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Upload your photos. We may feature them.If art museums and stodgy art galleries aren't really your thing, be sure to check out Figment on Governors Island in New York City this weekend.
The celebration, now in its third year, was created as an alternative to the city's traditional art scene—the completely free outdoor event encourages collaborative and participatory projects. Attendees essentially become artists for a day. The festival's name comes from Andy Warhol, when he was asked about his tombstone: ''No epitaph, and no name. Well, actually, I'd like it to say 'figment.' "
There are a ton of events and projects scheduled, starting on Friday. They range from something as simple as a coloring table or a community poem to the elaborate-sounding Chorus in a Box, where participants dial their cell phones to get a looped tape of a song, which they are then encouraged to sing (or something…sounds like you have to be there). Some other interesting activities include Hula-hoop dancing, a Plant Parenthood adoption event, and a Frisbee-designing session, sponsored by the Children's Museum of Manhattan. There's also an artist-designed mini-golf course and a sculpture garden.
The 2008 celebration attracted more than 10,000 participants, and organizers say they're expecting more this year. The only thing they ask you to bring? Your creativity (and maybe a snack).
Another happening of note in New York City this weekend is the World Science Festival with speeches by prize-winning scientists and other programs.
Figment is Friday through Sunday and free. There's a free ferry to Governors Island. For more info, go to figmentnyc.org.
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I brought a group of art students and teachers/escorts out to this so-called art event on the first day, Friday, only to find that there was essentially nothing on view except markers where the art was supposed to be, very few artists (and they were just beginning to set up), no cafe or food vendors operating, and the few vending machines were out of order or required exact change with no machine for making that change. It was a real figment . . . all hype and no substance. We went out for half a day and came back on the third ferry . . . it was a terrible disappoint, and a real waste of time. I was told by a figment representative that because the artists were 'volunteer', they had no control over when they showed up. The website claims they had 13,000 participants . . . doubtful, although I was told that if I were to come back the following day that there would "probably" be a lot more going on. The lesson here is that a colorful website and a lot of enthusiastic posts do not an arts event make.
Posted By AK Gallaghre on July 2, 2009, 7:19 AM