Nick Cave At the Smithsonian

 One image cannot begin to explain or describe the installations of Nick Cave’s work that currently occupy the top floor of the Smithsonian’s American Art Museum. At the end of a massive lighted platform, a group of his Soundsuits stand back to back to back like warriors from some mysterious culture. Look closely at their garb and marvel at the details: thousands of buttons sewn onto trousers and shoes, incongruous objects reworked into helmets. Examine the carefully displayed groupings spread out along the glowing platform and adjoining galleries. Ponder what it all might mean. I have no idea, but it’s marvelous and awe-inspiring, especially in the way that items with little intrinsic value have now become Art.

Redbud Petals

 The redbuds have begun to bloom, Their distinctive lavender-tinged petals forming a haze among the fresh green leaflets of all the other trees. As I approached one early bloomer, it almost looked like someone had laid a small rug out on the sidewalk right under the tree. The falling buds were scattered all over, converging in the cracks, mingling with tiny green leaves of violets that were trying to take root in those same cracks. It was a magical little composition, like a prettily wrapped birthday present. Here today, then blown away in the approaching rains and winds.