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| - As an avid museumgoer around the world, I'm going to lay some truth in this review: contemporary art isn't for everyone and that's okay. Do not come here expecting CMA. I like the Tate's definition of contemporary art, which is "Term loosely used to refer to art of the present day and of the relatively recent past, of an innovatory or avant-garde nature." That being said, I love the artists and exhibits they host, that are full of original ideas that constantly challenge what I think about art. I love their events. I've been a member of MOCA for several years and feel that their treatment of members is top notch, better than even some big museums.
I've appreciated many exhibits here over the years. I recently enjoyed the "My heart's in my hand, and my hand is pierced, and my hand's in the bag, and the bag is shut, and my heart is caught" special exhibit. I don't normally copy and paste things in reviews, but they can explain this one far better than I can: "The work features six listening booths housing 7" vinyl recordings of original songs that the artist created in collaboration with guests of a homeless shelter as well as with Collins' vast network of musicians. To make this work, Collins installed a phone booth with a free line at the shelter, available to all for unlimited local and international calls, with the agreement that the conversations would be recorded and made anonymous. The selected recordings were shared with a group of musicians and others, who used the telephone booth audio to create new songs played on record players in the listening booths."
Considering modern social issues and issues in Cleveland, I found the exhibit to be powerful and interesting. It showed how art can build bridges and be used in important conversations. By the way, MOCA is located in Uptown, which in itself is always changing and growing. If you're worried you might not "get" modern art, check out their constantly updated website to see exactly what is on view. Make an afternoon to peruse Uptown and give MOCA a shot. Its the beautiful building with a cool design. You can't miss it.
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