Act/React-- A Personal Reaction

Well, my trip to the MAM was actually a very interesting one. I had never been to the museum before, and wasn't sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Anyways, to the topic at hand. The Act/React exhibit I found to be amusing and refreshing. The two works I found to be most interesting was Brian Knep's HEALING POOL, and Janet Cardiff's TO TOUCH. The reason that I found these two the most interesting is because to me they seemed to be the least enclosed. Meaning that I think these two works have more possibilities to the viewer. Besides Camille Utterback's UNTITLED series, the rest of the works were a somewhat similar experience from viewer to viewer. This opinion is sure to get differing views, but this is simply my perception after seeing the works.
The first display that really got my attention at the exhibit was indeed HEALING POOL. As soon as I saw it I recognized it from class, and started walking on it, seeing the reaction I would get from the colorful floor. Another reason that I found this work so enjoyable is because it seemingly will never stop. I walked on it for 10 minutes, almost searching for something to stop working or break. It never happened, and I walked away feeling like the work somewhat resembled the organisms is was modeled after. No matter who or what walks on this work, the result will never be the same. Every person will leave a different trail than the person before, and that is why I really enjoyed this work.
The other work that I really enjoyed is by Janey Cardiff. The first thought that ran through my head when I saw the table was "horror film." And I still think of it the same way. I think this work is powerful because it really makes you think about whats going on when you touch the table. I felt somewhat ghostlike while slowly running my hands across the table, as the sounds started kicking in it made me feel like I was supposed to have all sorts of memories flooding back.
All in all my experience at the museum was a good one. Interactive exhibits make me feel like a child again, and the playfulness was flowing for other people as well. In the end I would like to return to the museum, but in all honesty, I found the other exhibits to be slightly more fun to look at than the interactive ones.

Tyler Arthur

Field Report: Part One Art Encounter

“Waiting for Godot in New Orleans,” Paul Chan.

Tyler Arthur

The art exhibit I chose to look at is the play and/or project by Paul Chan titled “Waiting for Godot in New Orleans.” At first look, I was slightly confused by what exactly this project was doing. Was it a play, was it a movie? I was not sure. Then I watched the intro video and read the website, and came to realize that this is more than art that they were trying to accomplish. For one thing, New Orleans is the perfectly ironic setting for such a project, and I think that there is much more than meets the eye. The play itself is simply 2 homeless men waiting for a man who never comes. They are waiting for him because they were told he would be there. New Orleans itself is in the same situation. Although, in this modern day, possibly not as much as earlier, but nevertheless, New Orleans is a city that was promised something and they never received anything. This work does a good job to really show what this city has been through. All this is quite blatant however. I think the biggest concept with this work is the fact that someone remembered the city. Paul Chan remembered this city, and did everything in his power to make others remember too. Not to mention the free food, free play, and the Shadow Fund set up. This work was aimed at everyone that had given up on New Orleans. I think what they did in New Orleans is unique. What the city needs most of all is money, and support of the rest of the country. They need help rebuilding, and preparing for futures unknown. What I really found interesting in this though is that behind all the waiting and the anger and everything else that New Orleans has gone through, is that Paul Chan comes into this city with an art project and finds almost no opposition. This city takes him in and embraces the work he does for them. The government, and generally the rest of the country has sort of forgotten the situation in New Orleans. Even so, New Orleans could have said no to Chan, they could have simply asked for help. Instead they could have just waited. Basically, what struck my so strongly about this work, is that on the top, it is just a free play in New Orleans. Underneath however, it’s a plea for help, and it shines a light on the fact that New Orleans really is waiting for something they were told they were going to get.

Tyler Arthur

Film 202-602

Post Uno

So, my name....is Tyler Arthur. I belong to section 602.
The journal, or blog I will be following can be found here...http://elusivelucidity.blogspot.com/
Thanks and have a nice day.