Last week I went to the Museum of Modern Art to experience their Rain Room exhibit. It was an epic-ly long wait in boiling hot heat, but I'm so very glad that I went.
Essentially, it's a large dark room. Only ten people are allowed into the exhibit at a time. There is rain coming down from the ceiling. However, wherever you walk, the rain magically stops.
Here are some photos:
And I put together a quick video from my visit:
Rain Room from Julie Balzer on Vimeo.
I've thought a lot about what the "art" of the exhibit is. This is the explanation from the MoMA website:
A field of falling water that pauses wherever a human body is detected, Rain Room offers visitors the experience of controlling the rain. Known for their distinctive approach to contemporary digital practice, Random International’s experimental projects come alive through audience interaction—and Rain Room is their largest and most ambitious to date. The work invites visitors to explore the roles that science, technology, and human ingenuity can play in stabilizing our environment. Using digital technology, Rain Room creates a carefully choreographed downpour, simultaneously encouraging people to become performers on an unexpected stage and creating an intimate atmosphere of contemplation.
What do you think?
Thanks for stopping by!
Julie, I think it is amazing!
Julie, I think it is amazing!
Julie, I think it is amazing!
Julie, I think it is amazing!
Julie, I think it is amazing!
Thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful experience; this is just the sort of event that makes me wish I lived in New York.
Thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful experience; this is just the sort of event that makes me wish I lived in New York.
Thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful experience; this is just the sort of event that makes me wish I lived in New York.
Thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful experience; this is just the sort of event that makes me wish I lived in New York.
Thanks a lot for sharing this wonderful experience; this is just the sort of event that makes me wish I lived in New York.
That is really quite amazing, thanks for sharing it. Note to self-next time in NYC, MOMA!
Peace,
Donna
That is really quite amazing, thanks for sharing it. Note to self-next time in NYC, MOMA!
Peace,
Donna
That is really quite amazing, thanks for sharing it. Note to self-next time in NYC, MOMA!
Peace,
Donna
That is really quite amazing, thanks for sharing it. Note to self-next time in NYC, MOMA!
Peace,
Donna
That is really quite amazing, thanks for sharing it. Note to self-next time in NYC, MOMA!
Peace,
Donna
So, is there an artist who conceived and created this interactive piece or was it created and executed by a group of technicians? That may help define whether it is art or just really cool technology on display. No matter what it is, I would still stand in line along with everyone else inorder to participate.
So, is there an artist who conceived and created this interactive piece or was it created and executed by a group of technicians? That may help define whether it is art or just really cool technology on display. No matter what it is, I would still stand in line along with everyone else inorder to participate.
So, is there an artist who conceived and created this interactive piece or was it created and executed by a group of technicians? That may help define whether it is art or just really cool technology on display. No matter what it is, I would still stand in line along with everyone else inorder to participate.
So, is there an artist who conceived and created this interactive piece or was it created and executed by a group of technicians? That may help define whether it is art or just really cool technology on display. No matter what it is, I would still stand in line along with everyone else inorder to participate.
So, is there an artist who conceived and created this interactive piece or was it created and executed by a group of technicians? That may help define whether it is art or just really cool technology on display. No matter what it is, I would still stand in line along with everyone else inorder to participate.
You are so lucky to be able to spend as much time at MoMA as you do! I would LOVE to have something like that close enough to go often! We do have an Art Council here that does different local artist shows and although it is nice its just not the same 🙂
You are so lucky to be able to spend as much time at MoMA as you do! I would LOVE to have something like that close enough to go often! We do have an Art Council here that does different local artist shows and although it is nice its just not the same 🙂
You are so lucky to be able to spend as much time at MoMA as you do! I would LOVE to have something like that close enough to go often! We do have an Art Council here that does different local artist shows and although it is nice its just not the same 🙂
You are so lucky to be able to spend as much time at MoMA as you do! I would LOVE to have something like that close enough to go often! We do have an Art Council here that does different local artist shows and although it is nice its just not the same 🙂
You are so lucky to be able to spend as much time at MoMA as you do! I would LOVE to have something like that close enough to go often! We do have an Art Council here that does different local artist shows and although it is nice its just not the same 🙂
Sounds very interesting, but not sure that I consider it “art”.
Sounds very interesting, but not sure that I consider it “art”.
Sounds very interesting, but not sure that I consider it “art”.
Sounds very interesting, but not sure that I consider it “art”.
Sounds very interesting, but not sure that I consider it “art”.
I think your photos are “art” though I am not so sure about the exhibit. I would go to see it and I do like the technology. Maybe we need a broader definition of what is “art”.
I think your photos are “art” though I am not so sure about the exhibit. I would go to see it and I do like the technology. Maybe we need a broader definition of what is “art”.
