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On the Arts, Queens, and Democracy: Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

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There is lots of politics pervading the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía which if you think about it is somewhat ironic. I mean, the place itself is named after a queen. And lots of anti-imperial politics pervades (including some well-deserved anti-Americanism). But a queen? What kind of democracy has a monarch? Or still reveres a monarch? Seriously. Those days need to be behind us as a species.

Anyway, the ill-begotten gains of monarchy are at least being spent on art and not on oppression. Or is art just an opiate slightly stronger than religion? These are difficult issues to plumb.

And are they old fashioned or what? No pictures of some of the pictures? Trapped in the past they are. The guernica room is a shrine that should be full of life, not a mausoleum. Spain still seems to have a Franco hangover.

But still, go.  The sound and the fury be damned.

 

The light is excellent.

Shadowplay.

 

 

 

 

Take a green break.

 

 

Watch mute.

 

 

And then coffee.

 

Stardust Club, and Low-light. Kyoto.

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Strolling the street of the Geisha and looking for a pre-dinner drink in low-light lovely conditions, we found The Stardust Club. Wonderful company and American Blues sung from the heart by an expressive-faced man. Perfect.

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The fans sing of Angel Heart.

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and off 

Light imprecise. Catch it if you can.

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Wheat Spring Branch

Wheat Spring Branch

Dizzy

Dizzy

Ware's Mill

Ware’s Mill

Kitty kitty

Kitty kitty

conglomeration of light

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As part of our extensive, black tie clad mixology fueled NYE festivities, our friend and DC-based video artist Brian Buck set up an installation of his work conglomeration of light in the barn. Attendees took art breaks from the party to walk (or be driven) up the hill to the barn to experience the piece.

The complete installation included video, audio and obelisks adjusted for the space. Goats were an extra non-union bonus.

conglomeration of light NYE 2012

Video portion as displayed on the ceiling.

come let me show you the light

Seven sound sculpture obelisks.

The obelisks have both under-lighting and in-lighting. They play the soundtrack.

Sound and light

All in all the video installation added an intriguing angle to the otherwise raucous NYE bash.

Did I have fun?

Your intrepid mixological reporter behind the bar.