Larger than Average Bambu

Taking a tour of Big Bambu was definitely one of the most unique experiences I have had with the arts. I first heard about it back in the summer. Since I live a few blocks from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I made sure to see it in August. However, the day that I went, they were out of tickets for the tour. So on September 14th, I went back and took the tour. Having seen it twice, I can honestly say that the tour made the experience infinitely more impressive. At this point in this semester, it’s unnecessary for me to describe to you what Big Bambu is, since all of us have either been there ourselves or read about it extensively. However, I will try to relate my experience to you differently than how it has previously been written about on the blog.

I believe that the most amazing thing about Big Bambu is that nobody in the past has and nobody in the future will ever have the opportunity to experience what we did when we stood 40 feet above the Metropolitan Museum of Art looking over Central Park. That view that we had of the city is one that only people who visited the roof of the met during its roughly six month existence will ever see with their own eyes. They may hear stories about it or see pictures of it on the web, but never will they be able to truly recapture it. This uniqueness is what struck me the most as I peered over the peaceful green trees of the park to the magnificent buildings on the West Side.

This encounter with the arts is very different than what we usually associate with great works of art. Millions of people have seen the Mona Lisa’s piercing gaze with their own eyes. And millions more will observe the brilliant Statue of David in amazement. The feeling of sharing the same aesthetic experience with people throughout time is something that makes art so incredible. Nevertheless, I think that it is equally special to see a once-in-a-lifetime exhibit like Big Bambu.