Simple enough. And it was. Got on the train. We forgot, or really didn't know, or actually didn't even think to check to see if the Chicago Cubs were playing. They were. The train was crowded. Lots of Cubs caps and t-shirts. A festive mood on the train. Everyone had masks on, but we were suddenly all packed together. The last time we were on this train it was deserted, this one was jam-packed.
Even though we were masked and vaxxed, a slight trickle of fear rolled down our backs. The Delta Variant is alive in the City, and well, one couldn't help but speculate: one person on this train-car could be infected, and well, how long would we be sitting here, and how long until the virus started circulating thru the air?
And then Dante checked in.
A handful of folks got on the train around the Howard stop. They were un-masked, and well, let's just say, they were definitely riding a different vibe, tuned into a different channel. They were kind of the "hard-streets" folks, who don't seem to "give a fuck," loud and boisterous, and they scattered around the train-car.
No one, I mean, no one on that car was gonna ask these folks if they had a mask, and if they did, would they they put it on? It was not a conversation that was gonna happen.
We rode like that for a few stops. Thoughts of the virus, and its consequences swirling in our heads. I turned to my partner and we both shuddered. We have been "Covid-Militant" for over a year and a half, this was certainly a "red-light-flashing moment." At the Addison stop, the same thought ran thru our heads at the same time: "We have to get OFF this FUCKING TRAIN!" We jumped up and exited along with the Cubs fans. Suddenly we were in the heart of Wrigleyville. It seemed surreal. Hot, sunny, a thriving metropolis.
We hailed a taxi, rolled down our windows and headed to Lake Shore Drive and the Art Institute. It suddenly felt like we were alive again, in the fresh air, far from the maddening crowds. Holy shite. That seemed like a harrowing, death-defying experience. Yes, we are the excitable sort. No doubt.
Part II: Sublime Art Show
What did we see?
The Bisa Butler Portraits. It is rare to see a show that totally alters your idea of what is possible for art. It is rare to see an artist that creates art that is so unique in form and content. Exquisite technique married to incredibly beautiful intention.
Pure beauty, poetry, power.
Exhilarating. Life-changing. Life-affirming. Really. And because the portraits are "composed entirely of vibrantly colored and patterned fabrics" you really need to experience them in person. Bisa Butler's work is so "of the moment," but classic too. A bold and beautiful, reimagined world: vibrating, dazzling, alive! Amazing show. Amazing artist. Worth the trip.
