Santa Monica’s third iteration of Glow this Saturday from 7 pm to 3 am has commissioned 15 site-specific, interactive art projects to activate the pier area and is a veritable survey of contemporary art practices, ranging from large-scale earthworks to customized, participatory apps for mobile devices.
Glow will take place on the beach and adjacent parking lots north and south of the pier, a portion of the beach parks south of the pier, as well as Palisades Park, the pier and the Third Street Promenade.
To enhance your art appreciation experience at Glow 2013, Artistic Director Marc Pally offers these five tips.
Understand the Tradition of Plein Air Painting
Plein air, which literally means “in the open air” is a method of painting ideally suited for Southern California beaches because of the phenomenal light. Artists clamored to the coastal community’s of Laguna Beach and Santa Monica in the 19th and 20th centuries to take advantage of crystalline light and air. The tradition of painting and creating on the beach is one of Glow’s inspirations.
Emphasis on Experience
Instead of looking at a two-dimesional painting and searching for the literal translation of the visual, Glow’s artworks puts the emphasis on the experience of the visitor. When you come to Glow try and absorb and observe the quality and kinds of light and space around you – consider imagery as one of many sources of meaning.
Re-Invent the Common
Taking common items and transforming them into something magical and powerful. At this year’s event visitors will see common cargo containers transformed into corridors of mystery and discovery. Experiencing such art gives us the power to rethink what is common and consider transformation as an empowering means to more deeply experience our lives.
Think Outside The Museum
Expand and reconsider what you have considered as your expectations for art. Instead of paintings and sculptures in rooms in a museum think of the entire beach as an ever-evolving vital cultural laboratory, a museum without walls – the beach is our common public space, a demonstration of our democratic values, Glow invites everyone to experience new directions in contemporary art.
Be Open to Curiosity, Wonder & Befuddlement
Don’t be burdened by the idea that you have to understand every piece of art you see. Be open to all the wonderful experiences art can provide including confusion – art can lead the way to the future, so it should be no surprise that it often seems mystifying – take this aspect of art as an opportunity to explore new ways of thinking – stretch!
For more information about Glow 2013, visit glowsantamonica.org.
