Exploring Boston

Yesterday D and I went to the new ICA on the waterfront.  The building is designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro.  There are beautiful views of the water from a glass wall at the gallery level as well as from the theatre, and from a viewing window in the 'mediatheque' which hangs under the main cantilevered gallery space.  They were showing a really interesting design exhibit which had examples of book covers, fashion, industrial design, architecture, etc.  I particularly liked the projects from 'DIY' magazine Make and Readymade.  The ICA is starting to build a permanent collection and among the artists they acquired is Tara Donovan.  One of her pieces is a cube made of straight pins, loosely held together.  According to one of the volunteers, the pins fall off easily and the whole thing needs to be remade regularly.  There is a sense of obsessiveness about her work which I love.  They will have a whole show of her pieces late next year, should be a good one!  

The ICA is right next door to Anthony's Pier 4, which apparently is an old Boston institution.  We had delicious clam chowder and shrimp scampi for lunch.

After lunch, I explored the Boston Public Library and Trinity Church in Copley Square.  Both buildings are filled with beautiful art.  The library has many wonderful murals including a series on the Holy Grail and another by John Singer Sargent.  The church is filled with stained glass, including some beautiful examples by Edward Burne Jones.