I went for a long walk yesterday, and opted to take a few turns off my normal path. I'm always glad for the results of those kinds of deviations, and this day was no exception. Just five minutes in, I stumbled upon a free 'Party in the Park' - apparently a regular event and open to the public, I'll be covering it in the future...so stay tuned.
I also came across an amazing piece of pristine, undeveloped property that seems almost intentionally hidden (but is priced otherwise by the City).
If you haven't yet been - or have no idea what I'm talking about - the MADI is the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art located at the corner of Carlisle & Bowen. Like me, you may have driven past the building many, many times. You might have thought the exterior kinda cute, with it's primary colors and whimsical-looking outdoor sculptures. Or perhaps you didn't notice the building at all. But for whatever reason, you didn't consider stopping the car.
This is going to be tough...
You need to admit you made a mistake.
I wandered in at closing time. But instead of being ushered out by security, I was given a personal tour by Dorothy, a friendly and knowledgeable docent. She even went so far as to turn on some of the electronic pieces and light up some exhibits that had just been shut down for closing that evening. Nice.
Okay, now for the art itself. If you give it just a superficial glance, you might think it's the colorful result of 4th grade arts & crafts class.
So get up close & personal, instead.
When you do, you'll appreciate the work that goes into each piece. Some are small enough to hold in your hand, while others are the perfect size for a nice wall in your home (I've got my eye on a few). A number of pieces are representative models of huge public installations around the world. All of the work is geometric in nature, some is three-dimensional, and much of it moves in space - it's all part of the MADI movement, started in the 1940's by contemporaries of Piet Mondrian. More than 70 artists currently create art in the MADI style. You'll see their work at the Museum, along with that of the artists who founded the movement.
The MADI Museum is not a big place. You can easily tour it on your lunch break, or squeeze it in between errands. However you make time for it, you should!
MADI Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
3109 Carlisle St. Dallas, TX 75204
See you tomorrow!
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