Bronx Museum Holds Enjoyment for All

The Bronx Museum of the Arts is back and better than ever! During this past summer, the museum was closed for renovation which resulted in a size two times larger than the original museum. The museum also has a new executive director, Holly Block, who formerly worked for the museum in the 1980s.

The museum was re-opened on October 3, 2006 with a feature exhibit entitled "Tropicália: A Revolution in Brazilian Culture". The exhibit allows visitors to experience aspects of Brazilian culture through art, music, fashion, and film. The exhibit is very interactive and encourages visitors to get close to the art, with one exhibit that actually invites you into the art. A piece by artist Hélio Oiticica, entitled Eden, requests that "viewers" remove their shoes and walk through the exhibit, which is a large area covered with sand. On the sand are assorted huts and boxes, some containing water, foam padding, straw, books, or magazines. This "multi-sensory" environment is meant to engage visitors' thoughts about art and culture.

Likewise, a piece by artist Rivane Neuenschwander includes pieces of chalk with which visitors are meant to write their own thoughts and messages on his colorful chalkboard painted wall.
Ask for a tour of the museum to experience other interactive exhibits, such as those of artist Lygia Clark which involve more sensory experiences. TV screens and headphones are scattered throughout the rooms of the exhibit where one can view short films or listen to Brazilian music.

Some interesting artwork is included as well, such as Brazilian pop art. These pieces are not stereotypically what one would think of as Brazilian art, and they offer insight into some of the political and cultural issues in Brazil. One such artist uses styles from modern cartoons to create his highly political art with mediums such as acrylic, fabric, and wire netting.

The Bronx Museum of the Arts also has permanent collections of African, Asian, and Latin American artwork.

The "Tropicália" exhibit will run from October 7, 2006 to January 28th, 2007. The cost of admission is $5Adults/ $3 Students (with ID) or Seniors. Take the D train to 167th Street/Grand Concourse or the 4 train to 161st Street/Yankee Stadium. For more information about the museum, visit www.bronxmuseum.org.