The Whitney museum of American art has an amazing exhibit that we were very lucky to catch – it’s called Hypermobilty, and it is a collection of Alexander Calder mobiles. The unique thing is that in addition to there being a large number of his mobiles in one gallery space, a trained ‘art activator’ (staff person in a lab coat carrying a long stick with padding at the end like a giant cotton swab) will set selected pieces spinning at designated times. We dashed across manhattan in record time to make the 4pm spin on Friday and it was very worth it!
This photo of course does nothing to further that statement… it was really an experience to live rather than document, I decided early on. Other parts of the Whitney were very cool too. View looking south or downtown from the roof. The Statue of Liberty is in the water there on the right.
The area w trees below is the end of the high line. Note the photo in the building opposite visually imagining a train line continuing from there.
Sculptures that consist of plastic (?) boxes in varying hues of red.
Continuing with the art theme, we visited the Guggenheim today. Looking up through a Calder mobile at the dome. Yes, more calders!
This Calder made really nice shadows. It’s balance point is way farther to one side than you’d think, see the little loop and cord going up on the top arm below.
Looking down from the top floor. I love the building, bravo Frank Lloyd Wright!
Where does one apply for a job as an “art activator?”
We did wonder what the rest of her job involves! I am guessing they are curators or conservationists with a lot if experience in art handling. The mobiles look so fragile, I think it would be pretty scary to be in charge of spinning them!
Rory would make a great art activator!! Is Miles top a hint as to where he wants to go to college?