Vision? You Decide!

If you're a movie buff or involved in the building industry, you may know about Peter Greenaway.  Why?  Well, he wrote and directed the movie The Belly of an Architect.  Not an ordinary movie.  He also did The Pillow Book, Prospero's Books, The Draughtsman's Contract; not to mention The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover.

Until January 6th, you can see one of his latest projects at the Park Avenue Armory in New York: Leonardo's Last Supper: A Vision by Peter Greenaway.

If you're a fan, you'll not be disappointed.  The immense multi-screen presentation is visually impressive, completely surrounding you with sound and moving imagery inspired by familiar Renaissance artwork.

After an initial immersion in the first presentation, the centerpiece of the show is the manipulation and illumination of a detailed replica of Da Vinci's Last Supper.  The base image is printed full-size from computer scans of the original, now fading, artwork; but that's just the beginning.  The wall is then drenched in computer controlled lighting, which does all sorts of unexpected things.  Apparent 3D, rear lighting, penetrating sunlight, even neon outlining.

The third piece, a more scholarly presentation of Veronese's Wedding at Cana, was more conventional, albeit enormous and enveloping.  For this part, the show was narrated.

Artistic purists can be offended.  Those less pure (like myself) were fascinated.

The work is done by a Milanese organization, Change Performing Arts; and the extent of Greenaway's contribtion is unclear.  But make no mistake, his stamp is obvious.  Critics call his work ponderous and annoying.  Virtually everyone sees the oueve as visually stunning.  This show, in my opinion, far surpasses his moves (as you might imagine it should).

I was glad for the experience.  See for yourself - and then be prepared to quibble with your friends.  Great fun!