Brooklyn July 4, 2018

Brooklyn July 4, 2018

David Bowie Is

This was a trip specifically to see the David Bowie Is exhibit.  Simply fantastic! No pictures inside-sad because the outfits were amazing.  The curation of the whole show was great-everyone got headphones that changed what you were listening to as you moved through the exhibit.  Felt like you were in your own space until the end where they cleverly changed it to an audience/concert.  Early work, collaborations with others, details on cover art, something for everyone.

Flew through SFO to get to Brooklyn and I like to check out the art exhibits.  Usually something niche and not found in a typical museum, like this, the first coin-operated machines.  Interesting mix of games and vending. 

Early game machines

Pachinko

Early vending machines

We took a red-eye, arriving on the 4th which meant the place we were going to brunch was closed-sad!  Had to eat deli sandwiches in the park :)  Then to the Brooklyn Museum where there was already a line for tickets-it is basically sold out-so glad we purchased in advance!  After the Bowie exhibit we ate at the cafe and checked out other art.

This gets the most views as it is on the way to the main restrooms.  Look closely and you can see it is a modern work.

Had to check out the Egyptian section.  I've been to a lot of Egyptian art exhibits and when I walked into the room I made a beeline for this because I'd never seen anything like it before and it just popped.

Ah ha-it is a new interpretation-love it!  I have a new artist of interest.

Egyptian board games!

Tiny objects that caught my eye.

Mummies!  I didn't any photos of a couple of other great exhibits.  The first was the theme Blue-neat idea and excellent execution.  Second, Judy Chicago's The Dinner Party.  I've been interested for a while and man was it great to see it in person.  

Back to the airport!  We hung out on the rooftop-highly recommended!  Found another art exhibit to check out, love how airports have become a place to drop a culture oasis.

Found the Tiny cupcakes by Melissa-so excited-first had these a decade ago and took a terrible photo. Just the right size for a taste.

WorldCon San Jose, Aug 2018

WorldCon San Jose, Aug 2018

Midsummer Night's Dream

I'm a big fan of trying out new things.  This year that meant going to WorldCon simply because it was nearby.  It's a gathering of science fiction writers and fans and the random assortment of folks who have found their tribe with this group.  It must be one of the oldest conventions around.  We do read/watch a fair bit of science fiction but we are not writers and don't know this crowd so this is my very small view into the world.

 Cthulhu priest

Costuming got highlighted in the main hall and I was delighted by the diversity of fandoms represented.

It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

Spy vs. Spy

Dr. Who

Cool badges!

I got to  hear Jo Walton read from her upcoming book!  There were a couple of readings that should have been in bigger rooms but overall the spaces were busy but not over-crowded.  I also attended panels on putting together anthologies, a fan review of Babylon 5 and The Making of Coco (my favorite).

 Hugo awards are a big deal and the exhibit on the trophies was cool.  The trophy itself always has the rocket but is redesigned each year and hand crafted.

Pretty!

Another exhibit was on slide rulers. They even gave a tour, which we couldn't make, but I found delightful that it existed.

Cylindrical slide rule-who knew?  Quite a few people I'm sure and now me.

Frank Hayes was a guest of honor with both an exhibit and a featured talk on a topic totally new to me-filk music.  That is sci-fi/fantasy themed songs in a folk music style. So a sea shanty about space pirates.  And the classic Never Set the Cat on Fire. 

I love learning from people who have a passion for their niche.  I doubt I will listen to more filk music.  I'm just happy it exists.