The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Boston held its first annual College Night on Tuesday, November 10th. Universities all over the city took over from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., although the galleries themselves were open until 9 p.m.
There were many different activities going on throughout the night. Boson’s very own DJ Knife was spinning in the lobby of the institution. The event also included a free photo booth for anyone to use, as well as an area for arts and crafts at the Bank of America Art Lab, where students could create their very own collages.
The beautiful Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater was transformed into a game room, a place containing many different activities of its own. There were larger-than-life versions of Connect Four, Jenga, and a chess board. Giveaways also took place, offering goodies such as ICA backpacks and sunglasses.
Light refreshments were also served. Snacks were crafted by Chef Keenan Langoios from The Sinclair with drinks provided by IZZE, the sparking water company.
The event featured three different spotlights: Mona Hatoum, Erin Shirreff, and a collection of pieces by Black Mountain College called “Leap Before You Look.”
Mona Hatoum, a Lebanese-born Palestinian artist, featured some of her earlier of works. Her theme of a world changing borders and risky boundaries is a key figure, not only in her own work, but in the work of many other of today’s artists. Her Lebanese and Palestinian background shone through in the work.
Erin Shirreff, a Brooklyn artist, showcased artwork that emphasized the relationships between form, sculpture, and photography.
The last spotlight featured a collection from Black Mountain College, a small school in North Carolina. The showcase previewed many of their student’s artwork from 1933 to 1957. The work was taught by many different influential artists, such as Robert Rauchenberg, William de Kooning, and many others.
About 20 different colleges were participating in the event, and students of those schools were given free entry.
For more information on future events at the ICA, check out www.icaboston.org.