Public Service Announcement: David Bowie Is is the name of an extraordinary touring exhibition that originated at the Victoria and Albert Museum and is currently making its only United States stop in Chicago. It’s an incredibly moving and inspiring show that I hope you all get to see (seriously, come to Chicago!). I am famous for how quickly I move through museums. I spent almost two hours in this exhibition and would have probably spent more time if I didn’t have plans to see it again. The show includes music, costumes, hand-written lyrics, artifacts (including the crystal ball from Labyrinth!), and videos, all tied together through an audio experience that seamlessly guides you through the exhibit. I generally feel ambivalent about museums. While I am optimistic about their educational possibilities and their role as collectors/protectors of culture, they often feel dead and I feel bored. It was nice to be in a museum space that felt alive. Crowds of people swaying to the sounds of Space Oddity. I left wanting to make things. I also left thinking about how much awesomeness one person can bring into the world.
Caroline Shields says:
October 15th, 2014 at 8:48 am
Awesome! Thanks for the PSA (b/c sometimes we need a little push!)
thefolia says:
October 15th, 2014 at 10:53 am
Viva la legend of David Bowie and how it inspires to do good! Happy Nesting.
Lisa @ Garlic and Zest says:
October 15th, 2014 at 12:21 pm
Love, love, love David Bowie. Wish I could come to Chicago to see – living vicariously through you.
Miss Layla says:
October 15th, 2014 at 5:37 pm
Yes, yes, and YES! I am an alligator, I am a mama papa comin’ for you!
Esme says:
October 16th, 2014 at 12:05 pm
I know you previously wrote about being a fan of AHS: Coven. Just wondering if you caught Jessica Lange’s version of “Life on Mars” on the AHS: Freakshow premiere too.
Carilyn says:
October 16th, 2014 at 4:38 pm
I’m so with you on museums! I am definitely more of a “drive by” sort of particpant. We recently went to London, and it was simply impossible NOT to go to museums (truly). I sped through most just to keep my family happy until we went to a the Lego exhibit by Nathan Sawaya – wow! Really incredible! I guess that pretty much sums up how cultured I am (Who cares about the Mona Lisa? Give me The David made completely out of Legos!).
Yay for David Bowie! Sounds like a great exhibit!
Claire says:
October 16th, 2014 at 7:09 pm
It actually showed at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, too, so Chicago is the only American stop. I work at the AGO and loved the show — glad you enjoyed it!
debbie says:
October 16th, 2014 at 7:41 pm
great show… packed in the crowds last year at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto… everyone (who can), go!
Tim says:
October 17th, 2014 at 9:02 am
Claire! Thanks for catching that. I had realized and then forgot to update my draft of this post. Anyway, it’s fixed, and I am glad Canada got to host the show, too.
Amy says:
October 17th, 2014 at 8:50 pm
Hey Tim, love things like this when you share political/art/music-related things you’re into. Food is one of my favorite things, but a David Bowie exhibit? So cool.
And I take hours to get through museums, too. And then I always promise to come back, haha.
Calee says:
October 19th, 2014 at 5:30 pm
I LOVE THIS. I want to go to that exhibit so badly. Do you know if they allow photography? I’m working on a graduate thesis that has to do with Bowie’s work. Curious. If not, it may not be worth the trip for me.
Claudia says:
November 2nd, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Sounds fantastic!! I might visit the exhibition at the Groninger Museum, Netherlands. Meanwhile I’ll watch Labyrinth for the umpteenth time..Thanks for sharing this!
Kate says:
November 3rd, 2014 at 4:31 pm
Thanks for the PSA, now I need to go check it out.
schneiderluvsdoof says:
November 11th, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Cool, can’t wait to see the show! Also, your haircut looks nice in this photo AND thank YOU for bringing so much awesomeness into the world.
Lisa says:
November 24th, 2014 at 5:47 pm
My husband and I drove down from Madison last week. I am a huge Bowie fan from way back, so as soon as I saw this post, I pulled out the calendar and bought tickets. The weather was lousy, but the exhibit more than made up for it! OK, I will now belated go back to look at food postings! :-)