richard serra – daydreampilot

I had the chance to visit Dia:Beacon for the first time this past weekend. A lovely autumn drive 1.5 hours north, lunch with friends, and afternoon viewing art. perfect.

I was really impressed with the museum. The huge warehouse turned art space, filled with contemporary art. I wanted to run around and take a million pictures, but got stopped after my first snap shot. The overwhelming size of the space is enhanced by the sheer amount of natural light that accompanied it, really giving these works of art a gorgeous environment to shine. My highlights, Richard Serra, Michael Heizer and Sol Lewitt. Michael Heizer’s ground sculptures are truly impressive and it made me wonder how I would get out if I fell in…. I wish they had more massive Serra’s to run around in…. Sol Lewitts drawings made me dizzy and felt a headache coming on after a while, but I thought that was a good thing! ha. The amount of detail in these drawings, plus their light and fragile presence is hard to take all at once. Fascinating how it affected my brain! This whole place was pretty awesome. If you ever are visiting NYC, take a short trip up the Hudson on the train (gorgeous ride) and hop off at beacon, NY. They also have an art festivals throughout the year… I have to check those out.

Photo by Neal Boenzi/NYT. Sol Lewitt at his studio in 1961.

Photo of Richard Serra and his work.

Photo of Michael Heizer art work at dia:beacon

I went to the MoMA a few months back to check out the Richard Serra sculpture exhibit. His very large steal pieces are overwhelming. You need to experience them yourself. The weather took a beating on the outside sculptures, which created beautiful textures and colors on the surface. The massive organic shapes would create a certain spacial sensation. While walking through it, it felt as if I was riding a wave. Having trees fall over the work, and the light hitting it at certain angles was a beautiful sight. Something so massive and simple, yet so rough and grand. Once inside the exhibit, the huge terracotta color works stood out dramatically against the stark white room. People were tiny compared to the space. It was quiet in the rooms. I noticed how people where taken aback once they walked in, and enjoying the experience that these simple and impressive forms where giving all of us. I really enjoyed Serra’s work, I would love to see it out on the streets and the parks. Did you get a chance to see it? What are your thoughts…

Tag: richard serra

Dia:Beacon

Richard Serra at the MoMA