PLAY
this weekend // ART OF UTOPIA AT THE SPENCER
because those CSI marathons are getting old.
Our tragic human flaw may be our desire for perfection. From plastic surgery to hippie communes, people are constantly looking to improve themselves and society. But, is a utopian society tangible or ultimately unattainable? The Spencer Museum of Art, 1301 Mississippi St., unveiled the exhibition "The Conversation VII: Utopia/Dystopia," on Monday to explore this concept.
From photographs to prints, more than 40 works are on display on the south wall of the 20/21 gallery. Each artist questions utopia as an expression of a communal dream.
The art is intended to promote discussion about western ideals of perfection, says Olena Chervonik, graduate research assistant with the Spencer. "Utopia is an embodiment of a perfect future as it's envisaged by a particular society."
Often, the distinction is not clear whether what mankind has created is improving or damaging society. Chervonik says the idea of a utopia depends on your point of view, which became the driving force behind the project. It becomes both a private concern and a social interest. "What's perfect for one person might be a nightmare for another person," Chervonik says.
The exhibition is divided into two sections. "The Age of Technology" explores the pre-
modern world's scientific and technological achievements. "The Ideal City/The Ideal Society" examines the creation of a perfect community.
You can create your own discussion and explore the exhibition, which is open until the end of May. Admission is free.
// ANNA KATHAGNARATH
Contributed photo
idea world. 'Astute sizing up perfume trends' by Eduardo Paolozzi is one of the many works currently on display at the Spencer Museum of Art, 1301 Mississippi St., that look at the idea of utopia.
out & about //
random people. random answers.
If the world ended tomorrow and you knew it was your last day on earth, how would you spend it?
Audrey Bellendir
Great Bend freshman
"I would definitely see my family and friends and not wear shoes because I'd want to feel the earth before I die."
Sam Groth
Overland Park senior
"I would spend the entire day on a trampoline with boots and spurs so I can ruin the trampoline, and because trampolines are awesome."
Kelsey Hunter
Hunter
Overland Park sophomore
"I would sit here and wonder about what I should do, and then die."
Hiawatha junior
Michael Fee
"I would get a whole bunch of my friends and throw one big party. If you have a hangover the next day, it won't matter."
"Spend it with my friends and family dancing and eating sushi.I'd want to spend it moving, not moping."
Seattle, Wash., junior
Janet Summerfelt
Jayme Hoag
Waverly sophomore
"I'd max out a credit card and spend it on a vacation because I wouldn't have to pay for it."
Shawna Bragg
Overland Park sophomore
"I'd lock myself in a room full of junk food because then I wouldn't feel guilty."
Haley Harrington
Lawrence freshman
"I would try something that I'm scared of, like bungee jump, because there wouldn't be another opportunity to do it."
02
04
10
12
// ANNA KATHAGNARATH
---