DADDY, BUY ME A PONY

NICK CAVE: HEARD NY

March 25–31, 2013

Grand Central Terminal
Vanderbilt Hall
Daily Crossings / 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

"A herd of horses has been unleashed in Grand Central Terminal. Grazing in Vanderbilt Hall, they move at a pace perhaps too slow for the needs of a commuter, seeming to ask us to slow down. To take a second. To look. Visitors are suddenly lured into a pasture of altered perception as they come upon this visually evocative herd of Soundsuits— artist Nick Cave’s meticulously handcrafted sculptures, transformed by pairs of performers into fantastical creatures. The peculiar breeds reflect and dislocate Grand Central Terminal’s dizzying sense of wonder. Amidst the buzz of the station a swooshing sound emerges, the fibrous material of the horses’ coat brushing up against itself, a calm, windlike sound. The sound of slow time."

What a spectacular image!  If only this wasn't in New York City, where it would be impossible for a commuter to just stumble across something this large of scale.  It would be the equivalent of just stumbling across the statue of liberty unaware from your rowboat.  When we arrived 30 minutes early, we had to first get past the rows of security guards, park our stroller in the generous guarded stroller parking and then fight the crowds of people for a coveted spot near the front.  (Side note: they have thoughtfully kept open seating on one side for children and their parents.)  Then we had to wait an additional 20 minutes in a crowd for the show to begin.  This wouldn't be something you just slowed down for.  That said, what a magical showcase of talent-- from Nick Cave's astonishing horse coats, to the Ailey School student dancers, to the harpist and percussionists.  

Tips to make your viewing more pleasurable:

a) Make sure your child is not coming down with a fever

b) Make sure your child is in the mood to wait 30 minutes in a crowd waiting for the performance to start

c) Make sure your child is not afraid of masks, and doesn't start a mini riot in the toddler demographic by shouting "ITS SCARY!!!!"  

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF:

1. How would you define "wearable art"?

2. These creations are meant to evoke the spirit of being alive.  Compare how this works once the dancer gets inside, rather than just on display.

3. Why do you think Nick Cave chose horses as his focus?  

4. Why do you think Nick Cave chose Grand Central Terminal as the location for Heard NY?

5. Nick Cave is a trained Alvin Ailey dancer, so it makes sense that movement influences his work.  But think about how his "soundsuits" go beyond being costumes.  

LINKS TO DIVE DEEPER:

*the official website for Heard NY

*Check out Nick Cave's incredible Soundsuits, which he's been making for over 20 years.

* Great 2011 article in the Observer about Nick Cave and his process.  

*PBS short news video about the artist

EXTENSIONS:

For parents: Nick Cave was influenced by the film "Paris is Burning."  It's available on Netflix instant- watch it again.

For kids:  Make your own wearable art by starting with this project by Wikihow: Make a grass skirt out of streamers.  Then add beads, pipe cleaners, glued on toys, or whatever your heart desires.  Then, learn how to shimmy!