Like some astronomical scholars, David Bowie too believes there is Life on Mars. Throughout all of the Changes he has made as the Man Who Sold the World he has left a powerful legacy behind in his unique genre of music, and it is no wonder that the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is choosing to cultivate an exhibition inspired by his legacy. Bowie has left a mark on this world with his lyrical genius. To see his work explored in other realms of visual art, costume design, performance, and other mediums as well as music will only add to his eclectic mark on society. Take on a challenge: use your senses of Sound and Vision and explore this most breathtaking of shows.
“David Bowie is Coming” will be the most memorable of exhibitions and I nudge you to go experience the works that artists have made in the memory of this most fantastical of Pop Icons. Artists participating in the exhibition have been chosen due to their inspiration and conceptual exploration into the music Bowie has made; this includes costumes crafted by famed designer Freddie Burretti, flamboyant pieces made by Kansai Yamamoto, and an abundance of fantastic works created by a number of other artist. The artworks in the show have even found ways to bring more lucidity and abstraction to some of Bowie’s more experimental works like Ziggy Stardust.
While one would expect this exhibit to highlight and explore Bowie as a music icon, it will also,explore him as a visual icon as well. The eclectic fashions and costumes Bowie graced the stage with(i.e the one to the right) have paved the way for more contemporary musicians such as Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Chance the Rapper, Janelle Monae and many others to explore visuality in their costumes. Whether you're 15 or 50 we can all learn the Magic Dance Bowie wanted us to feel in his music and performances. The goal of this exhibit is to bring a younger audience into the Museum, and through all of the colors, lights, fantastic costumes, unique artwork, and music the MCA will surely accomplish their goal of bringing Young Americans into their space. I hope to see you in the the Labyrinth of vivid colors and Bowieness that will be the MCA’s “David Bowie is Coming.” So let’s be Absolute Beginners and explore this Space Odyssey of an exhibition with open minds and visual intrigue.
The exhibit opens on September 23, 2014 and closes on January 4, 2015 --take a chance to go and experience the Moonage Daydream that is this exhibition.
Why are the Visual Arts Important?
By: Lamar Gayles
Art expert, Jerry Saltz, describes art as “an obsession that stimulates focus and drive.” These words speak to the idea that art is needed in our lives and community. Through visual arts a person has the ability to create their own reality, in which they can fully express their ideas and beliefs. This expression can give someone the ability to overcome any obstacle they are faced with. It has been shown by Finland and Austria, some of the leading economic superpowers in the world, that investment in the arts can create a stable economy. Financial stability is not the only reason why visual arts is necessary in culture; it has also been known to have a powerful healing factor whether you are a painter or jewelry maker.
Crafting a work of art allows the artist an opportunity to sort through any anger or pain they might have. Throughout history, artists have used their work to display their point of view on an issue or problem as a form of activism; such as the work of Chicago-based artist Cheryl Pope. The work of Ms. Pope is a commentary made in response to gun violence in Chicago. Pope created this body of work after witnessing the terrible murders occurring around her in the city; seeing countless young people dying daily made her speak up and create this series.
Visual arts has the power to inspire and motivate people. It can be a good friend when faced with hardships or struggles. So, next time you are feeling angry or just not quite yourself pick up a paintbrush instead of negatively expressing your emotions. Remember art is inspiring, innovative, beautiful and unique just like you.
Collaboration PIECE
WHITE ROSES Poem By: Jessica Pope Visual By: Lamar Gayles
Gentle winds of abstract designs felt with emotions and desire.Grey skies, silk sheets, the sun don’t shine no more in these streets.I see decorative walls that scream my secrets but you see flaws and crime. Flaws and crime swept up, caution signs mixed with exhausting cries from the mother who aborted her unborn child.A confused child with the thought that love comes from swinging hands and open legs.To open mouths and ears being feed with possibilities of the two of you living happily ever after like Barbie and Ken but this is not Disney Channel. This is the real world full of aching hearts and confused egos. Drop tops with back sit lust sprouting from the body heat within. It only takes one time to think about your life possibilities to realize that your heart deserves to be laid on a on a field full of white roses, mind full of no insecurities, and the ability to tell yourself "I love you".
One Way To Deal With Life Struggles By: Jessica Pope Looking back on the time when I was in the fourth grade writing poems for my grammar school crushes, my attempt was to be smooth - and in some cases it worked - but now I realize it was more awkward and cute. The thought of writing poetry seriously was not a consideration; at least not until a few years later when I was browsing on YoutTube late one night. A poem entitled Roses caught my eye. It was written by my now favorite poet, Jasmine Mans. The moment I clicked on her poem it was like she unlocked my vulnerability and helped me express myself in ways I could have never imagined.Without having poetry as an outlet, I do not believe I would be the honest, thoughtful and compassionate person I am today.
Growing up, there were so many obstacles in life I faced on a daily basis. Anger consumed me. But I decided early on that before I said something regretful I would make it a habit to express my thoughts and feelings through poetry. The remarkable healing nature of poetry, along with the intense process it entails to capture it in written form, allows me to overcome negative situations and have a positive perspective on life.
For many teens and adults, poetry is a therapeutic release for pent up emotions that are difficult to express. When I have an opportunity to share my poetry, it is in each of those moments I experience a sense of liberation and stress leaving my body. Not only do the words bring healing to me but they do to others who listen with their hearts. Poetic words allow listeners to understand the thoughts and feelings that go beyond the surface. These words have a tendency to serve as a catalyst for creating lasting friendships. There is nothing more rewarding than sharing poetry with people you meet. Oftentimes there is a level of understanding and connectedness with these strangers that is normally experienced only with loved ones.
Poetry will always have restorative power for me. It is the primary art form I use to pursue peace and freedom; it helps me to navigate life. The misconception that poetry has to rhyme has stifled self-expression and truth. But poetry to me is about uniting with your poem and growing mentally.The next time you find yourself feeling like you have no one to talk to, take out a piece of paper, pencil and express how you feel.