Hirshhorn Gallery: experiencing infinite space and endless time -Matt Noonan

Nov 1, 2014

Washington D.C is an extremely busy place, I love this aspect, but where can you go for some quiet self reflection?

The Smithsonian Hirshhorn Museum of Contemporary and Modern Art is a fascinating place for both art lovers and not alike. From the installations to the sounds and light of the galleries, the Hirshhorn invites you to unplug from the political world and float within the free form galleries. The building itself, shaped like a camera lens, even subconsciously forces thought in a different way. 

While I could not tell you the difference between any two installations, the artists, or the time frame. I really appreciate the surface aspects of modern art. The featured gallery- Infinite Space and Endless Time seeks to question the differences between what the eyes see and what the mind perceives to be there. There are whole rooms dedicated to one piece, a basement gallery on sleds, and a video series, all asking questions of the human experience. The pieces themselves are interesting, but if you have the time, I found myself staring at or into several pieces. 

Surrounding the museum is a sculpture garden where, if it was not 45 degrees the day I visited, would be a wonderful place to have a picnic, lay in the grass, or view one of the many events the Smithsonian Institute holds there. I spent several hours in one gallery where I found a useable couch (not art), reading a book and writing this post. 

For some, the Hirshhorn galleries present an experience. For the rest of us, it is a great place for self-reflection and good place to spend a quiet afternoon in a busy city of money, power, and time. 

-Matt Noonan