Chicago, and one of my oldest and dearest friends, is a 2 hour train ride away. I thought when I moved back to the Midwest I’d be visiting her, and going to see all the amazing art, in Chicago all.the.time. Of course that has not happened, but it finally did the other day. Walking around in the snowy city was pretty, and thankfully, not too cold. Chicago is one of my favorite cities (Paris is probably #1).
We spent part of the afternoon at the Museum of Contemporary Art. As a general statement, the exhibits were thought-provoking and sobering comments on the environment and humanity. I left the Water After All exhibit feeling deeply moved about humans inhumane treatment of each other and the disregard for that which we need for our survival - water. Even though this exhibit brought up unpleasant emotions, I think this is an important function of art and museums. Art allows us to take in information and process it in a manner different than watching the news or reading the paper/internet. I seek out art because I want to feel, deeply, emotions whether pleasant or unpleasant.
Another noteworthy piece, for me, at the MCA was a large photograph by Richard Misrach, Tennis Courts and Pyramids, Giza, Egypt, part of The Shape of the Future exhibit. I can’t claim to know much about Egypt, and my memory for art history has faded over the past 25 years, but I assumed the Pyramids were situated far from the city. As of this past Thursday, I am no longer ignorant of their visibility from a tennis court, behind a row of urban dwellings. The soft colors, lack of people, and stillness of the imagery makes the scene feel unreal.
I appreciate the scale of the MCA. If you only have an hour or two, you can easily enjoy what is on view. If you enjoy plants, you’ll especially enjoy the picture below. I’d love to recreate this in my house!
Have you spent time in Chicago? What do you love about the city?
I love these plants and lights!
