An Outing at the ICA, Part Deux
February 9, 2007
The attraction to modern art in Boston has never been so compelling. A blend of inventive artwork and stunning architectural design, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) has captured Boston’s interest since the museum’s December relocation to its new harborside setting. Considerable crowds attest to the broad appeal of the ICA, as all ages and backgrounds are seen strolling through the galleries, especially on weekends. The museum’s stunning four-story glass and metal design accents the artwork on display and captures magnificent harbor views. Full of character without giving any secrets away, the ICA offers visitors a glimpse of the creative work and talent of both Boston artists and those from around the world. The Institute also serves as a fun and accessible activity for students from all of the Boston-area universities.
After moving past the museum’s unique first impression, visitors are taken to the main galleries by a glass elevator complete with distinct woodwork and visible cranks operating the machine from below. “The boundaries of vision have never been more fluid”—these words greet visitors to the Supervision exhibition in the West Gallery. Full of optical effects and visual extremes, Supervision is about how we see the world, and how the world sees us. Visual relationships are explored in the next gallery, Activated Vision, which features Tam Van Tram’s “Beetle Manifesto XIII”. The three-dimensional display was crafted by using spirulina algae to tint the paper green before it was ripped into hundreds of strips, lined with hole punches and then put back together with thousands of staples. Talk about serious arts and crafts.
Currently on display is the artwork of four Boston-based finalists for the 2006 James and Audrey Foster Prize. “The ICA Artist Prize recognizes Boston artists whose work demonstrates adventurousness, conceptual strength, and skillful execution.” Sheila Gallagher, Jane D. Marching, Kelly Sherman, and Rachel Perry Welty are the four finalists who were selected from a group of over 40 nominated local artists. “The artistic pursuits of these four finalists demonstrate an active, joyful immersion in the beauty and incongruity of today’s world,” remarked museum curator, Carole Anne Meehan. In February, a jury of artists and art professionals will decide the winner of the first place $25,000 award.
Momentum 6, a special exhibition, showcases Sergio Vega’s mixed media installations including the vibrant and lush “Tropicalounge”. This room-scale environment of Brazilian paradise is complete with lily-pad floor cushions and giant photographs of parrots, snakes and skyscrapers adorned with tropical motifs. There are even lounges to complete the experience. The “Momentum” exhibitions will be on display until March 11, 2007.
The Institute offers several talks and events that are often discounted or free for students. An upcoming event at ICA is an evening of discussion and music with Sergio Vega and Brazilian drummer Marcus Santos on Thursday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m. Ongoing activities at the ICA include film screenings and music, dance and theatre performances, as well as art courses for every age and ability. The upcoming screening of “Who the #$&% is Jackson Pollock?” will show on February 11th at 2 p.m. The documentary follows the story of a 73-year-old former truck driver who purchased a painting in a thrift shop for $5, not knowing that it may in fact be a real Pollock, bringing the painting’s value to well over $50 million. The film explores the sale and purchase of artwork in America and would compliment a pleasant Sunday spent at the museum. The Alloy Orchestra will also be celebrating its 15-year anniversary during the month of February, with various performances throughout the month.
Visitors can enjoy fine cuisine and harbor views at the Water Café, which features food by legendary chef Wolfgang Puck. Delectable offerings include homemade soups, salads and grilled panini sandwiches. An assortment of fresh baked breads, pastries and Peet’s coffee is also available at the café. Considering the proximity of Boston Harbor, fresh seafood is just around the corner. Whether you opt for fine dining or a casual bite to eat, nearby restaurants such as Anthony’s Pier 4 and The Barking Crab serve up the “catch of the day” and many other New England favorites including clam chowder and crab cakes.
Admission to the museum is $10 for students and $12 for general visitors, with free admissions after 5 p.m. on Thursdays. To access the museum via the T, take the Red Line to South Station, where you’ll then take the Silver Line to the Courthouse stop. When you get to the street, walk down Seaport Boulevard toward the World Trade Center (in the opposite direction of the city), and then turn left on Northern Avenue at the light. The ICA will be hard to miss. For those opting to drive, there is affordable parking available in the area.
The Institute of Contemporary Art is undoubtedly worth the visit. Spend the afternoon questioning the boundaries of vision and perception, and then enjoy a fresh meal at one of the nearby seafood restaurants against the backdrop of beautiful Boston Harbor. All of your senses will appreciate the visual indulgence from start to finish.
The museum is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is closed on Mondays. For directions and more information about the museum visit their website at www.icaboston.org. or call (617) 478-3100.