Systematic Landscapes at the Henry

It seems that everyone in town is buzzing about Maya Lin's new exhibition at the Henry Art Gallery. Personally, we only really know Lin through her premiere memorial in DC, and, really, there is no denying the power and simplicity of that work. There is, however, great scope to her work. The Vietnam Memorial launched her career, but she is also responsible for another simple, powerful monument--the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama. Creating works which inspire reflection and hope without trivializing the events they commemorate is a difficult line to walk. With the amount of criticism she endured from her first project, her own resilience has also become a subtext of her work. In fact, the 1995 Academy Award winner for best documentary, A Strong Clear Vision, revealed that resilience and exposed the sensitive soul that accompanies it.

Our favorite work of hers (not that we've seen it in person) is not one of the larger memorials; rather, it is an ice rink in Grand Rapids, Michigan entitled "Ecliptic." It is the perfect marriage of art and architecture, form and function. It is both ice rink and amphitheater. It is located at the Rosa Parks Circle Park because, let's face it, all of Ms. Lin's work requires addtional weight of social consciousness.

The installation at the Henry is pure art. "Systematic Spaces" immerses the viewer in complex landscapes, and offers what it might be like to view the land through the artist's eyes. If you were lucky enough to attend the lecture yesterday, then you are as enamored of the woman as we are. If you weren't among the few, the proud yesterday, then head down to the Henry tonight for the opening reception.

Ticket prices are $10 for general, and $8 for students w/ id.

The Henry Art Gallery is located at 15th Ave NE & NE 41st St
The exhibit runs until September 3rd. Thursdays they are open late, and it's free, so there's really no excuse to not go.

For more information call 543.2280