Throughout the exhibit Merce’s influential performances are seen on projected screens and accompanied by sets and costumes. There are also pieces of importance from people he collaborated with and who were involved with the company. In addition to the room dedicated to John Cage, there is also one devoted to David Tudor, who also played a particularly important part in the music compositions of the Cunningham dance company. We see dozens of black and white photographs of Merce himself and members of the company. Sketches of dancers and choreographed dances hang around the galleries. We see work from Andy Warhol, who had designed many of the sets used by the company.
The Music
The music accompanying the visual pieces’ echoes throughout the galleries . One can hear three or more compositions at different points ,which often results in some disorientation. It is very different from what one would typically expect of accompanying music. Cage’s music focuses on rhythmic structure over harmonic structure, resulting in several intriguing and mysterious pieces.
The Visual
Cunningham’s interest in technologies as a source of inspiration in his dance in one of the most unique things about this exhibit. One can see how important the sets were to the company and how the innovation went beyond just the dances.
