MCA Exhibit: Sympathy for the Devil

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Museum of Contemporary Art's opening gala for its new exhibit, "Sympathy for the Devil, Art and rock and roll since 1967". This was already destined to be an enjoyable experience, as four of my best friends were accompanying me. However, the MCA certainly delivered as well.

The place was packed, but the flow of traffic was controlled in a way that kept you from feeling crowded. Large white tents covered the expanse of the Museum's yard. Inside one could indulge in a variety of beverages while simultaneously sampling the techno/trance beats of Flosstradamus (described as sounding like hipster pirates that took over mainstream rap radio) . Then there was the exhibit itself......

I can honestly say that Sympathy for the Devil is among the best exhibits I've seen at Chicago's MCA. From a room thats floor is constructed entirely with vinyls, to an experimental film starring the Velvet Underground, the whole scene is just short of mesmerizing. One of the most noteworthy installments is an actual studio where local musicians are encouraged to record under the condition that they allow their recording to be part of an on-going tape.

The goal of the exhibit is to show the intimate correlation rock and roll has had with visual art since the sixties. It focuses particularly on cities like New York and Los Angeles, where rock and art first began to meld in noteworthy ways. It also explores the complex relationships between artists and musicians, beginning with Andy Warhol and The Velvet Underground.

The MCA will showcase Sympathy for the Devil through January '08. If you're a classic rock fan, checking it out is a must. You can my word for it.