Review: Nick Cave at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago

A few years ago, I drove 3 hours each way in a single afternoon to see Nick Cave’s football field-sized show at Mass MOCA. That was nuts (although in my defense, I thought it would take half that time), but so worth it. Last Friday, I flew two hours each way to see his show in Chicago. Cave’s work is surreal, but not “happy accident” surreal. His work is purposeful — fearless — inspirational. Transcendent.

“What happens when we experience loss at a societal level?” asks one of the labels at his profoundly exquisite show at the Museum of Contemporary Art. I had my own reasons for wanting to see what one label in the show described as Cave’s “ability to find joy even during times of grief.” Whatever mood you’re in when you arrive, Cave’s jaw-dropping installations will send your endorphins soaring. (Nick Cave, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, through October 2nd; Guggenheim, NYC, November 18th-April 10th.)