Beginning January 19th, the New York Public Library has had an exhibit named “You Say You Want. A Revolution: Remembering the 60’s” on display with free admittance. And let me say, it is amazing. I found it totally on accident one day in late January when I went to the NYPL to study.
As I walked into the library, I was immediately awed by the grandiose arches and ornate marble that assaulted my eyes. It was so beautiful and stunning; however, far in the back behind the arches, I noticed a sign of purple and pink with white letters swirling into a seemingly endless circle. From afar I couldn't tell at all what the sign said, but as I got closer I could finally read what it said: "You Say You Want A Revolution." Instantly, with this subtle Beatles reference, I was drawn into the exhibit a man working at the library happily told me was free.
Although the exhibit is quite small, it is not lacking at all in content. For example, there is a whole station where you can put on headphones and listen to an array of music from the wild and free times of the 60's. Based on artists, songs, music festivals, moods, genres, and much more.
There is also a whole section on feminism within the time period of the 60's featuring magnificent artwork along the wall.
The exhibit also explores the literature of the time, particularly featuring two pages of Jack Kerouac's magnum opus "On the Road", a defining novel that would lay the foundations for the reckless and lost times of the 60's. A personal favorite of mine, I would be so dramatic to say that seeing part of the novel's manuscript (with notes by Kerouac himself) in person was truly a spiritual experience.
More than anything, this exhibit is a fun yet short time to have. So, whether you are an avid lover of all things 60's and make it number one on your priority list to go or you are just in the city and want to stop in this exhibit is a must-see.
I will leave you with one last piece from the exhibit that is a beautiful reminder to never forget, whether it is 1968 or 2018.
