Time for weekend calendar picks from KC Studio editor Alice Thorson. This weekend, Friday and Saturday, the Kansas City Symphony plays John Williams’ epic score for Raiders of the Lost Ark. This is also your last chance to see Kansas City Repertory Theatre‘s production of The Invisible Hand and The Way We Get By at Unicorn Theatre (read our exclusive online reviews of both shows here). Tonight, a show of contemporary Asian art opens at the Spencer Museum of Art (see article from Nov/Dec issue). At 6pm, Colin Mackenzie, Senior Curator of Chinese Art at the Nelson, will explore some of the Chinese collection’s greatest masterpieces. Tomorrow, stop by Rockhurst’s Greenlease Gallery for the opening reception for an exhibition of art by C. Finley. Saturday, Bach Aria Soloists present a free performance at the Kansas City Public Library Central branch. And on Sunday, Te Deumchamber choir performs at Village Presbyterian in prairie Village. For more ideas this weekend, visit Kansas City’s most comprehensive arts calendar at kcstudio.org/events.
Temporal Turn: Art and Speculation in Contemporary Asia
November 10, 2016 – March 12, 2017
Spencer Museum of Art
Temporal Turn explores contemporary art practice that spans the cultural diversity of Asia and speculates on varied manifestations of time, history, and memory. While many artists in the exhibition approach temporal imagination by adapting scientific methods, others deploy a range of strategies grounded in deep-rooted cultural perspectives. The result is a rich mosaic of concepts that destabilize our conventional understanding of the past, present, and future.
With artwork created by 26 artists embedded in what has been dubbed the “Asian Century,” Temporal Turn also addresses a range of real-world issues, such as our ongoing relationship with technology, changing attitudes toward gender and national identity, climate change and globalization. The speculative focus of Temporal Turn is explored through five themes. “Pulse” presents artwork that investigates biological systems such as physiology and evolution. “The Edge of Infinity” examines the role of mathematics, astronomy, and space exploration. “Mythopoeia” explores historical and mythical fictions grounded in culturally specific perspectives. “Human/Posthuman/Inhuman” ranges from predictions about the next step in human evolution to extraterrestrial life. The final theme, “Anthropocene,” contemplates how humans are transforming nature on a planetary scale.
In addition to works drawn from the Spencer Museum’s collection and international loans, Temporal Turn features four site-specific works commissioned exclusively for the exhibition. Japanese artist Konoike Tomoko (b. 1960) created a painting on stitched cowhide. Rohini Devasher (b. 1978), from New Delhi, India, drew a wall mural with video elements in the Central Court. Seoul-based artist Park Jaeyoung (b. 1981) installed the interactive Kansas Bokaisen Project. Sahej Rahal (b. 1988), from Mumbai, India, created monumental works from recycled materials located at the entrance of the Museum.
Presentation | Why the Chinese Collection is Great
November 10 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Free
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Colin Mackenzie, Senior Curator of Chinese Art, will explore some of the Chinese collection’s greatest masterpieces and explain why they have become icons of world art.
Screenland at the Symphony: Raiders of the Lost Ark
November 10 & 12 @ 7:00 pm
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Special 35th Anniversary Celebration in 2016!
The film that produced one of the world’s greatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones, is back and better than ever. Relive the original, ultimate adventure, “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” on the silver screen as your Kansas City Symphony performs John Williams’ epic score live.
THE INVISIBLE HAND
November 10 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
November 11 & 12@ 8:00 pm
Kansas City Repertory Theatre-Copaken Stage
Forget what you know about global terrorism and human nature, and prepare for a new perspective that’s equally frightening and enlightening. Like a game of chess, two captors and their American hostage maneuver through life in a holding cell, where the hostage tries to negotiate his way out using stock market secrets. This intense show reveals the complicated truth behind our simple perceptions of good versus evil, as we discover the invisible hand that moves the global market and shifts the power to those you least want to have it.
Girl with a Suitcase
November 11 – December 10
Greenlease Gallery at Rockhurst University
Greenlease Gallery presents works by C. Finley in an exhibition titled “Girl with a Suitcase.” Finely is known for her elaborate geometric paintings, skillful use of color and street art activism. The opening Nov. 11 begins with an artist talk at 6:30 p.m. followed by a reception.
The Way We Get By
November 11 @ 8:00 pm
November 13 @ 3:00 pm
Unicorn Theatre
After a hot night together, Beth and Doug wake up to the awkward afterglow of a complicated new reality. As they search for their clothes, they must decide if their passion can withstand the public fallout. Is love worth the risk? This sexy and surprising new work from playwright Neil LaBute will keep you guessing.
Notes & Letters
November 12 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm | Free
Kansas City Public Library-Central Library
For composers often working in seclusion, letter writing was a connection to the wider world. Notes & Letters takes a glimpse into the composer as a person with the written word and letters they penned and received.
This will be a delightful evening of music and prose, featuring a guest actor and set in the magnificent Kirk Hall at the Kansas City Public Library.
Audacity
November 13 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | $15
Village Presbyterian Church
The Te Deum chamber choir (pictured above) will explore the theme of “Audacity” — in scriptures, forgiveness, hope, defiance and love — and demonstrate through music how faith-inspired courage can change the world. Works will include “Kyrie” from Frank Martin’s Mass for Double Choir, “Hear My Prayer” by Sven-David Sandstrom and Charles Ives “Psalm 67”. The concert will conclude with several spirituals that highlight the audacity of sneaking “underground railroad code” directly into songs that express joy and hope despite the horrific circumstances of slavery. $15 suggested donation. Students free with ID.
