Lexington has always had a relatively healthy art scene, yet in recent years there's been an exciting emergence of venues that feature more contemporary work from around the world. My favorite, of course, is the Land of Tomorrow, a gallery run by two friends from the College of Design, Drura Parrish and Rives Rash. Billed as a space for "exhibitions, performances, public presentations, interventions, academic symposia, and other ruckus events," LOT's primary attraction is the free spirit and anything's-possible approach of its owners. From the hanging of hundreds of black balloons to more formal gatherings like UK's recent 3&1 panel discussion (uggg! Jeff Kipnis!), the boys at LOT are up for anything--and will more than likely throw in a snowcone or taco stand just for fun.
Image Courtesy of UK|COD
Another new favorite is a place I recently discovered when asked by my friend Sarah if I'd like to join her for a little Bluegrass at Institute193. Located downtown between AlaLucie's and Le Deauville, Institute193 is in many ways like LOT: an art space open for just about any creative venture--which on Monday night included music by New York-based musicians Phillip Roebuck and Morgan O'Kane. Talk about amazing. Not only was the music great, but the energy brought by this crew was simply raw and full. I'm not sure what it was--the drum on his back rigged to the shoes, the tape on the suitcase used as a drum, or the look on these guys' faces as they played--but there was something very honest in that room, the same way a sadness at times can feel like relief. On the break, Roebuck mentioned that this was his first visit to Kentucky--which I imagine must be a kind of homecoming for a banjo player. "Clean white walls and pine slat floors," Roebuck began. "This is what I've been searching for my entire life."
Tonight you'll find me there again, this time for the opening an installation that's right up my alley: Jessie Dunahoo's Sheltered Environment, a series of 3-dimensional mappings constructed using ordinary fabrics found on the artist's farm--flour sacks, plastic bags, old clothes, and twine--all this by a man who is both deaf and blind. From the sneak peek I stole yesterday, the show promises another great day.
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