I think your photos are “art” though I am not so sure about the exhibit. I would go to see it and I do like the technology. Maybe we need a broader definition of what is “art”.
I think your photos are “art” though I am not so sure about the exhibit. I would go to see it and I do like the technology. Maybe we need a broader definition of what is “art”.
I think your photos are “art” though I am not so sure about the exhibit. I would go to see it and I do like the technology. Maybe we need a broader definition of what is “art”.
Now I am going to have ….dancing in the rain I’m dancing in the rain What a glorious feeling… I’m dancing in the rain….. stuck in my head all morning! I love it!
Now I am going to have ….dancing in the rain I’m dancing in the rain What a glorious feeling… I’m dancing in the rain….. stuck in my head all morning! I love it!
Now I am going to have ….dancing in the rain I’m dancing in the rain What a glorious feeling… I’m dancing in the rain….. stuck in my head all morning! I love it!
Now I am going to have ….dancing in the rain I’m dancing in the rain What a glorious feeling… I’m dancing in the rain….. stuck in my head all morning! I love it!
Now I am going to have ….dancing in the rain I’m dancing in the rain What a glorious feeling… I’m dancing in the rain….. stuck in my head all morning! I love it!
I agree with Dale. I even love the photos you have taken. And the sound of rain is like music to me; I just love the rain!!!!
I agree with Dale. I even love the photos you have taken. And the sound of rain is like music to me; I just love the rain!!!!
I agree with Dale. I even love the photos you have taken. And the sound of rain is like music to me; I just love the rain!!!!
I agree with Dale. I even love the photos you have taken. And the sound of rain is like music to me; I just love the rain!!!!
I agree with Dale. I even love the photos you have taken. And the sound of rain is like music to me; I just love the rain!!!!
Wow – that is beautiful Julie! I love the concept of being able to control the rain. I would stand in line for that too. Sounds like magic.
Wow – that is beautiful Julie! I love the concept of being able to control the rain. I would stand in line for that too. Sounds like magic.
Wow – that is beautiful Julie! I love the concept of being able to control the rain. I would stand in line for that too. Sounds like magic.
Wow – that is beautiful Julie! I love the concept of being able to control the rain. I would stand in line for that too. Sounds like magic.
Wow – that is beautiful Julie! I love the concept of being able to control the rain. I would stand in line for that too. Sounds like magic.
I used to live in Las Vegas, NV. I think if they built one there, there would be no end to the people willing to pay to be in a rainy environment to refresh themselves in such an arid place.
I used to live in Las Vegas, NV. I think if they built one there, there would be no end to the people willing to pay to be in a rainy environment to refresh themselves in such an arid place.
I used to live in Las Vegas, NV. I think if they built one there, there would be no end to the people willing to pay to be in a rainy environment to refresh themselves in such an arid place.
I used to live in Las Vegas, NV. I think if they built one there, there would be no end to the people willing to pay to be in a rainy environment to refresh themselves in such an arid place.
I used to live in Las Vegas, NV. I think if they built one there, there would be no end to the people willing to pay to be in a rainy environment to refresh themselves in such an arid place.
Well, seems like it would be more at home in the Science and Technology Museum, but I see people raising their arms to interact with it so maybe it’s performing art! Very cool, regardless.
Well, seems like it would be more at home in the Science and Technology Museum, but I see people raising their arms to interact with it so maybe it’s performing art! Very cool, regardless.
Well, seems like it would be more at home in the Science and Technology Museum, but I see people raising their arms to interact with it so maybe it’s performing art! Very cool, regardless.
Well, seems like it would be more at home in the Science and Technology Museum, but I see people raising their arms to interact with it so maybe it’s performing art! Very cool, regardless.
Well, seems like it would be more at home in the Science and Technology Museum, but I see people raising their arms to interact with it so maybe it’s performing art! Very cool, regardless.
Beautiful photos! Personally, I think the determination of “art” vs. “not art” mostly lies in the heart and soul of the creator. I see a mixed media installation involving water, light, sound, space, electronic sensors, and some very elegant computer programming…but then I live in a universe that is a work of art on a grand scale…and I’m a geek. 🙂
Beautiful photos! Personally, I think the determination of “art” vs. “not art” mostly lies in the heart and soul of the creator. I see a mixed media installation involving water, light, sound, space, electronic sensors, and some very elegant computer programming…but then I live in a universe that is a work of art on a grand scale…and I’m a geek. 🙂
Beautiful photos! Personally, I think the determination of “art” vs. “not art” mostly lies in the heart and soul of the creator. I see a mixed media installation involving water, light, sound, space, electronic sensors, and some very elegant computer programming…but then I live in a universe that is a work of art on a grand scale…and I’m a geek. 🙂
Beautiful photos! Personally, I think the determination of “art” vs. “not art” mostly lies in the heart and soul of the creator. I see a mixed media installation involving water, light, sound, space, electronic sensors, and some very elegant computer programming…but then I live in a universe that is a work of art on a grand scale…and I’m a geek. 🙂
Beautiful photos! Personally, I think the determination of “art” vs. “not art” mostly lies in the heart and soul of the creator. I see a mixed media installation involving water, light, sound, space, electronic sensors, and some very elegant computer programming…but then I live in a universe that is a work of art on a grand scale…and I’m a geek. 🙂
Unbelievable!thanks for sharing the experience!
