I opened the New York Times and read the first few sentences about a large-scale installation at the Park Avenue Armory and was immediately intrigued. The enjoyment for me is to go with little to no knowledge and just experience and then come back and read all about it. I do this with travel as well. Will some things be missed? Most definitely, but it’s just the way I enjoy events and places.
So off to the Park Avenue Armory on the Upper East Side to see Ann Hamilton’s, The Event of a Thread. Immediately upon entry to the immense space within the Armory, there’s sounds of glee…screeches and screams and laughter. A vast, gauzy, white curtain is strung across the center of the room with large swings suspended from the ceiling on both sides. Yes, swings. People of all ages were pumping their legs and rocking their shoulders as they grabbed the chains of the swings. A closer look revealed the swings were also tied to a rope-and-pulley system that held up the curtain causing it to rise and dip. The air generated from the swinging also created movement as if the curtain was doing its own swinging.
But there’s more…pigeons in cages, readers broadcasting works from poets and authors into radios wrapped in paper bags that anyone could carry around and listen to. If you want to know more, I’ll let you do your own research or better yet? See for yourself! There’s still time as the installation is on view until January 6th at the Armory. Oh, the Armory. The building itself is worth the price of admission.
Built as both a military facility and a social club, the rooms on the first and second floor were designed by the most prominent designers and artists of the day. The huge hall where the installation was located will remind you of the great train sheds of Europe.
Both the building and the installation? Just fascinating and oh so stimulating!
(The only thing missing to make it a real swing experience? A dirt well. Remember those?)
You find the most interesting things in the world, Robin. If it’s built, you will go! And we’re the lucky ones to read all about it. I love your choice of 2 images. Perfect for what you’ve so wonderfully described. Thank you for taking us there!
Thanks! There’s never a shortage in this incredible city! xoxo
Looks like so much fun! I love your perspective of going in with a sense of adventure of not knowing exactly what to expect. The element of surprise is so much more fun and creative.
Thanks Lisa! So many people think it’s crazy not to research….but I’ve found it often spoils it for me. Glad you understand!!
Here I am sitting behind my laptop trying to have some quiet breakfast…..
Impossible when I look at you fabulous pictures and read about your wonderful adventures.
The street art in in Buenos Aires is of high quality. Your B&W pictures in the antique shop, takes me into a different world.
Thank you so much for this pleasure!!
What you say about missing something on your travels, we have the same. But WHAT we DO see is enough for us, we get the gist, we have pleasure. It is impossible to see everything on our path.
Have a great day and hugs and kisses.
So true Astrid for us to see everything! THANK you so much for your comments. Means so much to me! xoxo
Fascinating! And what a production! As always, great images!
Thanks Mary! Nothing like NYC…but then there’s Chicago too! 🙂
Dear Robin,
your chronicles are the next best thing to be in NYC myself! This is so beautiful, thank you for sharing …
Katrin, you would have so loved this!!! Thank you!