NYC is a fantastic city, especially when one could couch-it someplace in the city. NYC in December should've been and could've been very cold, but this particular week was fabulously warm and the weather enabled me to walk about in the city a bit. Would I want to live in this city? Maybe? Manhattan is definitely a place to visit and soak it all in. Now, living here might be something else. I didnt have the luxury of time to experience the local scene, but I get the distinct feeling that I would love to live in the west or east side of Upper Manhattan. I walked more than 50 blocks one day and 30 or more blocks on another instance and it was a pleasant experience.
Talking about NY experiences, this is my first trip without any major worries. In the years past, my association with the city has been nothing but theatrics, with quiet a bit of anxious moments spent, wondering about who is gonna mug you. Maybe I have gotten used to the place and the pace, or maybe I have grown to like the craziness. Nevertheless, this visit was very eye opening. Specifically, visits to the Guggenheim and Met were extraordinary.
Guggenheim: I have heard and read about the Gugg for its architecture. Thanks to a friend of mine, I was well acquainted to the works of Frank Lloyd Wright. But, what I experienced in the Guggenheim was completely astounding and mind bending - Kandinsky. Kandinsky was not known to me before, but that ignorance now is blissfully behind me. I have poured over his works and his life in the last few days and its fair to say that I'm enthralled and motivated by his oeuvre. Starting at an age of 30 is no mean task despite his wealthy background that enabled him to attempt what he truly loved. The afternoon I spent at Guggenheim was vastly inadequate. His work is the most prolific, ranging from watercolors/sketches to large paintings. It was fascinating to learn that the Guggenheim building by Wright was inspired by Kandinsky's work. I feel thankful to see this collection @ the Gugg. Now, I await my amazon delivery of the "Complete writings on Art by Kandinsky" that implores the "Spiritual of Art" and his study of lines & points and other observations on art. The museum book on Kandinsky was specatular and I'm still soaking in documented history of Kandinsky.
Met : Met can be intimidating to a casual museum goer. Its one of the biggest museums of the world. Its a shame to be able to spend only one afternoon here. But, anytime spent here is a worth a lifetime of learning. I spent all the time in one section of the museum - the Greek and Roman art of the 5thBC to 1st AD. It was a vast collection. The sculptures and art of that ancient period provides you with a perspective to deal with one's daily life/struggles and its irrelevance.
Its a very weird experience, to feel overwhelmed but also, inspired, conflict abounds, hopes and despair combining well to cause immense introspection. Both of these experiences called for a long walk, amidst NYC skyscrappers on a cold, windy evening.
1 comment:
Hi, Sai. :) I don't exactly know you, but I know of you, in case you were wondering. I've also visited NYC during winter, and despite the sharp cold air (and snow!), wandering around the city was exhiliarating. I would have loved to visit the Guggenheim or The Met...maybe next time. But the Statue of Liberty was as amazing as they say, and the Museum of Natural History was an absolute masterpiece. I would totally go there again. Also got to enjoy Times Square, lots of great restaurants, and catch a musical on Broadway. A trip to NY is a must for everyone, even if it isn't quite as cool as SF ;) .
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