Walking through the city streets on a Saturday afternoon, you might come across a small pop of color in an unexpected corner. Pop-up art is a phenomenon spreading throughout the country, and Boston is no exception. It comes in the form of short gallery events, public art, and artisan markets.
Pop-up events are quick, one to three day events that give attendees a small taste of the culture available in their city. What began as primarily a retail trend has now expanded into the creative world. It can come in the form of art, design, fashion, music performances, and even food. The purpose is to exhibit the most talent with the lowest time commitment for both organizers and participants. The result makes products and experiences accessible to people who might not normally seek them out. As February winds down and we move into spring, more and more of these events will appear as the city wakes up from its winter slumber.
As pop-up culture gains momentum, more organizations have committed themselves to the form.
Darkroom Boston is an initiative founded by David Guerra that hosts pop-up photography shows around the city, affordable photography by emerging artists displayed on portable screens. It’s next show, dates TBA, will be The Suitcase Show BOG-BOS, featuring photographers from Bogota, Columbia.
Closed Doors at The Armory
Photo courtesy of Darkroom Boston
Lesley University College of Art and Design, as a part of the Cambridge Arts Association 2016 Emerging Artists Series, has the LUCAD pop-up series, which showcases its students’ work through pop-up shows throughout the semester. Their next show is from February 26 – 27, 2016 at the Kathryn Schultz Gallery.
Lesley University College of Art and Design
Image courtesy of Bruner/Cott Architects and Planners
POP Allston is pop-up space in Allston founded by artist collective, The IND!V!DUALS, that hosts different types of community pop-up events. They regularly feature an indoor skate park with lessons, yoga sessions, and a DIY bike shop. Upcoming in March, they will be hosting a vintage flea, Boston Bizarre Oddity Market.
Image courtesy of Pop Allston
Feminist Fiber Art is a diverse community arts group that focuses on women artists working with fiber art, that do empowering traveling art shows and events around Boston.
Image courtesy of Tufts Observer
Pop-up art shows are happening in SoWa too, with Gallery Kayafas hosting a pop up show, “Small Motors”, in the last two days of February. The show will feature over forty artists, including a special performance by “Guardians of the Secret”.
Image courtesy of On the Grid
Make sure to keep an eye out for future pop-up events around Boston as the weather starts to warm up. And if you don’t already, follow us on Twitter so we can share events and news with you on Boston arts.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016: Puloma Ghosh
