Feeling Good
“To the most beautiful moment in life. Better than the deed. Better than the memory. The moment of anticipation.” — Albert Books, as Jacques the bowling instructor
Anticipation was not an emotion I expected to experience in the latest immersive installation at Now Gallery. It’s not even the intent. But that Simpsons quote immediately came to mind as I walked into the Feeling Good Jazz Cafe by Joy Yamusangie (@JoyYamusangie) to see unoccupied chairs, an untended bar and an empty stage waiting for musicians.
Since I’m always early whenever I go anywhere, I didn’t think twice about sitting down at one of the intimate two-seater tables to… I don’t know? I wasn’t early for anything. There aren’t any jazz shows scheduled. It just felt right. Others stood at the bar to chat. I hoped someone might be bold enough to play the piano.
I’ve taken piano lessons. And drums. Something that both experiences impressed upon me was that the moments when you don’t play a note are just as important, sometimes more so, than when you do. Good musicians know when to leave space. And so it goes with art.
Compared to the last two NOW Gallery installations, this is stark and stripped back to the point that you might be underwhelmed on entry. But this experience isn’t about overwhelming you — or amusing your kids — with OTT stimulation.
It’s a decidedly more adult affair, one that both enables and encourages you to do something you probably don’t do enough of: slow down and just be. Then again, it would also be wonderful to walk in to see a random pianist and a pop-up singalong session.
However you experience the space, I hope it will deliver you the original intent of the artist. It's about feeling good.
PS - all of the works are for sale.
Feeling Good runs until 05 Jun at NOW Gallery (@NOWGallerySE10). The website says to book, but you can just show up and enter for FREE!
Visit JoyYamusangie.com or follow @JoyYamusangie on Instagram for more info about the artist