As my dad and I cross the same street for the second time, we finally find the place we've been searching for. I see a street with half of the buildings nearly abandoned and rooms lit with modern interiors and bustling bodies.
As fate would have it, the first exhibit that we entered turned out to be the most intense and uncomfortable.
Immediately smelling like weed, I am standing next to my father looking at penises, breasts, drugs, and my beloved Mickey Mouse memorabilia being worn by the most miserable looking characters. Although I felt immensely out of my element- and like I didn't belong whatsoever- I wanted to look at every piece and embrace my reactions.
Yes it was awkward looking at these images with my dad, but in an odd way it was comforting to have someone who has seen dozens of art shows in his life to go on this journey with me. Eventually, we stumbled upon the Coagula Curatorial. And once I peeked in, I breathed a sigh of relief.
I was greeted with lovely images of nature and vegetation mixed with a journey through technological advancements. There were no images that made me blush, and I felt much more peaceful. Alyson Souza's pieces ranged from $800 to $7,000, and the organization of each piece made me feel like I was taking a journey alongside the strangers that filled the space.
Then I found Matt!
Well actually my dad did. "Are you Matt?" he asks the only person who somehow had a different energy than the rest of the people filling the room. He seemed confused at first, but as soon as I uttered the words "Professor Hansen" his face lit up. I wanted to go deep into the meaning of the art, but I found myself tongue-tied and highly aware that he had many people looking to grab his attention.
So we took a picture next to Elvis and chatted briefly about Chinatown. I thanked him for taking a photo with me, and before I knew it, I was on to the next exhibit.
After we had seen every piece, my dad and I shivered as we walked back to the car. I had a blast and wanted to talk all the way home about what we had just experienced. I had felt a wide array of emotions- from nervous, to repulsed, to excited, and finally content.
This adventure reminded me of the art shows in front of Fenway Park that my dad and I went to while I attended Boston University. Going to art shows has always been an experience unlike any other, and I am genuinely ready to go to more with my dad by my side.
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