Documenting every sight and sound from my trips 😉
2023 Jun.
/ The Metropolitan Opera Lincoln Center – like water of chocolate /
Absolutely astonishing performance… The stage design is beyond beautiful! The ending scenes of many acts had my jaw literally dropping… (Really, words can’t do it justice, you MUST see it live). This ballet adapts a famous novel and play, and I still need to practice understanding the story through ballet (I’m used to works that focus on ’emotions’ and ‘concepts’, interpreting detailed story content without words is harder qq, so I kept flipping through the program). A major point is, tickets here are literally half the price of Broadway, so if you’re looking to experience New York’s performing arts on a budget, this is a fantastic option ⋆ᶿ̵᷄ ˒̼ ᶿ̵᷅⋆
/ Rock Wood Music Hall /
My second favorite outing (first is like water of chocolate, incomparable), where you can catch free music from afternoon to night! Though most performers are lesser-known, the quality of the performances is still pretty good given the competitive New York scene. If you’re leisurely, you can just walk in, grab a drink, chill for a few hours, and even chat with the performers afterward. Note that some performances require a fee, so double-check when you arrive.
/ MOMA – SignalsHow Video Transformed the World /
Revisited MOMA for this special exhibition!! It features many video works, but the most unique aspect is the guided tour system: at the entrance, you can pick up a guide phone, which has audio files of the works. The sound syncs with the pieces on display, allowing you to hear the details more clearly, with options to adjust volume and tone, marveling at MOMA’s wealth… (sideways glance)
/ Tenement Museum /
Remember to book in advance, as tours are guided! The museum is divided into different areas, each costing $30 (a bit pricey, but justified by the guided tour), lasting about an hour without the possibility of leaving early (you could, but it’d be awkward). Don’t pack your schedule too tight. Tours start on time, gathering on the ground floor before moving to different areas.
I chose Finding Home without doing much prior research, just picking the first one with the most sessions available. The guide was very friendly, introducing themselves and asking for introductions from everyone. After providing historical context outside, we moved upstairs to a modernly renovated museum space. The guide then talked about people who had lived there before we proceeded to the actual apartments. I didn’t find the space too cramped, especially by Taiwanese standards, where similarly sized rentals are common. We visited the living room, dining room, kitchen, and a bedroom, with authentic tenant-provided decorations. In each room, the guide had us sit and share historical narratives (even on the sofa and bed, is that allowed?). The tour ended with a few documentary clips played on an old TV.
In summary, while the content of Finding Home wasn’t particularly fascinating to me, the guide’s dedication was apparent. I probably won’t visit again but encourage trying other tours!
/ International center of photography (ICP) /
The exhibit was “Love Song – Photography and Intimacy,” where photographers used their unique methods (diaries, tags, imagined retrospectives, etc.) to interpret love and relationships. There’s a café and a small book section on the first floor, offering a variety of styles to browse through, perfect for discovering artists you might like!
/ Broadway – New York, New York /
Music, Money, Love, this is what musician Jimmy Doyle seeks as his “major chord” in life. New York, New York is crafted for this unique city, telling the story of artists’ grand and diverse dreams in the rebuilding New York of 1946 post-war. It not only presents the prosperity and changes of New York but also delves into the struggle and conflict between ambition and love. A memorable scene involves workers on scaffolding, surprisingly presented through tap dance, reminiscent of a historical postcard I bought at the Rockefeller observation deck. The song New York, New York is incredibly catchy, with all actors singing and dancing at the end, leaving me humming all the way home. As someone in the arts, I could deeply relate to the aspirations, hopes, and ambitions of the artists portrayed in the play. Though less popular among tourists and less lavishly staged than newer musicals, the music and dance were excellent, and the story felt very real and touching.
/ Theater of The New City – a stitch in time /
This theater has a real sense of history, untouched by commercial gloss. It’s committed to experimental and community art, with many spaces that aren’t very large, limited seating, and no fancy sets or equipment. Yet, it’s very local and chill, with an audience mainly comprising seniors xd! Fun fact: due to a delay, I ended up watching the wrong play and only realized when my companion hadn’t finished theirs, then got lost trying to find the entrance:)
/ Roosevelt Island /
A spontaneous addition to the itinerary, just in time for a sunset cable car ride, which was absolutely beautiful! The cable car is actually a local transportation option for island residents, but many tourists enjoy the experience too. It costs $2.75 per ride, or you can use a MetroCard pass. The island hosts Cornell Tech, with its modern glass buildings directly facing the river, making me envious… The Smallpox Hospital is also worth a visit. It was the first hospital of its kind in the US, later becoming a historical site. I loved the ruins’ light stone and extensive greenery, feeling it would be a great location for a fashion show…
/ Davidzwirner 19th Street Gallery -Yayoi Kusama: I Spend Each Day Embracing Flowers /
Stumbled upon Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition, a must-visit… (yes, I’m superficial) ◔.̮◔✧
/ American Museum of Natural History /
One day, I felt inspired to visit this museum for different insights (otherwise, I’m not usually interested in natural history). First off, it’s so big, you can’t see it all at once, so pick what interests you… My favorites were the Mexico and Central America and Northwest Coast exhibits, having never seen such a complete introduction to these cultures before. The poses of the human sculptures were oddly cute, directly inspiring my next shooting session:0
Food Recommendations ( ˚ཫ˚ )
● E.A.K Ramen (Japanese)
● Der kring Thai Cuisine (Thai)