Thumbs down. While the new MoMa has been getting rave reviews for it's architecture as well as it's art's displays, in today's New York Times, NICOLAI OUROUSSOFF rips into the department of architecture and design.
We are sorry to hear it, and now must brave the lines and the admission fees to see if we agree. The prospect, however, is not surprising. During an era when we are enjoying a renaissance of interest in modern architecture and (especially) product design, that MoMA helped to start, the MoMA store and other offerings we have seen have lacked energy and any thought provoking nature. Has retailing killed our perspective on design?
I just have to say that I adore the new MoMA. It is the first museum that did not make me feel unbearably unstimulated, but instead was very peaceful and meditational.
As for its edge I think if it has lost it, it's not the MoMA's fault. What art right now does actually have an edge? There is so much style, design noise out there to cover up our political disasters. I don't see anything rising above the fray. If anything, the MoMA is a glorious respite from it all.
And I meant "It is the first museum that did not mae me feel unbearably overstimulated" NOT "unstimulated."
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with the critique of the Design galleries, on all points (the rare moments of brilliance, and the not-so-rare issues of mediocrity). Had they indeed taken their cue from retail, it should have been from Murray Moss/Moss... whose eye and juxtaposition, as well as knack for brilliant display makes Moss a better "design gallery" than MoMA's.
The MoMA design galleries just plain look like thye ran out of space, display OR storage.
(PS-- I do totally agree with Sara A about the remainder of the MoMA experience.)
Do I have to come to NYC all the way from NoCal and do a punctuation smack-down? Despite my great enthusiasm for your site, I am feeling quite cranky that I have to remind you again. It's is the contraction of it+is. Just copy the headline from the NYT, that's all you have to do.
Please.
What a complex issue, punctuation in blogs. I have the same reaction to repeated errors (and did point one out, myself). And there's a philosophical argument that if you're communicating with the public in writing, you should write correctly. But after several months of thinking about it (not continuously, don't worry), I've come to the conclusion that I'm receiving the benefits of the blog for free--indeed, I indulge in obsessive visiting, look forward to the discussions, and feel as though I like everyone who contributes, though I've never met any of them--and I now turn a blind eye after my initial twinge.
If smackdowns are in order for punctuation, I'd like to point out that using "It's is the contraction of it + is" doesn't clarify your point when the "it's" in question is really a matter of possession, not contraction.
I had the same reaction as MGR, I now have to see the museum
for myself after reading the article. My first reaction to the photo
with the article was, oh,is this the design store? That platform
looks very retail.
I, for one, am sorry and promise to work on my contraction's.....
But I am willing to err if there is a smackdown at the MoMA in the near future. I have been thinking that perhaps - since the hysteria may have passed - a group outing with dorky aparetment therapy hats is in order. Also, i hear that membership is $75 and a guest of a member is $5. Which means, that I, for one, would sign up as a member and happily usher in someone for $5, since I plan to visit more than 4 times a year..... M
yes, maxwell, you are certainly correct - memberships are relatively inexpensive, and you CAN get in a guest for a mere five smackeroos!
What does punctuation have to do with modern art again?