Unbelievable!thanks for sharing the experience!
Unbelievable!thanks for sharing the experience!
Unbelievable!thanks for sharing the experience!
Unbelievable!thanks for sharing the experience!
Julie, thanks for taking me to MOMA with you. It was a delightful summer experience!
Julie, thanks for taking me to MOMA with you. It was a delightful summer experience!
Julie, thanks for taking me to MOMA with you. It was a delightful summer experience!
Julie, thanks for taking me to MOMA with you. It was a delightful summer experience!
Julie, thanks for taking me to MOMA with you. It was a delightful summer experience!
I think it’s pretty cool! I love interactive art exhibits. Thank you for sharing.
I think it’s pretty cool! I love interactive art exhibits. Thank you for sharing.
I think it’s pretty cool! I love interactive art exhibits. Thank you for sharing.
I think it’s pretty cool! I love interactive art exhibits. Thank you for sharing.
I think it’s pretty cool! I love interactive art exhibits. Thank you for sharing.
Sounds amazing! Is this going to be a permanent exhibit? I wonder if something like it could be set up at London’s Tate Modern …
Sounds amazing! Is this going to be a permanent exhibit? I wonder if something like it could be set up at London’s Tate Modern …
Sounds amazing! Is this going to be a permanent exhibit? I wonder if something like it could be set up at London’s Tate Modern …
Sounds amazing! Is this going to be a permanent exhibit? I wonder if something like it could be set up at London’s Tate Modern …
Sounds amazing! Is this going to be a permanent exhibit? I wonder if something like it could be set up at London’s Tate Modern …
So many directions one could go in interpreting this exhibit. From a superficial, “nice to be out in the rain without having to ‘deal’ with it” to a deeper, philosophical discussion about the impossibility of cleansing humanity of all it’s sins. Hmm. I admit that I am more on the former end, as my hair is not of a length to enjoy a messy top-knot after a downpour. However, with my belief in a loving, spiritual force in the Universe I might be up for some healthy debate. 🙂
So many directions one could go in interpreting this exhibit. From a superficial, “nice to be out in the rain without having to ‘deal’ with it” to a deeper, philosophical discussion about the impossibility of cleansing humanity of all it’s sins. Hmm. I admit that I am more on the former end, as my hair is not of a length to enjoy a messy top-knot after a downpour. However, with my belief in a loving, spiritual force in the Universe I might be up for some healthy debate. 🙂
So many directions one could go in interpreting this exhibit. From a superficial, “nice to be out in the rain without having to ‘deal’ with it” to a deeper, philosophical discussion about the impossibility of cleansing humanity of all it’s sins. Hmm. I admit that I am more on the former end, as my hair is not of a length to enjoy a messy top-knot after a downpour. However, with my belief in a loving, spiritual force in the Universe I might be up for some healthy debate. 🙂
So many directions one could go in interpreting this exhibit. From a superficial, “nice to be out in the rain without having to ‘deal’ with it” to a deeper, philosophical discussion about the impossibility of cleansing humanity of all it’s sins. Hmm. I admit that I am more on the former end, as my hair is not of a length to enjoy a messy top-knot after a downpour. However, with my belief in a loving, spiritual force in the Universe I might be up for some healthy debate. 🙂
So many directions one could go in interpreting this exhibit. From a superficial, “nice to be out in the rain without having to ‘deal’ with it” to a deeper, philosophical discussion about the impossibility of cleansing humanity of all it’s sins. Hmm. I admit that I am more on the former end, as my hair is not of a length to enjoy a messy top-knot after a downpour. However, with my belief in a loving, spiritual force in the Universe I might be up for some healthy debate. 🙂
What interesting technology…now if they could just install that outdoors. It would be great for walking the dog:-)
Not sure that I see it as art but what great science.
What interesting technology…now if they could just install that outdoors. It would be great for walking the dog:-)
Not sure that I see it as art but what great science.
What interesting technology…now if they could just install that outdoors. It would be great for walking the dog:-)
Not sure that I see it as art but what great science.
What interesting technology…now if they could just install that outdoors. It would be great for walking the dog:-)
Not sure that I see it as art but what great science.
What interesting technology…now if they could just install that outdoors. It would be great for walking the dog:-)
Not sure that I see it as art but what great science.
