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.