New York City is always beautiful to me - no matter the weather conditions. I welcome the rainy, grey days that create tiny, sparkling rivers trickling down the roadside. I treasure the snowy days that open the opportunity for a rare quiet moment in a usually bustling metropolis - still, white moments where time seems to stand still. I appreciate even the angry, windy days that twist my umbrella inside-out as I clomp through the tourist-packed, trash-ridden sidewalks - there is a certain beauty in the pure chaos of such a scene (despite my frustration and loud cursing in the actual moment).
And NYC certainly outdid itself this weekend. Clear blue skies, warm sunshine, mild temperature. The perfect conditions for an arts festival.
The DUMBO Arts Festival spanned from Friday night through Sunday evening. I visited the event on Saturday, specifically to see Andrey Bartenev's "Bubbles of Hope" performance. During the piece, dancers clothed in brightly colored spandex joyously frolicked inside an abandoned fortress-like space. The lively music, imaginative costumes, creative dance moves, and floating bubbles instantly lifted my spirits.
One could not help but smile in the midst of such revelry. Bartenev's mission to deliver a message of harmony and joy was definitely achieved. He also delivered an (unintentional?) education in human anatomy...
Another artist participating in the festival had created an art game on a side street. Colored tape labeled with random statements littered the street. Onlookers were asked to place a penny numbered by the artist on an applicable message and then to look up what emotion the penny's number corresponded to.
I placed my penny on "Everything looks beautiful to me." My number (256) indicated that I was feeling "Appalled." Honestly, all I felt was confused.
My favorite part of the day was walking beneath waving pink flags on a side alleyway. The flags bathed the cobblestone path a lovely shade of pink.
I do love viewing the world in rose colored glasses. Quite literally.
Shot in DUMBO. Photos by Nicole Weiler and Chris Weiler. Wearing {a grunge inspired outfit, a mix of unrelated prints that together somehow works, a sartorial choice that inspires risk}:
Gryphon mixed floral silk dress, Rachel Roy leopard print cardigan, by hudson black boots, ripped American Apparel black sheer tights, no-name sunnies, vintage black leather bag, assorted gold and silver jewelry