One of the most wonderful places in the city is the Cloisters at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Ford Foundation Gardens and Galleries. Both spaces have a sense of serenity and purpose. The first was built with and to preserve ancient sacred spaces and objects. It stands high on a hill in Fort Tryon Park and like a church stands high above the city.
The Ford Foundation stands on 42nd Street. Surrounded by the city and in its heart. The Foundation is focused on social justice and life as it can be lived. I stop here occasionally when I need a sacred space that is not a traditional religious building. Today was such a day. The galleries are hosting Radical Love, a theme that is a part of what makes life important and healing. The atrium drew me today. I needed a place apart and found it in the un-nerving and amazing sacredness of the exhibition.
Evidence of Things Not Seen, is an homage to civil rights protestors who were arrested during the 1956 Montgomery Bus Boycotts. It covers an entire wall and calls us to the love of the people. To me, it shouts, do better, do more, as they did.
Creating the Spectacle, Sue Austin 2012 This video caught my attention if for no other reason that there is a woman in a wheelchair and exploring life underwater. I love scuba diving. It frees me to live without the pressure of gravity and to see things in a new light. This video screams no, but yes. I watched all 4.25 minutes 4 times coming away amazed and challenged to do those things that are my joys and dreams.
Dancing in the Light, Jah Grey 2018. This 18.20 minute is 3 men moving in the light. I was 18.20 minutes of grace, serenity, peace, and love.
Today I needed to be in this space. To hear a sound installation that shaped movement through the atrium. To see the plants and art building a radical and sacred space. Today reminded me what little time we have and how often we forget that love for each of us is un-nerving and radical and when lived that fully is sacred
Radical Love – Until 17 August 2019
Ford Foundation
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- The reflecting pond
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- The reflecting pond as it creates sacred space reflecting the city
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- A bit of bead work. Drawing me in.
320 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017
