Lobster Telephones and All That Jazz

On Thursday, my afternoon class was cancelled, leaving ample time for an extended visit to the Tate Modern (seen at right). The Tate Modern has been the permanent home of the Tate Gallery's modern art collection since 2000. The building itself used to be the Bankside Power Station, which closed in 1981, and was converted into the Tate in the late 90's.

I have a particular affinity for modern and post-modern art. I understand it's not everyone's cup of tea so you'll have to just have to humor me for a few paragraphs.

The Tate has an impressive collection, though I have definitely seen better. I was disappointed by the relatively few works by two of my favorite modern artists, Henri Matisse and Rene Magritte. But I think this forced me to broaden my horizons somewhat.

In the "Poetry and Dreams" phase, I saw a version of the surrealist classic Lobster Telephone by Salvador Dali. But I was most intrigued by Thomas Schutte's collection, United Enemies, which is a "satiricresponsesne to political corruption." Schutte sculptedlted eighteen tiny male figures with various expressions ("ranging from sly to disdainful to foolish"), dressed them in rags, and bound them together in pairs. He then took close-up pictures of the pairs in front of a black backdrop. It's hard to explain exactly why the I liked the exhibit, but perhaps it resonated with me because of the recent corruption scandals in the U.S.

The "Material Gestures" phase started with Anish Kapoor's unique sculpture, Ishi's Light, a fiberglass egg with a small opening. (Here is the only photo of it that I could find on the web.) As you step inside the sculpture, yreflectiontion bounces off the deep-red interior. If you speak, your hear multiple echoes. It's very simple but strangely fascinating. Also in this phase was an entire room of Rothko's, known as the Seagram murals, as well as several works by Jackson Pollock.

At this point, I took a short break at the Tate Modern Restaurant. Located on the top floor, the restaurant provides stunning views of the city. Thursday was a perfect day to enjoy the view--clear and sunny. I was lucky enough to sit by the window overlooking the Thames. [Mom and Dad, I suggest we have tea here some afternoon during your visit.] After enjoying some Earl Grey and a scone, I returned to the collection...

My leisurely tea break cost me precious time so I skimmed the final two phases--"History/Memory/Society" and "Nude/Action/Body." I did catch the Andy Warhol works, including Double Elvis and a self portrait. I also saw the Gilbert & George room, which features their massive four-part piece "Death Hope Life Fear."

I then scurried home across the Millennium Bridge because I had tickets to see "Chicago" with a friend from school. I've seen the movie, of course, but the stage musical was just as fun. The set and costumes minimalistic, as the music and dancing are the focus. The jazz band is up on stage throughout, providing a backdrop for the show.

I admit it took me a few songs to get Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger out of my head, but the two female leads did an amazing job. The headliner of this run is Darius Danesh, a former contestant on Pop Idol, the UK version of American Idol. Tall, very good looking, and possessing an amazing voice, he was outstanding as Billy Flynn.

But what I will probably remember most about "Chicago" is one of the male chorus members. So muscular he nearly burst out of his costume (a tight leather vest), he moved like a Chippendale's dancer (not that I would know from personal experience, Mom and Dad!). It took everything Jen and I had not to audibly giggle every time he came on stage.

After treating myself to some post-theatre dessert (thank goodness for the 99p MuFlurry), it was time to cue the exit music on my busy day.