April 12, 2008
Flavin show
I have been to the Dan Flavin show at the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts three times since the show opened, and plan to go as often as I can until the show closes. The first time I went was during an afternoon rainstorm. Natural light is a major feature/element of the building so a tempestuous weather pattern has dramatic effect on the experience.
Flavin uses light as his medium (combinations of fluorescent tubes in various shades and sizes) and those tubes pop like crazy, casting light so that everywhere you look, colored glow combines with the lines and corners of the building to create modern, Mondrian-like images in three dimensions. I find it to be an incredibly beautiful experience.
The Pulitzer Foundation is just as spectacular with no art on the walls as with. As a docent there for several years, I spent many hours drinking that place in. Some incredible artwork has been shown in there. Nothing has ever hit me as hard visually/viscerally as this Flavin show. If you feel so inclined, check it out.
Some people think this sort of work is a boondoggle.
I dig it.
The Pulitzer is open: Wednesdays: Noon - 5pm. Saturdays: 10am - 5pm.
During Dan Flavin: Constructed Light, the Pulitzer is open the first Thursday of every month from 6-9pm. Admission is Free.
PFA
3716 Washington Boulevard
(between Grand Boulevard and Spring Avenue)
St. Louis, MO 63108
phone 314.754.1850
http://www.pulitzerarts.org/exhibitions/