At MassMoCA.

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, that is.  It’s a really unique museum about half an hour west of here, offering some of the largest galleries in the country, making it ideal for the massive installation pieces which seem to be currently in vogue.

Susan and I went there this past Sunday to see the Petah Coyne sculpture show and Leonard Nimoy’s portrait photography of local folks.  The Nimoys were cool, lots of fun, but I’m sure I speak for us both when I say that the Coyne show was jaw-dropping:  large sculptures comprised primarily of silk flowers, wire, wax and… taxidermy.  Photography wasn’t allowed as per the artist’s request, and anyway, I haven’t seen any photos of this stuff on line which begins to do it justice.  I’ll just say that if you’re within driving distance of North Adams, Massachusetts, you’d do well to check it out.

Equally impressive (to me, at least,) were the black and white photo studies she supposedly drew her inspiration from, though I failed to see the connection.  They’re all evocative of a mix of dark emotions and celebration, compelling and surreal.  I’ll be back to see them again.

Mass MoCA is built into an old factory complex, and the forms and voids of the space are themselves interesting , from the Quarter-Furlong Gallery to more “private” spaces:

That’s a  shot from Elliot, my preferred indoor/architectural lens, as is this one, of Susan receiving The Light from Tobias Putrih’s installation, Hoosac 2010,  an ethereal fishing line apparition inspired by the grave and ponderous Hoosac Tunnel:

I took other photos that day, but this one is my favorite.  It’s like an expression of the potential I see in that lady.

Anyway, visit Mass MoCA if you can, or watch for shows by these artists in your area; they’re spectacular!