8501 To 11400 [On Moving] @ MOCA 1/20/12
By Susan Schaul
“The End is Nigh” bellowed the man standing by the front door wearing a sandwich board bearing the same message. Visitors heard this dire prediction repeatedly as they walked from their cars toward the MOCA entrance to attend the last opening event at the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland) on Fri 1/20.
The end is indeed near for MOCA at its present 23,000-square-foot rented location on the second floor of the former Cleveland Play House. This last art exhibit commemorates the museum’s move from 8501 Carnegie Avenue to its new 34,000 square-foot four-story home at 11400 Euclid Avenue, the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Mayfield Road in University Circle. The new building was designed by Foreign Office Architects FOA, London, and is being completed by Farshid Moussavi Architecture (FMA).
“This exhibit displays new and exciting work based on the concept of moving and change,” said show curator Megan Reich. Regional artists Brandon Juhasz, Ben Kinsley, and Corrie Slawson were all commissioned to create artworks and interactive projects that explore the literal and philosophical aspects of moving. Juhasz alters his photography which in turn alters our perception of what we see around us. Kinsley uses real people to act out his messages. Slawson uses a variety of materials in her art to draw our attention to what is overlooked. The artist Ursula Von Rydingsvard also has her large scale cedar and cow intestine sculptures on display.
MOCA Cleveland dates back to 1968 when the New Gallery was founded and then renamed the Cleveland Center for Contemporary Art in 1984. The Museum has consistently displayed thought-provoking contemporary art revealing new perspectives to viewers. As a result, the growing membership and community support — over 700 households along with corporate and private donations — have launched a fantastic new building at a primo location.
The new building design promises flexible gallery spaces reflecting a 21st century version of museum space. The lobby will be a welcoming place for visitors whether they choose a short visit or plan an in-depth examination of the creativity over an extended period of time. There will be no admission charge to the first floor space. Artwork exhibitions upstairs can be viewed for a modest fee. Cultural events will be offered in the evening in a multi-purpose room. Throughout the building, a learning environment is reflected ranging from low tech to high tech with interactive possibilities and displays for individuals and groups to take advantage of.
MOCA Cleveland on Carnegie Avenue is hosting a free, special Finale Closing event on Sat 3/31 from 7:30PM – midnight. Visitors will enjoy a concert and closing art performance to celebrate this transition. Ursula Von Rydingsvard sculpture and the 8501 To 11400 [On Moving] exhibit will be on display until Sat 3/31.
MOCA Cleveland has many public events scheduled surrounding this move. The official Gala Opening Weekend at the new museum will be October 5-8. Visit http://MOCAcleveland.org/index.php for more information.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Schaul, who says the act of writing is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. The challenge lies in getting the pieces to fit together and make sense.