MCA - Eternal Youth
I have yet to make a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art...until today. They have several exhibitions going on but I was most intrigued by their own titled 'Eternal Youth'.
My favorite hands down were the photographs from Larry Clark's kids. Rosario Dawson and Chloe Sevigny introduced to us and the film was graphic as well as shocking. A coming of age film indeed this film showed a darker side of kids transitioning to adults. It is evident that coming up during the over sexualized 1990s was more radical than most realize.
MANA Contemporary Body + Camera Festival
I was invited to attend the VIP Screening of MANA Contemporary's Body + Camera festival on Friday night. I have been interested in the organization for some time and I jumped at the opportunity to see the venue. The large warehouse located in Pilsen hosts studios, exhibition halls, and a library.
MANA received over 200 film entries and selected 40 to be shown throughout the weekend. The topics range from immigration, surrealism, and sexuality. A significant amount of the films relied of music or body movement rather than verbal communication to get their point across. The large body of work encompassed the emotions of personal narratives in short segments with complex body movement.
An artist talk by Rashayla Marie Brown gave visitors the chance to speak with one of the filmmakers to discuss the premise behind their work. Ms. Brown as well as several family members discussed the challenges of finding women of color to help with their productions. One point that stuck with me is Ms. Brown stated 'I create art that speaks to me and makes me feel better - It is not for the purpose of creating a fantasy for others to live in'.
An encore performance by Claudia Hart titled the 'The Dolls' took place Saturday evening. She describes her piece as a notion that 'history endlessly renews itself through a process of decadence, decay, and rebirth'. The consistent cycles of visuals captured this message and after ten minutes of ballet movements and animated patterns, the audience erupted with applause.
The work being displayed by this organization during this two day festival presented ideas through a story rather than two dimensional mediums. I hope MANA believes this weekend was a success and will continue this practice for years to come.
Rashayla Marie Brown Artist Talk
Claudia Hart, The Dolls
Ai Wei Wei - Museum of Contemporary Photography
I cannot get enough of Ai Wei Wei. I barely finished my visit in Grand Rapids I was off to see him again. This time at the Museum of Contemporary Photography - Columbia College.
I was underwhelmed when I first walked in. A little disappointed. Some of the walls were covered floor to ceiling of photographs taken with a cellphone. I know that he (WeiWei) is a photograph enthusiast but we all are. I joke that he is the original selfie king. Due to his continuous defiance of government surveillance, Wei Wei has taken up documenting almost every moment of his life. Something about this approach makes it less sacred. It is almost as if as soon as the photograph is taken - it loses its value. Yes, the moment of time has been captured but was it a moment worth remembering?
Located upstairs were some of his vintage photos. He moved to New York immediately after graduating from the Beijing Academy and was in company with some of the most influential Chinese artists including Tan Dan. I use a digital DSLR but these photos utilized a standard point and shoot - Ren Hang used the same approach.
I am not opposed to using a 35 however my DSLR gives me so much more range. Not to mention getting 35MM film developed is so expensive. You may spend a small amount on the camera but you will make up for it in cost on the film.
If anything the timeless look it brings to the photos along with the silver gelatin finish always makes me consider. Never say never. Until next time.
Ai Wei Wei - Meijer Gardens
I missed out the chance to see Ai WeiWei in San Francisco in 2014. As I progress I want the opportunity to create installations - and he has become an inspiration for this. When got word about his show in Grand Rapids I jumped at the chance - rarely does he show in the United States.
To go along with the theme of the venue 'Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park' - porcelain sculptures made up a significant portion of the exhibition. Wei Wei also had photographs and wallpaper he during his constant surveillance by the authorities.
Clay was one of the first mediums I worked with at a young age. I had a knack for it but unless I was in studio, I never pursued it otherwise. The use of porcelain peaked my interest once again. I believe it is the finish but seeing his replica of his flower basket made me realize how detailed clay work can be.
I thought the clay medium would be a good option to explore for a future installation. Now I am looking into getting back into the studio. Hooray! Stay tuned.
Yayoi Kusama - Infinity Rooms
On a whim I decided to go to DC to participate in the Standing Rock protest. Taking a break from the protest I was walking on the National Mall and my attention was diverted to windows covered in pink polka dots. 'Kusama? Kusama!' - Only I would correlate polka dots with an artist. The New York Times recently did a piece on her but I was unsure if she had an exhibition in town. After a quick search my suspicions were correct - 'Infinity Rooms' at the Hirshorn. Tickets were hard to come by but if you arrived early the staff would give some away starting at 10 AM. Alarm set.
