Making modern art accessible

Claudia Gould is a scientist, of sorts. She manages a laboratory and takes risks daily, she says, and she sees her office as a place for discovery.

But Gould is neither a physicist nor a chemist. She runs the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the art is her experiment.

"There's always some sort of great discovery, some wonder, and that's often behind the doors of the ICA," she said.

The modern-art museum is located just a block from campus at 36th and Sansom streets, but Gould says few students take advantage of the exhibits.

But if the Penn community is willing to take a risk, the ICA may provide a fascinating diversion.

"Somebody stumbles through the door, and they have no understanding of contemporary art or are afraid of it or uncomfortable," she said. "What better way to be able to meander in and out of a place, free, and ask questions?"

Current exhibits range from Dutch architecture to large-scale wall paintings.

Gould first entered the contemporary art world in New York shortly after graduating from college. She wanted to be a curator since the age of 19, although she briefly toyed with the idea of becoming a costume designer for film or theater.

It's been almost 30 years since she first moved to New York, and she hasn't been able to bid goodbye to the city or the profession.

She currently divides her time between New York and Philadelphia and has been overseeing the ICA for six years.

And now she wants the Penn community to share in her passion for avant-garde art.

Tomorrow, as part of the ICA's First Wednesday series, for which the museum opens for free on the first Wednesday of each month, the museum will take part in the city's ongoing celebration of Ben Franklin's 300th birthday.

One current exhibition is a modern interpretation of artifacts from Franklin's time. Gould herself will be there tomorrow to answer questions about the art. The Mask and Wig comedy troupe will also perform.

Tomorrow's event, however, is only one of many Gould says will draw people into the local art scene.

Penn students can take year-long seminar classes for course credit through the museum. At the end of the year, the ICA will produce a magazine of student writing about artist Rodney Graham, whose art was exhibited at the ICA this past semester.

Students can even curate at the ICA as the culmination to a year-long Art History seminar offered once every two years. The class will be offered again this coming fall, according to Gould.

Speaking from personal experience, Gould says that understanding art can change one's perception of the world.

"Even if you are ... a Wharton student, really understanding and looking at contemporary art is a very valuable tool that [you will] have forever," Gould said. "Be out there and go beyond yourself, go beyond what is programmed and what you've been told."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.