The Columbia Museum of Art is hosting “Let’s Get Weird: A Surreal Bash” Thursday at 7 p.m. Whether you are a Dali enthusiast or just love a weird party, the event will encompass all things surreal. Be prepared to dive into a world where freedom of expression is celebrated and weirdness is contagious.
Glenna Barlow, Manager of Engagement at the Columbia Museum of Art, said the night is mostly unstructured, which gives the partygoers the ability to walk around on their own.
“For the most part, the evening is about exploring the surreal in all its forms and in your own way,” Barlow said.
There will be poetry readings of surrealist and neo-surrealist work in the special exhibitions gallery that is currently has Dali's art on display. People will have the opportunity to embrace their inner surrealism and create their own Dali-inspired art. Throughout the night, DJ Paul Grant will be mixing some weird music to coincide with the theme and a live performance from local musician Pedro Lopez de Victoria will round out the music of the evening. The event as a whole celebrates surrealism, so there is an element of wonder as to what will actually take place.
“I won’t say expect the unexpected... but expect the bizarre,” Barlow said.
Those attending the party are encouraged to wear the wackiest attire they can come up with. Now is the chance to try out a bright blue wig or mismatched suit. Maybe even search outside your closet and incorporate kitchen utensils or household decor to the outfit. With a crazy imagination, the possibilities are endless.
“As far as an ensemble I would say matching is discouraged. Think weird. Dali once gave a lecture in a diving suit and was known to walk around with his pet ocelot so literally anything goes,” Barlow said, but she added that bringing live animals are not allowed.
The most outstandingly creative outfit will be awarded a prize at the end of the night, so take the limited opportunity to express the weirdest side of yourself.
The purpose of the event is to spend an evening immersed in a world of expression and to celebrate the work of one of the most renowned surrealists, Salvador Dali. Barlow explained that Dali’s work became popular during a time period where exploring the subconscious was a new idea. People became intrigued with experiencing a world different than the normality of everyday life. The Columbia Museum of Art is bringing back the same curiosity with their Surreal Bash.
“I think today surrealism can almost be a form of escapism, embracing the fantasy and losing yourself in these surrealistic dreamscapes, if only for a little while,” Barlow said.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.columbiamuseum.org/events or at the door on Thursday evening.