Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University — Attraction in Richmond

This place has a misleading name. If you're looking for art, the "Institute of Contemporary Art" will not be what you're looking for. It only houses the works of children who're convinced that their dirty laundry is a "new" form of modern art. ICA masks untalented students with the pretensions of "expression." If art is simply an expression, then everything is art. If everything is art, then the idea of art as a concept has been reduced to insignificance.

Most places that have "art" written above their door contain displays of aesthetic objects which are demonstrations of human imagination and ability. Some of those works contain elements of beauty, while some provoke other emotions, but none could be produced by a toddler. This is not the case with the Institute of Contemporary Art. There are children's museum's for such works.

It is reasonable to strive for art that transcends traditional conceptions: an elevation of thoughts to the divine, an outpouring of energy into beautiful works, the creation of aesthetics for the sole purpose of pleasing, etc. However, thinking of art in unconventional terms does not obligate one to degenerate standards of ability and profundity. This is the unfortunate path that the Institute of Contemporary Art has decided to entertain and the city of Richmond suffers the consequences. Indeed, not only does reducing the idea of art into insignificance negatively impact the community, it is destructive to the social fabric and nature of...

The building is really cool looking. It's eye-catching, inside and out. Unfortunately, that's about the best thing here.

There's just not enough gallery space. There's room for big installations (such as the large piece on the top floor), but so much interior space is lost to the open floorplan and vaulted ceilings that there isn't enough room for art. And that's a big problem for an art gallery.

The theater is well-conceived, and a cafe/gift shop is conveniently just outside the theater doors. If you're coming here for a performance of some kind, it's probably just right. But I came to look at some modern art and left underwhelmed.

The building has its own parking lot, but it is a paid lot. However, admission is free, so it balances out a bit. It's just as well because I wouldn't want to pay more than a couple of dollars to visit. There's just not much to see. The exhibits I saw were interesting, certainly, but too few.

On a positive note the staff or docents are wonderful. They're friendly, available without hovering, and kind toward my small children. They were also thoughtful enough to let me know about one exhibit which had adult content before I took my kids up. Great people make even a boring place better.

Also, the elevator is...

The new building is well built for the purpose it serves and the purpose is, of course, contemporary arts. This is the first museum of its kind in Richmond. I had no idea what the formal definition of "Contemporary Arts" was so I Googled it and was surprised by what I found. It's not exactly intuitive but it is easy enough to inderstand and I'd reccomend that anyone visiting for the first time spend 10 minutes on the research required to understand the concept.

If you like novels but don't go for the roman a' clef form, you may have an adverse reaction to what contemporary visual art is all about. But save any judgement until after experiencing what the exhibits have to offer. The center's opening exhibition runs through September 9, 2018. I hope this exhibit relects what the future holds because it is powerful and beautiful. Has VCU actually done something resembling what you'd expect from a regarded university and arts college? I guess so. Sorry for dissing you all...