Some days are so full they have to be described in two separate posts. Today was totally one of those days.
We began with a long walk to Redux, the premier contemporary art venue offering opportunities for emerging to established visual artists to participate in an exhibition in historic Charleston. We were surprised at how thoroughly cool it was.
We came specifically to see the newest exhibit, The Talking Cure, whose title is derived from Sigmund Freud’s original description of psychoanalysis.
What was thoroughly unique and really made this exhibit extraordinary is that Melissa crafted the sculptures and then collaborated with twelve writers, poets, novelists, screenwriters, and playwrights, asking each to chose a sculpture to which they related most intimately. Each wrote his or her imagined monologue of the goings on in the sculpture’s mind.
What happened next is the step that made the exhibit magical. She found twelve actors that each recorded one of the monologues, speaking their interpretations of the written pieces that had in turn been inspired by each sculpture.
When we entered the gallery, we were given headphones and set on our way. I was mesmerized. At times I laughed while other stories made me tear. But all combined to make an exceptionally unique and unforgettable "art escape".
This is the published description of the artist, "With a background in anthropology, Melissa’s work reflects both non-Western and outsider art influences. Her drawings, collages, and figurative sculptures are characterized by their richly drawn and deeply layered surfaces, as well their quirky, often dark humor." Such a perfect summary of this exhibit, too. I loved it all.
Our next stop was at the Charleston Marina to learn more about the upcoming sailing race- The Atlantic Cup.
We discovered that this is a hard-fought, intense double-handed, offshore race, and it also provides shore-based activities for fans of all ages (hence us being on the dock). In addition, it is the most environmentally sustainable sailing race in the U.S. There was a display explaining this concept along with crew willing to share their knowledge.
This is me with Rob Windsor, one of only two sailors to race in every edition of the Atlantic Cup, and his boat Amhas. His team is considered a top team to watch in 2016. The boat itself is proven to be very fast and the crew is exceptionally motivated for a podium finish. As for the name Amhas, it comes from an old Galeic word for Gannet, the sea bird that can be found around the North Atlantic.
We took a pause here on the historic Pitt St. Bridge at Cove Inlet. Before the Revolutionary War, there was a plank bridge here to connect Mt. Pleasant with Sullivan's Island. In fact, in 1864, the crew of the H.L. Hunley crossed here to test their submarine before its attack on the USS Housatonic.
From 1898 to 1927, trolleys transported tourists over the Pitt St. Bridge to the island. Now, it is just a quiet place to regroup and prepare for the evening's events and ponder the incredible history that surrounds us.
posted under |
2 comments:
That art show looked fascinating--interesting the way they incorporated the additions to the sculptures.
Cool art and sunshine. A couple of my favorite things.
Post a Comment