Surreal life in Seattle

July 13, 11:14 PMSeattle Newcomer ExaminerShiwani Srivastava

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Seattle artist Brian Despain's "Death Rides a
Pale Horsey" // Photo courtesy Roq La Rue
 

There's something surreal about Seattle. Maybe it's the impossible forecasts (cloudy with a chance of rain and sun), the odd cloud formations that look like they belong in a Savlador Dali painting, or the juxtaposition of nauture meets metropolis (think about the way Mt. Rainier appears like an apparition alongside the skyline on clear days).

At first, I suspected that this peculiar feeling was just a result of being new in town.  But then I realized it probably isn't a coincidence that David Lynch - known for his "expect the unexpected" style of filmmaking - set his eerie TV drama Twin Peaks around Seattle.

It also doesn't seem like a coincidence that Seattle is home to a variety of sites and shops that challenge our traditional ideas of aesthetics - a fact pointed out to me by my dear friend and creator/curator of the blog Phantasmaphile.  Here are a few spots:

• Roq La Rue Gallery - Seattle's premier gallery for pop surrealism and underground contemporary art.
• Steve's Weird House - One man's wonderously weird collection in his home turned private museum.
• Fantagraphics Books - A publisher, bookstore and gallery featuring underground comic books, graphic novels, and artists.
• Ye Olde Curiosity Shop - While it's become rather touristy, it still feels a bit like a giant cabinet of curiosities...
• Twin Peaks Fest - Fans gather to celebrate the TV show and its creator with events in and around Seattle.
• BLVD Gallery - A gallery featuring work where urban street aesthetics meet art.

Until next time, keep Washington weird!