SEE // Nick Cave "Sojourn"

Recently, Brian and I took a trip to Colorado. We spent a good part of the week in Denver and on our last day there we decided to hit up the Denver Art Museum...and let me tell you folks, it did not disappoint!

When we purchased our tickets, we were asked if we wanted admittance into the Nick Cave “Sojourn” exhibit. Usually, I would have already looked at the museum’s website and had an immediate answer to this question. This time, I hadn’t done that - so I looked at Brian and asked “What do you think?” At this moment, the young girl behind the counter, leaned forward and said, “It’s really awesome!”. So impressionable and bored as we were, we said yes, give us the tickets! Best decision of the day. (2nd place for best decision was my H&M purchase...some black & maroon floral print pants, eee!)

I’m not going to site here and retype facts and a lot of background on him, because you can find out anything you want with google...and those articles are written better than I could hope to summarize. Basically, Nick Cave is an artist from Chicago (holla midwest!) and he uses “junk” (or other found items) to create art and these “soundsuits” that will absolutely blow your mind. (read this article, I liked it.) We weren’t allowed to take photos of the exhibit, but with a quick google search I was able to find some to share with you. (photos from the Huffington Post and the Denver Post)

This is what greeted us upon entering the exhibit. I’ll admit...this photo looks like a hot mess compared to the awesomeness of reality.

These soundsuits were made from buttons - apparently over 30,000! There aren’t people in these, but all these suits can be worn. Oh! And most of the art was made specifically for this Denver exhibit.

This beaded tapestry is called “Constellation” and Nick says, “This is what it's like to be on the farm looking at the sky.”

I wish I could find a better picture of these ones. There were all these porcelain dogs on retro looking chairs or couches and they were surrounded in a canopy of beads and other things (second picture). Apparently, Cave calls the flea market-salvaged dog figurines "rescues." and said the dogs symbolize loyalty, commitment, and guardianship in his creations.(huffington post)

Some more of his sound suits.

At the end there was these videos of choreographed dances in the soundsuits...it was pretty cool to watch.

Also...here is a youtube video that is a tour of the actual exhibit! BUT, I recommend seeing it in person if you are able to!

I also thought this video was cool! (even though it’s really short!)

So what do you think?  Like this kind of work or maybe it's a little to out there for you?  I also enjoy art that feels more like an experience, than just pretty (if that makes sense?).  Not that I don't enjoy looking at work that is art just for the sake of being art.  It's just...an exhibit like this one is special and something I'm not likely to forget anytime soon.

-kassie