pronounced for-nuh-bye-oh

Another great moment in the NYC subway system.

For one more week you can go see the world in Tight Spot.

You might say “The world is in a tight spot. All I gotta do is look at the stock market to know we’re in a tight spot.”

That’s true. But I’m talking about Tight Spot by David Byrne, the large globe stuffed under the High Line on a W.25 St lot.

What’s not to like? A piece of art that a 5 and 41 year old can enjoy on many different levels. And honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve seen a piece this simple and commanding of my imagination. My first impression was by the 5 year old in me that said “wow.” Then the 41 year old took over with my second reaction “damn that’s great.” And it is. And I love it. Sometimes art just doesn’t have to be complicated.

Then as you walk around the block you step into Junction by Richard Serra at the Gagosian Gallery. Literally, you can step into it and around it. But that’s simplifying what is an inspiring experience. (Full disclosure, Serra has to be one of my top 10 artists.)

My life has always been about an appreciation for the arts in all it’s mediums. And from time to time a piece of art can remind me of a moment in time just like a song does. This time Junction took me back to an assisting job years ago at Lake Powell. Myself, the photographer and writer kayaked through the canyons of Lake Powell. Yes, you can boat along Lake Powell but what’s much more interesting is wandering off the lake through one of the many small canyons in a kayak. As you paddle along the canyon it starts to close up and those beautiful red walls begin to rise up higher and higher, tighter and tighter till you can’t paddle your oar anymore. That’s when the magic sets in. At this point you can pull yourself along the canyon walls in the kayak covering your hands in the red dust and sand from the walls. As you look up to see a slice of blue sky above the red walls you realize you’re just as small as the dust that is on your hands. Just like the rust dust as you run your finger along Junction/Cycle . The sculpture opens wide and closes in. You feel small and large in a matter of seconds but all the while in awe of the weight of steel and calm in the flow of the curves.

Go see…

Tight Spot
David Byrne.
Under the High Line at W. 25th St.
September 16–October 1.

Junction / Cycle
Richard Serra
Gagosian Gallery
555 West 24th Street
September 14 – November 26, 2011