I took a field trip to NYC on Friday.
My spur of the moment decision was based on a recent article I read in the Wall Street Journal featuring Yo-Yo Ma in which he discussed the idea of "reinvention" and "change." The article started me thinking about how it's important for anyone involved in creative endeavors to experience art in new ways.
I couldn't decide which museum I wanted to see, it's been so long. Would I go to the Met? The Gugg? MoMA? Did I have enough time to get downtown? No. I finally decided by proximity and time limitations to go MoMA. I'm glad I did and I have Yoko Ono to thank.
Among other things, I viewed an exhibit of female artists, which I loved. One stood apart, both physically and conceptually. Throughout my visit, I kept hearing what sounded like intermittent screams. I thought it must be some kind of video or audio installation. Then I found it. In the six story mezzanine were two speakers and a microphone. At the microphone was a woman who leaned in and screamed at the top of her lungs. She encouraged her friend to try. On each of three attempts, the first woman encouraged her friend to do it again, louder.
My spur of the moment decision was based on a recent article I read in the Wall Street Journal featuring Yo-Yo Ma in which he discussed the idea of "reinvention" and "change." The article started me thinking about how it's important for anyone involved in creative endeavors to experience art in new ways.
I couldn't decide which museum I wanted to see, it's been so long. Would I go to the Met? The Gugg? MoMA? Did I have enough time to get downtown? No. I finally decided by proximity and time limitations to go MoMA. I'm glad I did and I have Yoko Ono to thank.
Among other things, I viewed an exhibit of female artists, which I loved. One stood apart, both physically and conceptually. Throughout my visit, I kept hearing what sounded like intermittent screams. I thought it must be some kind of video or audio installation. Then I found it. In the six story mezzanine were two speakers and a microphone. At the microphone was a woman who leaned in and screamed at the top of her lungs. She encouraged her friend to try. On each of three attempts, the first woman encouraged her friend to do it again, louder.
As I looked around, I noticed the words Voice Piece for Soprano with the instructions "Scream. 1. against the wind 2. against a wall 3. against the sky" printed on the wall behind me. I'd heard about this work, but never thought I'd have the opportunity to participate. I watched people encouraged, dared, prodded by friends and family walk to the mic and follow the instructions.
Frankly, kids had the easiest time, followed by teens and a few adult men (not quite soprano). I stood there wondering what it would take for someone, me, to walk to the mic and let out a good scream. Could I do it? Most people had someone there to hold their hand, so to speak. I was alone and it would certainly draw attention. Finally, I circled closer and waited for the mic traffic to clear, took a deep breath, checked my gut and strode to the mic. The guard posted in the space walked with me and asked if I needed help raising the mic. Nope. To get a good solid scream, I know you have to "gut it out" and that takes some leaning! I took my breath, closed my eyes and gave it my best shot. The guard shot me an approving grin and nodded. I think I actually scared a few people. I even heard what sounded like a disapproving "wow." From a man. Mission accomplished!
Frankly, kids had the easiest time, followed by teens and a few adult men (not quite soprano). I stood there wondering what it would take for someone, me, to walk to the mic and let out a good scream. Could I do it? Most people had someone there to hold their hand, so to speak. I was alone and it would certainly draw attention. Finally, I circled closer and waited for the mic traffic to clear, took a deep breath, checked my gut and strode to the mic. The guard posted in the space walked with me and asked if I needed help raising the mic. Nope. To get a good solid scream, I know you have to "gut it out" and that takes some leaning! I took my breath, closed my eyes and gave it my best shot. The guard shot me an approving grin and nodded. I think I actually scared a few people. I even heard what sounded like a disapproving "wow." From a man. Mission accomplished!
I like to think Ms. Ono would be proud of my effort. I know I am. Finally, permission to do the impermissible. Permission to call attention. Permission to intrude, be rude, be honest, be wrong. Sometimes, a work of art is life changing and I think that is the point.
I've come away from that experience changed. Screaming in public with such permission is liberating; like overcoming the ultimate stage fright. It really is not much different from the first time someone invites you to play music by improvising. It's liberating. You just want to do it over and over because it feels so good.
I've come away from that experience changed. Screaming in public with such permission is liberating; like overcoming the ultimate stage fright. It really is not much different from the first time someone invites you to play music by improvising. It's liberating. You just want to do it over and over because it feels so good.
