MoMI Visit

On Friday I went to visit the Museum of the Moving Image (MoMI) after a hellish time getting there on the malfunctioning subway. The first thing you see when you enter the 2^nd floor exhibit is a collection of portrait photographs taken of old Hollywood stars. It makes one think about the nature of celebrity, and how our view of the people we see on the big screen has changed since back then. These photos elevate those captured within, the lighting and deep shadows making them appear as nearly otherworldly beings.


Next I saw a collection of makeup and prosthetic pieces, such as Robin Williams’ famous disguise from Mrs. Doubtfire, exactly as it appeared in the film. Seeing something so tangible that you’ve only ever witnessed on-screen since you were a child is an odd feeling. Removed from the false reality of the world presented by the movie, it highlights the lengths that those who create such pieces must go to in order to present their works to the audience. 

Another highlight piece for me was a retro recreation of a living room from the 1960s. On the TV was playing an episode of Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends, specifically the episode Spidey Goes Hollywood. Ironically, or perhaps it was done purposefully, Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends seems to be an anachronism, as the show dates to the early ‘80s. Regardless, the piece made me think of how people’s experience with consuming media has greatly been altered since only a few decades ago. Whereas sitting on the couch and watching TV was the norm for a long time, now people can get nearly anything, anywhere on their smartphone or other mobile device. Just as fashion and trends have moved on, so too has technology and the society that revolves around it.