This year has brought all sorts of emotions. The fear of the unknown pandemic, the boredom of home confinement, the elation when the initial set of lockdown restrictions lifted and we could step out and exhale, even if only for a brief moment. The joy of seeing friends in person for the first time in months. The dread as the infections rate spiked up again and the despair with the reintroduction of lockdowns.

Inspired by the ups and downs that have defined 2020, Artechouse, the recent experiential installation arrival on the NYC art scene, picked a color that is meant to soothe and steady us. Blue. Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year ClassicBlue to be exact. Pairing the reliable, restful color with a search for deeper meaning and inspiration, Artechouse delivers “Celestial”, a “journey beyond the skies.”

So come with me. Enter the dark old boiler room under the sprawling Chelsea Market. Find a (socially distanced) spot and let the swirling, spinning, multiplying array of digitally powered shapes, lines, dots and forms in every shade of blue wash over you. Pulling you away from the world outside. Letting your imagination run wild. Energizing and centering you at the same time.

Sitting in the darkened space watching the shape-shifting scenery, the Czech in me couldn’t help but be reminded of a famous Czech song by Jaroslav Jezek. “Tmavomodry svet” (The World in Dark Blue) was inspired by the composer’s disability (he was almost blind and could only distinguish some dark blue shades) but it would have fit well here, too. A small, fleeting connection to home that is so far, far away right now. One tiny moment to be grateful for. What memories and ideas will the show inspire in you?