Ghosts downstairs

Window views at MOCA

Over the weekend, we visited MOCA, Jacksonville’s Museum of Contemporary Art, located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. The museum has resided in several locations over its 100-year history. Currently, it is situated in a converted building that was formerly the Western Union’s offices. While the Art Deco building possesses architectural interest, the large, prominent windows posed challenges to designing appropriate galleries. However, the remaining accessible windows offer unique views of neighboring downtown structures.

The image below depicts another repurposed historic building across the street, which was formerly a hotel and now serves as the Jacksonville city hall.

While visitors primarily come to view the art, I found both the art and the window views enjoyable.

Square art

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Jacksonville has this unique installation that includes dozens of citizen artist created 10 x 10" pieces of art. The Jacksonville community at large was invited to create these squares (a favorite aspect ratio of mine!) that were assembled and titled Imagination Squared. The subject of each square was selected by the individual and there is a surprising range of images.

Stairway

Reflection on the floor

For some reason I noticed the reflections on the floor and that along with the walls, light and art compelled me to photograph the composition. Not sure anyone else would find it interesting but I am posting anyway.

Not to detract from graphics, the two framed artworks are by Denise Green, an Australian born artist.

The fragility of the promise

Red duct

Window outside the window

MOCA

My first visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, a nice regional art venue located in the revitalizing downtown of Jacksonville Florida. It is housed in the refurbished art deco Western Union office building and is now part of the University of North Florida.

About a third of the gallery space was being reset for a new exhibits so there was not a lot of art to see, but there were several excellent exhibits including a wonderful body of work by Gideon Mendel titled Drowning World (timed ironically with Florence colliding the Carolinas). His excellent huge photo prints were something amazing to see.

Another piece (which is pictured in the posted photos) was by Claire Ashley, a riot of color and bulbous shape.

All in all, a nice few hours spent, and I plan to return.