After looking at the MOMA Flickr pages, I tried to imagine myself in the seat across from M.A. In that I have difficulty with direct eye contact with strangers, it would be awkward for me. Yet, I do know that if she were crying when I sat down, it wouldn’t take much to get me blubbering.

After looking at the MOMA Flickr pages, I tried to imagine myself in the seat across from M.A. In that I have difficulty with direct eye contact with strangers, it would be awkward for me. Yet, I do know that if she were crying when I sat down, it wouldn’t take much to get me blubbering.

After looking at the MOMA Flickr pages, I tried to imagine myself in the seat across from M.A. In that I have difficulty with direct eye contact with strangers, it would be awkward for me. Yet, I do know that if she were crying when I sat down, it wouldn’t take much to get me blubbering.

A few of us were stuffed at the third story window, refusing to move (sorry!). The security guard called in this puffy fellow in a maroon button-down shirt, who commented sarcastically, “I know this is really serious, but move along.” How’s that for staff professionalism?

A few of us were stuffed at the third story window, refusing to move (sorry!). The security guard called in this puffy fellow in a maroon button-down shirt, who commented sarcastically, “I know this is really serious, but move along.” How’s that for staff professionalism?

A few of us were stuffed at the third story window, refusing to move (sorry!). The security guard called in this puffy fellow in a maroon button-down shirt, who commented sarcastically, “I know this is really serious, but move along.” How’s that for staff professionalism?

A few of us were stuffed at the third story window, refusing to move (sorry!). The security guard called in this puffy fellow in a maroon button-down shirt, who commented sarcastically, “I know this is really serious, but move along.” How’s that for staff professionalism?

A few of us were stuffed at the third story window, refusing to move (sorry!). The security guard called in this puffy fellow in a maroon button-down shirt, who commented sarcastically, “I know this is really serious, but move along.” How’s that for staff professionalism?

I’m not saying it’s impossible to appreciate or understand or judge the performance without sitting. I have strong opinions about each of the pieces on the sixth floor. I’m saying it’s impossible to judge each sitter’s outward emotional reaction. Sitting completely altered my appreciation of other sitters’ reactions. I had watched the performance several times, at length, but I was completely unprepared for the intensity of the experience of sitting.

I’m not saying it’s impossible to appreciate or understand or judge the performance without sitting. I have strong opinions about each of the pieces on the sixth floor. I’m saying it’s impossible to judge each sitter’s outward emotional reaction. Sitting completely altered my appreciation of other sitters’ reactions. I had watched the performance several times, at length, but I was completely unprepared for the intensity of the experience of sitting.