Opening of Barbara Chase-Riboud: The Malcolm X Steles September 14
Philadelphia Museum of Art ($14 General Admission) Chase-Riboud’s commanding sculptures combine fabric and bronze to create massive armor–like figures. This particular exhibition features pieces in homage to Malcolm X, accompanied by drawings from the artist’s process. Find yourself dwarfed and inspired by the huge abstract structures.
Pay Up September 6-22
Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine St. ($25) What do plastic booties, one dollar bills, and a warehouse have in common? They’re all part of the Pig Iron Theater production, where audience members control their own theater–going experiences. With six chances to choose between eight different shows (each costing $1), rules and a buzzer dictating how much time you have to get to your show, this is just as much a game as a it is theater. The use of the plastic booties remains unclear.
Philly Fringe Festival September 5-22
Known for nurturing the experimental and the bizarre, the annual Philly FringeArts festival’s avant–garde performances guarantee an out–of–the–ordinary arts outing. Choose to see international, world-renowned artists through the FringeArts section of the festival, or hit up Neighborhood Fringe in sections of Philadelphia like Old City and South Philly to check out local artists. The complete listing of performances online, at livearts-fringe.org, can help your narrow your choices.
Elastic Air Project September 8
Louis Kahn Park, 11th & Pine Streets (Free) Philly’s own Somatic Movers dance group offers a free outdoor performance that promises audience interaction. An experimental group that mixes improvisation with contemporary choregraphy, they encourage viewers to come ready to engage. Put on your best Zumba gear and get ready to join the dancers in their exploration of space.
Jason Rhoades, Four Roads Opening Reception at ICA September 18
(Exhibition on display until December 29) 36th & Sansom Streets (Free) Don’t think only your art–nerd friends will appreciate this show. Jason Rhoades’ captivating environments, stuffed with everything from neon and legos to figurines and power tools, promise to have universal appeal. Visitng the show will score you some major cred as an art insider: before his death in 2006, Rhoades was mainly known in Europe (despite residing in LA), and this will be the first major American exhibition of his works. The Rhoades show will take over the entire ICA, with four different installations on display within the museum.
Closing of Witness: The Art of Jerry Pinkney September 22
Philadelphia Museum of Art ($14 General Admission) If the PMA’s highbrow sensibilities have intimidated you since your NSO party, shy away no more. This exhibit showcases work of renowned illustrator Jerry Pinkney, who has won numerous awards, including the prestigious Caldecott Medal, for his children’s book illustrations. His subject matter ranges from images of historical moments to depictions of fairy tales. Artists and newcomers alike will enjoy the native Philadelphian’s whimsical, evocative drawings and watercolors. Make sure to visit the retrospective before it closes on the 22nd.
