5.08.2012

Birds of a Feather Flock Together





This Sunday I ventured out of Manhattan to visit the Mana Art Center in Jersey City for the opening of Conference of the Birds, an exhibition curated by Cynthia-Reeves Projects. This was quite an interesting exhibition because it was organized by an uncommon type of art institution. Cynthia - Reeves Projects does not have a location but rather represents a roster of artists, all whose work is very process oriented, whose work is incorporated into a myriad of exhibitions in venues all over the world.

 The exhibition was spectacular - and my travel companion derosenose and I serendipitously dressed for the occasion. 
Both of us accidentally wore our Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal purses!
  
On me:
Dress: Forever 21, Cardigan: Uniqlo
Necklace: Betsey Johnson, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Artwork: Teresa Diehl, Fly Over (What Lays Beneath), 2011,  soap, resin, and monofilament, 10’ x 5’ x 6’


Sweater: BDG, Jeans: J Brand, Bracelet: Vintage
 Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

The exhibition began with Janet Echelman's Line Drawing. When we entered an ancillary gallery - on the side of the main building - we found ourselves in an empty warehouse, full of light. In the dark, the installation that was inside would have looked like this:


Janet Echelman, Line Drawing, 2006-2007, High-tenacity Multi-Filament-Polypropylene,
 36-degree Ellipsoidal Spotlights, Colored Dichroic Glass Filters, 408’ x 56’ x 33'

Janet Echelman's large installations are riveting. They capture the audience as they are tempted to walk in between the nets; offering a chance to participate in more than just the perfunctory action of looking at art that hangs on the wall. As the visitors are greeted with this initial work they ease into the experience of Conference of the Birds. Upon entering the main exhibition space (see above and below) the visitor may again feel caught up in the world of the exhibition, whisked away into a whimsical place full of delicate artworks, all depicting birds. Thus, commencing a dialogue between the visitor and the dichotomy of freedom. 


(a good way to make your polka dots pop is to add a bit of red to the mix)
Dress: Forever 21, Shoes: Dolce Vita,
Necklace: Betsey Johnson, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Detail of Artwork by Janet Echelman

I'd like to leave you with this video to watch. I couldn't omit it after posting a blog about birds in art & fashion:


Birds of a Fether


...I guess I could also throw a Hitchcock movie in here too, right? But I'm sure we've all already seen it. 

xo

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