That’s awesome…I’d love to experience it.
That’s awesome…I’d love to experience it.
That’s awesome…I’d love to experience it.
That’s awesome…I’d love to experience it.
That’s awesome…I’d love to experience it.
Unbelievably awesome. Would love to live closer so I could go.
Unbelievably awesome. Would love to live closer so I could go.
Unbelievably awesome. Would love to live closer so I could go.
Unbelievably awesome. Would love to live closer so I could go.
Unbelievably awesome. Would love to live closer so I could go.
I was in NY early in June and stood out in the pouring rain to go inside to the Rain Room. The irony was too funny.
I was in NY early in June and stood out in the pouring rain to go inside to the Rain Room. The irony was too funny.
I was in NY early in June and stood out in the pouring rain to go inside to the Rain Room. The irony was too funny.
I was in NY early in June and stood out in the pouring rain to go inside to the Rain Room. The irony was too funny.
I was in NY early in June and stood out in the pouring rain to go inside to the Rain Room. The irony was too funny.
I would wait in the heat to go through that exhibit too! TFS
I would wait in the heat to go through that exhibit too! TFS
I would wait in the heat to go through that exhibit too! TFS
I would wait in the heat to go through that exhibit too! TFS
I would wait in the heat to go through that exhibit too! TFS
WOW! I would LOVE that!! I love rain (I live in a super arid part of the country, and it’s rare). I’m pretty sure that would be in a version of my heaven…
WOW! I would LOVE that!! I love rain (I live in a super arid part of the country, and it’s rare). I’m pretty sure that would be in a version of my heaven…
WOW! I would LOVE that!! I love rain (I live in a super arid part of the country, and it’s rare). I’m pretty sure that would be in a version of my heaven…
WOW! I would LOVE that!! I love rain (I live in a super arid part of the country, and it’s rare). I’m pretty sure that would be in a version of my heaven…
WOW! I would LOVE that!! I love rain (I live in a super arid part of the country, and it’s rare). I’m pretty sure that would be in a version of my heaven…
we thought the rain room at MOMA was something every should have been able to experience — the set up did not allow for that – there was no reason to let people stay in the room for so long while the other line to view it was rushed through – it should have been the opposite – the way it was set up you needed to get there at 4 AM and wait all day for $50 and not see the rest of the museum – instead they should have let people go through for at most a minute – ten people at a time – in that way the line would have flowed and everyone could have experienced the art – isn’t that what public art in museums is about?
we thought the rain room at MOMA was something every should have been able to experience — the set up did not allow for that – there was no reason to let people stay in the room for so long while the other line to view it was rushed through – it should have been the opposite – the way it was set up you needed to get there at 4 AM and wait all day for $50 and not see the rest of the museum – instead they should have let people go through for at most a minute – ten people at a time – in that way the line would have flowed and everyone could have experienced the art – isn’t that what public art in museums is about?
we thought the rain room at MOMA was something every should have been able to experience — the set up did not allow for that – there was no reason to let people stay in the room for so long while the other line to view it was rushed through – it should have been the opposite – the way it was set up you needed to get there at 4 AM and wait all day for $50 and not see the rest of the museum – instead they should have let people go through for at most a minute – ten people at a time – in that way the line would have flowed and everyone could have experienced the art – isn’t that what public art in museums is about?
we thought the rain room at MOMA was something every should have been able to experience — the set up did not allow for that – there was no reason to let people stay in the room for so long while the other line to view it was rushed through – it should have been the opposite – the way it was set up you needed to get there at 4 AM and wait all day for $50 and not see the rest of the museum – instead they should have let people go through for at most a minute – ten people at a time – in that way the line would have flowed and everyone could have experienced the art – isn’t that what public art in museums is about?
we thought the rain room at MOMA was something every should have been able to experience — the set up did not allow for that – there was no reason to let people stay in the room for so long while the other line to view it was rushed through – it should have been the opposite – the way it was set up you needed to get there at 4 AM and wait all day for $50 and not see the rest of the museum – instead they should have let people go through for at most a minute – ten people at a time – in that way the line would have flowed and everyone could have experienced the art – isn’t that what public art in museums is about?
I’ve really been wanting to go do this but I don’t think it’s going to fit into my schedule [and might be over now too?], it seems pretty amazing!
I’ve really been wanting to go do this but I don’t think it’s going to fit into my schedule [and might be over now too?], it seems pretty amazing!
I’ve really been wanting to go do this but I don’t think it’s going to fit into my schedule [and might be over now too?], it seems pretty amazing!
I’ve really been wanting to go do this but I don’t think it’s going to fit into my schedule [and might be over now too?], it seems pretty amazing!
I’ve really been wanting to go do this but I don’t think it’s going to fit into my schedule [and might be over now too?], it seems pretty amazing!