Ahistoric Occasion: Artists Making History, at MASS MoCA

July 22, 2006; reviewed by Sandy Michel.

Surely every visit to MASS MoCA is an event. This outstanding museum, which focuses on installation art, calls upon the visitor to be open-minded,non-judgmental, and free-spirited. A trip to this North Adams destination is always an adventure, never disappointing.

This trip was spent exclusively on the current exhibition, Ahistoric Occasion: Artists Making History. I spent but a few hours; the exhibition deserves one or two more visits.

I find that, at MASS MoCA, the artist is given the freedom to tell the truth; no politics, no big business, just reality as seen through the eyes of the artist. That is painfully refreshing.

Jeremy Deller’s video, “The Battle of Orgreave,” depicts the violent showdown between 5,000 striking miners and Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government. It is both banal in details and electrifying in parts, almost like watching C-SPAN.

Another fascinating installation was by Yinka Shonibare, "Un Ballo in Maschera," which used photographs, video, and three life-sized mannequins. It reminded me of "La Dolce Vita," but the card accompanying the exhibit said that the artist was reconstructing the economic struggless of the Perestroika era of Soviet history.

Peggy Diggs, a Williamstown artist, is represented by aninstallation called "Recollections 2." It consists of small glass containers filled with objects of significance to her. THe reality here is very intimate and moving.

For me, the mixed-media sculpture entitled, "A Defeated Soldier Wishes to Walk His Daughter Down the Wedding Aisle" is graphic and tragic. I cried. I wish to send copies to President Bush and all leaders of the world. Art tells the tragedy.

A very important contribution of MASS MoCA is the free literature available at each important exhibit - it explains all!

Many more exhibits could be cited; pay a visit to MAS MoCA and see for yourself. It would be good to go on a Saturday, when perhaps you'll be treated, as we were, to a free concert by local musicians playing Celtic music in the wonderful cafeteria. And another note, visit the downstairs lavatories, just for fun (I won't say more).

    MASS MoCA
    87 Marshall St.
    North Adams, MA 01247
    (413)662-2111
    massmoca.org