REVIEW: Step into another dimension at Artechouse in NYC
Photo: Artechouse presents Blooming Wonders at its Chelsea Market location. Photo courtesy of ATH Studio / Provided by KSA PR with permission.
NEW YORK — At the trendy Chelsea Market there’s a somewhat hidden art space known as Artechouse that runs a rotating series of experiential works that combine pulsating music, all-enveloping visuals and inspired interactivity to create a dizzying display of graphic-design fun. For one hour of quick entertainment, perhaps in between bites and shopping at the market, Artechouse is a must-see attraction in New York City.
Currently Artechouse NYC is showcasing Blooming Wonders and Rolling Stone Presents Amplified: The Immersive Rock Experience. They are both worth a visit, but the experiences for each are completely different.
For both shows, patrons enter on the street level, receive a few pointers from a helpful guide and then emerge on the second floor of the exhibition space. Up here there’s a sci-fi-looking XR bar with themed cocktails that come to life with extended reality (XR), a few interactive art exhibits and a restroom. The real fun happens after one descends the stairs or takes the elevator to the main art space, an open room with a pair of columns and series of projectors sending visuals in every direction. Insider tip: There’s also an interactive feature under the stairs that can be missed if one doesn’t look.
Blooming Wonders, which plays during the day, features a cascading series of images from the flower world. Colors bounce off every surface of the exhibition space, including the floor. For this show, it’s best to grab a seat on a bench, or better yet find one of the cushions and sit dead center in the room. Audiences should let the images wash over them and get lost in the seemingly unending spirals of vines, petals and butterflies.
The colors of Blooming Wonders jump off the walls and surfaces of Artechouse, and it’s difficult almost to keep one’s balance while walking. These aren’t 3D pictures — no glasses are provided — but because they are constantly moving and “blooming,” there’s a definite energy and shifting that goes on. For anyone who needs to take a break, head back upstairs and grab a drink.
Photo and videos are allowed in Artechouse, though flash photography is prohibited. It’d be nice to simply sit and take in the flowers as they were meant to be enjoyed, but it’s almost impossible not to grab some selfies and Instagram-worthy pictures. In fact, Blooming Wonders seems like it was created for the Instagram era, and this reviewer isn’t fighting that reality. It’s worth enjoying but also sharing with friends who couldn’t make it.
Amplified is much more narrative-based. This one has a story to tell about the evolution of rock music and the formation of Rolling Stone magazine. Killer riffs from iconic songs accompany images of gig posters, concert footage and trippy visuals. Many of the images are broadcast from left to right and right to left, with only select projections on the floor. This is less immersive than Blooming Wonders and more about appreciating than being stunned. Thus, the patrons at a recent visit remained stationary and didn’t even use the cushions on the floor.
Amplified runs approximately one hour in length, and there’s a definite start and finish to the spectacle. Blooming Wonders, on the other hand, is much looser, with the flowers blooming and blooming again, pretty much until the hour is up, or someone loses interest and heads for the exit door.
The Rolling Stone show deserves credit for its diversity of voices that are displayed. There’s definitely an emphasis on classic rock bands from the 1960s and 1970s, and for good reason, but accolades are given to the blues figures who pre-dated rock ‘n’ roll and the more modern acts who have branched off in different directions. There’s the Who and the Beatles, but there’s also Top-40 acts from today’s playlists. Heavy metal is largely absent, which is a shame because this reviewer wanted some Ozzy Osbourne footage to pop up and receive its requisite we’re-not-worthy moment in the spotlight. It was not to be. Any heavy music is only given a glancing reference.
If pressed for time, perhaps Blooming Wonders is the better of the two experiences, simply because of its beauty and Avatar-esque visuals, but prospective audience members should consider the group who is accompanying them. If there are rock fans in the entourage, Amplified is a welcome trip down memory lane, for sure.
Also, for those not in the Big Apple, Artechouse has set up shop in Houston and Washington, D.C., as well.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Blooming Wonders and Rolling Stone Presents Amplified: The Immersive Rock Experience are now playing at Artechouse at the Chelsea Market in Manhattan. Click here for more information and tickets.
