How Can You Not Love the Rain Room?
Sometimes I realize how truly lucky I am to have press access to things, and this is definitely the case with Random International’s Rain Room at MoMA. It’s only been officially opened for a few days, and thanks to a press preview and a MoMA party, I’ve been in it twice. That said, I’d definitely wait in an hour long line to experience it (same went for Christian Marclay’s “The Clock,” one of the most brilliant things I’ve ever seen).
You can’t help but think of Poltergeist a little bit, that is if you are a child of the 80s, as you walk into the dark room and into the light like Carol Anne so wanted to. The first thing that hits you is the intense sound of constant downpour- which is basically what my white noise machine pumps out each night so I can get my beauty rest. When your turn comes up, you are thrust into the rain storm- but remain dry, as the installation detects your movements, and turns off as you pass through it. Of course if you move too quickly, you’ll get soaked, but take your time and you can stand in the middle of the installation and watch the downpour all around you. The entire piece is immersive, and reminds me a little of the Anthony McCall light exhibition at Hamburger Bahnoff last summer.
It is also damn near impossible to NOT take beautiful photos inside. Don’t let the lines deter you- the installation runs until July 28th. Make sure you make it a priority if you know what’s good for you!
