Movement Research at the Judson Church
Movement Research’s mission statement:
“Movement Research is one of the world’s leading laboratories for the investigation of dance and movement-based forms. Valuing the individual artist, their creative process and their vital role within society, Movement Research is dedicated to the creation and implementation of free and low-cost programs that nurture and instigate discourse and experimentation. Movement Research strives to reflect the cultural, political and economic diversity of its moving community, including artists and audiences alike”
The movement research events take place in the historic Judson Memorial Church in Manhattan. The church was first built in 1888. The church has been a supporter of the arts since the 1950s using parts of the building as art exhibits for various artists, including Claes Oldenburg, Tom Wesselmann, Daniel Spoerri, Red Grooms, and Yoko Ono
On March 6th at 8:00 PM we will be attending a free of charge dance performance at the church. It is a part of events that are described as free, high visibility low-tech forum for experimentation, emerging ideas and works-in-progress that are held in the Fall and Spring seasons.
Artists are selected by a rotating committee of peer artists, and join Movement Research Artists-In-Residence and international guests each season in performing at the historic Judson Memorial Church.
While not much is told in the preview for the performance, it is safe to assure that anything could be expected at this historical venue for experimental arts.
The Dream House
The Dream House, while being an exhibit focused on sounds and visuals, is almost indescribable. The Dream House is an exhibit located in on the 3rd floor of a regular looking apartment on church street. However, once you enter through the front door of the “Dream House”, you are immersed in something that’s anything but regular.
The dream house is lit with odd, ambient lighting while music/sounds play that match with the mood of the lighting. There are pieces of art scattered throughout the room for the visitors to see. While popular, the dream house has mixed reception from it’s viewers. Some call it wonderful and peaceful, and some even use it as a place to meditate. Others call it brash and a “try hard” attempt to capture a visual representation of 70’s subculture. A reviewer for the New York Times even fell asleep in the museum while writing down notes for their eventual review. While it may be hard to come up with the words needed to describe this place, all of those who visit it (whether they enjoyed it or not) usually come up with at least one word to describe it: bizarre.
