P.S.1
On July 15th, 2009, the YI group visited the PS.1 Contemporary Art Center. This museum, which is located in Queens New York, is affiliated with the Museum of Modern Art. PS.1 once served as a public school, which closed down during the 1960’s. In 1976, the director of the school turned the abandoned schoolhouse into a museum for the public. Architecture has been a major aspect of the PS.1 Contemporary Art Center since it was established. The curators from PS.1 have always wanted the public to appreciate architecture, as an art from, and directly interact with the architecture. As a result, P.S.1 initiated the Young Architects Program in 1998. Since then, architectural installations have been placed at P.S. 1’s courtyard. These installations have served as the venue for the summer music series and parties which are open to the public.
The museum’s aesthetically appealing installations have drawn a major audience. In fact, the museum has held parties every Saturday during the summer, for the last 12 years. Today, these parties are held near the installation known as “The After Party.” This work of art is homage to the primitive culture of early humans. It can be visible outside the boundaries of the museum. Our coordinator Danielle referred to this piece as the, “Hairy towers.” Another interactive installation, which pleased the members of our group, was Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming pool”. This critically acclaimed installation which covers two floors appears to be a simple pool, at first glance. In fact, the installation is actually a piece of glass, which was placed in the center of the floor. Water runs through the glass, in order to make the installation seem as a pool, from the top level. Directly beneath this glass is a room. Visitors are welcomed to enter this room. The people within this room seem as if they are underwater, to an observer on the top floor.
The P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center also contains numerous art pieces that are not installations. One room displays a solo exhibition of the artist Jonathan Horowitz. This artist is known for using various mediums to portray views on politics, consumerism and even celebrities. I believe that the art work in this room motivates visitors to debate social and political issues, as well as support each others views. One piece depicts the controversy of the Vietnam War. Another graphic piece portrays the Iraq war. I think that this piece is very meaningful. It portrays the hardships that the brave men and women of our armed forces face every day, in order to serve our country and bring stability to the rest of the world.
P.S.1 is filled with vibrant pieces that will make the visitor’s experience very fun. The elevators are equipped with light rods that flash multicolored lights constantly. This lighting effect can provide the visitor with anything, from a club scene atmosphere to the scenery of a rock concert, where “Raining blood” is being played. You might want to spend some time in their before getting off on your stop. The equally vibrant collection called “Innovations of my demonic brother” also appealed to our group. This collection is based on the work of the influential film maker Kenneth Anger. His work is located inside a dark room, surrounded by red drapes. Light bulbs emit neon colored lights, and televisions display his films, within this room. Overall, P.S.1 is filled with aesthetically appealing art works that promote interaction between the viewer and the art.
By: Javier S.
2 years ago