Can I start by calling myself a shameless New Yorker? It’s just so pathetic to see that I’m just as foreign to subways and buses as any other tourist. I’m probably the reason you’re rude to everyone in the city. I will block your busy path and stop you to ask for directions. I will push and shove to hover over you and check the map in the train. You’ll see my worried face multiple times at subways and bus stops, because I’ll have no idea where I’m going. You might as well push me into the confused and slow-paced crowd of the tourists because the only thing I’ll do for you is get you late to work. Okay wait, maybe I’m not that bad and recent trips to the city have somewhat drilled experience into me. Perhaps that’s the reason why I was at the Museum right on time (and by that I mean exactly 7pm. Kudos!) But oh my misery, Professor Healey and my fellow classmates had already left me. I was left all alone in this giant museum to find my way to the roof. I absolutely had to rush to the roof. Professor Healey didn’t know me. What kind of first impression would I give her if I couldn’t even come to the exhibit on time? I was not looking forward to her eyes of disappointment and anger.
I finally made it to the exit of the roof and entered to see the Anthony Caro Exhibit. (Yes, I entered the roof from its exit. Luckily, there wasn’t a security guard to pick on me, and send me back out.) At first sight, it really looked like Anthony Caro was the next Picasso. I mean the crowd of people spoke for itself. These sculptures must be gold plated and astonishing. To Anthony Caro’s dismay, I was wrong. There was a party going on here, not because Caro unveiled epic sculptors but because there was a bar on the roof. I’d be so devastated if I were Anthony Caro. The sculptors were hidden amidst the crowd and the chitchat of people. On Friday evening at least, the exhibit was more focused on the interactions between the social elites of Manhattan. These people managed to make me feel like a misfit in such a perfect way. I wasn’t wearing a suit or discussing business deals. I wasn’t holding a martini and conversing about the profits of my investments. I was just walking around in a casual outfit, looking at the sculptures and trying to figure out what I’ll be writing in my blog. I wouldn’t categorize everyone at the scene to be pretentious because I did come across smiles and kindness. However, there were those snobby individuals who bumped into me and didn’t care to ven apologize. Their wealth forgives their lack of manners, I guess. Nevertheless, unlike most people around me, I focused my attention to the sculptures. Accuse me of being shallow but I failed to find any significance in those sculptures. There was metal, some screws, paint, different shapes, and some more screws. Was I supposed to apply symbolism to all of this? Did one sculpture represent a unique bench, the other a slide, and another a chocolaty picture frame? Blaming myself to perhaps be too blind to see the beauty in the sculptures, I decided to interview some of the people around me. Not too surprisingly, people were here for the beautiful view of the city and the drinks. “If I had metal and paint, even I could’ve …its in the eye of the beholder, really” claimed Dave, a bystander that we interviewed. He was here for the photography event that was going to take place. Phew! I wasn’t the only one swept away by the breathtaking view of the city from roof. I was definitely not the only one who found these sculptures to be simply casual.
Granted that the sculptures would be given more importance on another evening when drinks weren’t the incentive, I still feel like the sculptures weren’t important enough. On my way back, I got to see some amazing pieces of art, I must say. Sculptures and idols in the mythology section were astounding. Would Anthony Caro’s sculptures manage to create as much awe in a room alone like those idols? I don’t really think so. The environment in which the sculptures were placed, played a great factor in making those sculptures look beautiful themselves. The stunning view of the city added positive opinion towards the sculptures that lacked the ability to amaze the audience on its own. People weren’t huddled by the sculptures in the middle of the roof, but were standing on the edges gazing at the city. Placing these sculptures might be a clever choice indeed. Visitors would love to see the skyline of the city, they might as well check out some metal sculptures that wouldn’t be viewed otherwise. Hence, the environment was the only thing that made the sculptures bearable to me.
The scene was indeed the interest of the evening. Cute couples were hugging and smiling. Rich people were indulged in their rich talks. People were rushing back to the bar to get some more drinks. The sunset was slowly allowing the city’s lights to shine and inspire awes. What good was metal and paint? I couldn’t even touch it. Unlike the sculptures, the scene of people had a story to tell and an image to portray. After taking a bunch of pictures of the scene, I rushed out.
Since opinions are subjective, you might as well take a look yourself.
HOW DARE YOU compare? Its an obvious win.
After all, it IS your choice. How stunning is it?
