THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM

by Nicholas Matthews Tue, March 6th, 2012 at 10:52am

Culture encompasses more than the ubiquitous salacity of the evening. Enveloped within this complex institution are the finer arts—various mediums striving for expression in myriad form. As perhaps the most subjective element in human culture, Art’s multifaceted allure rests upon its ability to resonate in some and not others.

Therefore, any reporting of New York’s diverse art scene is incomplete without an equally versatile offering. In light of that, here are 5 recently (or soon to be) opened art exhibits occurring throughout the city.

FREQUENCY

Andrew Bird’s Dark Sounds Took On The Guggenheim

by Josh Gordon Fri, August 6th, 2010 at 2:30pm

Last night’s Andrew Bird show at the Guggenheim was like an art buffet, just so much creativity in a culture overload. The landmark museum was a remarkable setting for the one-man expert at sound. The building was art, the art was art, the gaggle of attractive fedora wearing ladies was art and even the speakers were art.

Playing in a spiral silo, although epic in presentation, can create some acoustic challenges. Andrew Bird took the museum with plenty of firepower in the form of a Sonic Arboretum put together by Ian Schneller of Specimen Guitars. “The room is difficult with all the smooth surfaces. It is very resonant. It’s like a big horn… So working with that resonance is very challenging. But Andrew know how to work a room like this” said Nadine Schneller wife and owner of Specimen Guitars. The Sonic Arboretum included 53 beautifully crafted hornlings and hornlets that were placed around and around the cyclical Guggenheim. The infamous spinning Janus Horn that blasts sound as it rotates at high speeds had a unique effect on the room.

FREQUENCY

It Came from Brooklyn... or did it?

by Kelley Baker Tue, August 25th, 2009 at 1:59pm

The Guggenheim’s It Came from Brooklyn series kicked off on August 14th with sets from The Walkmen (originally from Manhattan) and High Places. On September 25th, fans of indie-rock, literature, art, and walking uphill can continue celebrating the 50th anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece. The borough’s artistic and cultural achievements over the last ten years, considered by some to be a "renaissance,” is the inspiration behind artist Mike Paré’s representation of “Brooklyn as a lion, the King, the County of Kings,” as coproducer Bronwyn Keenan told Flavorwire. The next concert, emceed by comedian Eugene Mirman, will feature Julian Plenti (a.k.a. Paul Banks of Interpol, also not from Brooklyn), and I’m In You, as well as readings from Rivka Galchen and Hampton Fancher. For those with museum membership, congratulations—you get a $5 discount off the $45 price of admission.