Making the Ordinary Extraordinary

Last spring, I was immersed in vivid colors and textures, along with a full dose of ’80s vibes, at an exhibit of works by contemporary artist Anselm Reyle. I was struck by how the combination of familiar materials, such as plexiglass and foil, created a feeling of freshness. I was seeing something new, but it was also anchored in my present and past, featuring Day-Glo colors and a large installation of neon tubes in the adjoining room.

The curator of the exhibit, Emann Odufu, offered this observation in the exhibit overview: “Anselm Reyle’s neon installations, which have not been shown in the U.S. for some years, can be thought of as similar to a Moonbow — a special, rare, and beautiful event created through a set of conditions and building moments.”

When we write, we draw upon our current and past experiences to create something new, and I was inspired by Reyle’s ability to do this with his artwork in such an effective and thought-provoking way.

Thanks to MoCA Westport in Westport, CT for this dose of inspiration.