I arrived prior to 10 AM and already there was a line wrapped around the building. It was unusually cold (but again, it was March in DC) and after an hour and a half of waiting the crowd was informed they were sold out for the day. I was furious. Giving four tickets away to each individual while dozens stood outside seemed unfair. I soon learned that if you purchased a membership you were given four tickets and could see the show the same day. I figured - fine, I will pay it since I am already here. It was not until I was told I had to use all four tickets at once that I promptly became...not so friendly. If I am paying for the membership, why can't I use them as I pleased? Also, telling me I will have an opportunity to see in next year in Cleveland? Ah, no! I must see it today! After some pleading they let me in - success!
It was worth it. The wait, the cold, everything. I never been to an exhibition that was just so colorful and fun. I admired her transparency that all of her work coincided with her inner thoughts and mental health. Art truly is a beautiful way to communicate with the outside world when you are unable to do so verbally. In her adulthood she seemed shy and reserved and she claimed this stemmed from the abuse she endured as a child. For a woman to openly discuss the dark spaces within her mind and channel them into something magical is inspirational.
Of course, I cannot close this out entry out without posting my favorite picture.
Ah, my new idol. It is amazing as something so ordinary as polka dots can change your entire perspective and give a patron a completely different outlook of your universe.
AMFM
Last minute I decided to attend a gallery opening by AMFM : Art Music Fashion Magazine in Pilsen . The packed house featured many performers from singers, musicians, and a featured DJ. It was an honor to share the evening with AMFM's founder Ciera Mckissick to witness her enthusiasm of her vision for the studio come to life. Her goal is to give a voice to emerging artists by providing the opportunity for them to showcase their work in a range of different mediums. Seeing the crowd's reaction that night I believe she achieved her objective.
Waiting....Waiting
I was on the fence deciding if I wanted to attempt to obtain a ticket to Obama's farewell address. I went to bed early (9 PM!) and set an alarm for 4 AM to see how I felt. The alarm went off, I was wide awake, and I decided to go for it. I skipped the train and took an Uber and arrived in line at 5:50 AM. The door did not open till 6AM and tickets would not be distributed till 8 AM so I was in for a wait...
At 5 degree whether it was not a pleasant experience. People were skeptic and concerned if they were in the correct line or whether they would receive a ticket. Waking up at 4 AM I was very optimistic. However, after an hour and a half in the cold I could no longer feel my toes! Once we were able to get inside the ballroom it was an additional wait. I definitely did not regret the experience but it showed how the power of one individual would drive people to wish them farewell.
Christkindlmarket Chicago
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! My mom (and pup) came to visit and she was very excited to visit the Christkindlmarket. The market was very busy despite the cold weather!
Cubs Win the World Series!
I received my new camera a few days prior Game 7 of the World Series. During the 7th inning stretch it appeared that the game was changing course...so I decided to head to Wrigleyville to capture the moment. After pitching changes, extra innings, and the entire city holding its breath...the sigh of excitement unfolded throughout the night.
People of Chicago
I always take the time to photograph some of the most overlooked individuals. In our moment of joy we often forget those who are struggling.
Toasted Life - Oktoberfest
I had the opportunity to shoot Toasted Life's Oktoberfest event at the Chop Shop in Wicker Park. I have attended their events in the past but definitely had a different experience as a photographer - the crowd was electric and enjoyed the performance by Chaz French and DJ Spicoli. I hope Toasted Life continue to host events in the city as they bring a unique perspective that brings people together.
Kanye West - Life of Pablo Pop Up Shop
Die hard Yeezy fan. Just saying. Not only was I excited for the Pablo tour but I was thrilled to hear he was opening a pop up store to celebrate the occasion.
The pop-up shop was not in Chicago...but in Northbrook, IL. I made the hike up there and prepared myself for a long wait...
The line was wrapped around the 2nd floor. Security mentioned that some fans waited for 8 hours on opening night. Wow. I took a ticket and waited. An hour and half later I entered the shop. The room was all white and you were not allowed to try on or take any clothing off the racks. The quality was less the average. Disappointing but it was amusing to see the song lyrics from 'The Life of Pablo' album sprawled on the back of the T-shirts. My favorite of course was 'And I love you like Kanye Loves Kanye'.
Regardless of the quality patrons were buying in bulk. Maybe for resell? I ended up going to the show and I did not see much of the merchandise being worn. He is a powerhouse in music so it is unreal to see how he is making such a impact in apparel as well.
