This is the first of three parts, covering the Rudolfinum exhibit called Decadence NOW! at Galerie Rudolfinum. This much anticipated show opened September 30thand will run until January 2. According to the literature explaining the show, this is the first exhibit in Europe to feature decadent contemporary art. Can that be true? Guess it depends on your definition of decadence. At the moment, I define it thusly, but I may change my mind in an hour:
"When the dance of a culture has gone on too long, it starts to decay. This is called DecayDance. The "cadence" has deteriorated into non-rhythmic chaos, which makes the dance crazier still. Then people start doing whatever the hell they want, usually not a pretty site. Historically, such decadence happens at the end of a decade, but time is speeding up, so now it can happen at the end of every decade - as long as that decade begins with fresh influences and ends with people spiralling into undisciplined madness."
There is so much in this city wide exhibit that includes films, parties and several galleries that I had to break it up. This is the first - The Halloween Special. To get you in the mood for Halloween, this show has more skeletons than you can shake a femur at. Here are a few of the better skeletons, starting with this organic gardening tip from Keith Haring:
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| Untitled (for James Ensor) - Keith Haring |
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| Where are we? |
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| Corpse Bride Elder Gutknecht - Tim Burton |
