Finding the Space

Today . . . looks to be a hard day.  After a rough week.  (My heart aches that we can't - at this stage of history - come up with solutions that make life better for ALL of us; that we can't listen and hear; that it always has to be a power grab.  That we can't seem to ever get it right.)  (And I'm done now.)

So.

I thought we could all do with . . . something beyond ourselves.  Something lovely.  And meaningful.  And purposeful.  To lighten our load -- and to find the space in our souls . . . to maybe relax for a moment.  And breathe.

This art installation piece is called Intersections, by artist Anila Quayyum Agha.  It was the grand prize winner in both the juried and public vote categories back in Art Prize 2014.  I didn't see it then -- because the lines to see it were just too long at the time.  I always regretted it, because I kept hearing how powerful it was -- how peace-filled and magical.

I was thrilled to discover that it is back on exhibit in Grand Rapids (at the Grand Rapids Art Museum) right now -- during Art Prize 2018.  (It is not part of Art Prize.  It is simply on exhibit at the same time.)

Tom and I popped in to see it when we were in town on Tuesday . . . and - unbelievably - we were the only people in the space at that moment!

It was such a treat . . . to be able to experience Intersections . . . privately.  Absolutely on our own.  Which made it even more amazing than it already is!

On this heart-wrenching day . . . after a heart-breaking week . . . may you find some space, some magic, some peace . . . within yourself.

Intersections, indeed.

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If you click in to the link above (about the exhibit in Grand Rapids), you'll be able to learn more about the piece itself.  There are a few video links as well.  But to really get a feel for the story behind the piece, watch this video:

Anila Quayyum Agha: Intersections from Walley Films on Vimeo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Carole]

That is incredibly cool! I hear you on today. I'm going to snuggle Jackie as much as possible and hope our world has figured out some stuff by the time he's a grown up.

[Bonny]

Simply amazing, beautiful, thought-provoking, and peaceful. Thank you!

[Vicki]

It is so cool that you & Tom were able to experience "Intersections" like that. We saw it at ArtPrize in 2014 (how is it four years already!!??) and, though I don't recall waiting in line, we were far from alone!

[margene]

I find it hard to imagine what it would be like to have more people in the room. The impact would be lessened to a great degree. I am so glad you were able to experience it and photograph this amazing filigreed space for us without intrusion. I never thought we (as women) would still be having this discussion, still be fighting this fight, still be heartbroken, still be hurting all these years later. Truly hard to imagine the hate that fuels this pushback.

[Dee]

That is simply amazing. I'm so glad you got to experience it on your own terms. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Patty]

I too am amazed at what is likely to transpire this morning. Hopefully some new young blood will infiltrate these closed doors and swings things in a different direction in the next couple of years. xo

[Jo]

Intersections—sozen. Thank you for sharing and think good thoughts for a Denver appearance.

[Geri]

I’m trying to imagine what it felt like to stand in that space with the light and pattern washing over me. Absolutely breathtaking! We all need to spend more time seeking out the beauty in our world to combat the despair we feel.

[Chloe]

What a fascinating exhibit. Reminds me of the Alhambra with all its intricacies. I wish it weren't so impractical to go see it. It can be all about timing at museums, right? Many decades ago I stumbled on the Mona Lisa at the Louvre with no one else, amazingly, in the room. I got to have one-on-one time with her to study her smile to see what made it so famous. That would never happen these days, and the next time I saw her she was encased in Plexiglas. So sad. So glad you got to see Intersections with such good conditions. Kind of like winning the Lottery. .

[Jane]

What a beautiful work of art and how wonderful that you could view it without any other spectators. And Kym, your opening paragraph is absolutely perfect. Why indeed?

[Kat]

That is just amazing! Wow! The genius and brilliance of the artist never ceases to amaze me!

And, this week especially, I am so grateful for the diversion of art (and word) to find a solace from the ugliness of life for a moment or two.