’ve gone on a couple dates with already. Boo him he cancelled last minute with literally no reason why (!!!) and I was already en route to our intended destination: The Beat Uptown. Naturally I thought “Fuck you, I’m going to go and have a fabulous time anyway.” I promptly parked (free event parking after 5PM on Thursdays) and made my way to MOCA to finally check out the exhibits I’ve been meaning to see since June.
The first was Hans Op de Beeck’s “Staging Silence (2)” which was a few photographs and a video that sounded really esoteric from the description but ended up being really amazing. I don’t want to give too much away but after watching the video it’s incredible what you can do with every day objects, some creativity, and perspective.
The final image in the film was my favorite: a scene created out of sugar cubes they then doused it in colored water and as the sugar dissolves it looks at though you are watching the making of ruins until there is nothing at all. It was incredibly beautiful and made me think about our material world and how over time things will no longer be as they are. Just vestiges of what they used to be and something entirely new for those who experience them after we are gone.
The other exhibit was “Someday is Now: Art of Corita Kent” which was a collection of work by artists Corita Kent who was a sister at the Immaculate Heart of Mary. she created some amazingly graphic exciting works that inspired people to love and take care of each other. In addition to the art there was an interactive art space that encouraged people to get involved with the art making process and think about the world around them. It was incredibly interesting to see what people wrote and drew.
After that I ant outside to enjoy the band and the festivities that were going on in Toby’s Square (the area between MOCA and all the shops/restaurants). There was a band (Fiscal Spliff) that was really good, food trucks, a bar, and a photo booth. People seemed to be really enjoying themselves and sat around and drank and ate for hours. I decided to grab a beer and some fries at ABC Tavern and people watch. There was nothing of note there, I personally prefer the one on W. 25th but it was enjoyable, the bartenders are pretty personable there.
