Feeling the Heat? Chill-Out at The Peabody Essex Museum You’ll Be Surprised By Who’s Hanging Out There.

 

“Making History” is a familiar phrase. It can be misleading ~ but in this context it’s ohhh sooo apropos!

Now, through September 21st, the galleries of the Peabody Essex Museum wake-up, shake-up, and make-up a newly imagined landscape of American arts. This exhibit has an uber-edgy vibe that really does make history! 

Plan a day-trip away from summer heat and think of the galleries at PEM as an exotic bar. You’ll find the atmosphere surprising and refreshing. At first it seems familiar, but then, there’s a twist.

This place is so intriguing even the Father of Our Country is hanging-out there with a voluptuous belly-dancer for the summer!

Museum-mixologists assembled this splashy show blending 85 unexpected art forms.  Visually and psychologically provocative, the elixir embraces tradition yet transcends convention.

After spending time in such a curious place you’ll realize the cultural contributors shaping this American conversation are multi-generational, multi-ethnic, gay, straight and sexually questioning. But, there is no question, everyone is welcome to speak-up in this summer’s coolest space.

Some installations may feel out of synch, some may cause an eye-brow to rise, however, the confusion is fusion of spectacular art forms.

The brilliance of this exhibit is it’s lack of inhibition. Making History is a bold invitation to see art and artists fluidly.  Their statements, both personal and professional are vibrant parts of our evolving national identity.  “Making History” discards provincial social-stigmas, Instead, it amplifies the creativity of artists who’ve earned a voice in our cultural dialogue and renews our commitment to “We the People”.

Consider “Making History: 200 Years of American Art from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts ” as the visual equivalent of a well-balanced cocktail worthy of appearing in a  5-star speak-easy.  Grab a gab with George and the belly-dancer, and take a few selfies with the fire-starters, it’s all sooo aprops!