ICA Adventure

This past Thursday I visited the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) for the third time in three years. Every trip has been as exciting and unique as the last. The museum is very generous to have free admission every Thursday evening. This allows people who are usually not financially able to attend art museums the chance to explore new, engaging works.

Onto the artwork...

The two featured artists were Os Gemeos and Josiah Mcelheny. It was wonderful to see such a diverse set of artists at the same museum. Who would have thought that the graffiti artists Os Gemeos would become as prominent as they did? Who would have envisioned that Mcelheny's universe-structures inspired by chandeliers at the Met would become well known? This is what I love about visual art. The status quo is constantly broken for the sake of affecting people.

Os gemeos have recently gained international recognition and grants. You might have noticed the exciting mural in Dewey square which they crafted in collaboration with the ICA. The duo is dedicated to bringing art to as many people as possible with street art as the main method. My reaction to the exhibit in the museum and on murals around Boston was one of excitement and joy. The works exude a cheerfulness which is unparalleled in most other contemporary works.

Mcelheny's exhibit was a perfect blend of science and art. It is rare to simultaneously enjoy pieces of art and discover theories about our universe. His ability to blend these two concepts in a seamless and beautiful way is impressive. People were mumbling about the different shapes and their meanings which sparked many interesting conversations. I can only hope that this type of fusion will continue into the future.

The two exhibits provided me with significant inspiration and I am now more optimistic and excited about creating music than before. Art should affect people in a way that fosters individual growth. The ICA achieved this goal in a unique and stimulating way. It is hard to believe that such an experience ended up costing me nothing (except an evening of curiosity).



My questions for Dean Chin:

What types of visual art inspire you?
What collaborations with non-musicians have proved most successful and meaningful?
How can younger musicians grow from other art fields? Why is this important?