CoSM the Movie: Alex Grey & the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors (2006) User Reviews

A guided tour by the artist through his chapel of sacred mirrors.

[hellyale · 9/10 · 16 February 2012]

I have seen Alex Grey's art many times and have always been fascinated. Never have I had the chance to really get to see inside the artist's head however... While his art is somewhat esoteric, I disagree that watchers without previous knowledge will be "lost at sea."

Alex explains each piece thoroughly, and each piece is quite detailed and pleasant to the eye. He uses symbolism from multiple "Wisdom Traditions" or religions. Explaining briefly their significance to those who might have never been exposed to them or their cultural meanings. I was amazed at how much he fit into the 1:17 minute film, and the way he delivered the information was obviously as carefully thought out as the artwork itself!!

The music adds a peaceful and tranquil dimension to the film, allowing the viewer to feel calm and at ease while absorbing the pieces and information.

pedestrian art and less!

[coex23 · 1/10 · 9 April 2021]

Imagine taking psychedelics and seeing everything clearly! Too clearly! Veins under your skin! Third eyes!

Yeah, that's great the first time. But take it a few more times and you'll have more profound and deeper thoughts. Hopefully. Unless, of course, you're alex grey and you realize that thousands of tripping college frat boys will buy your crappy art for their dorm rooms! Ker-ching!

If you're "experienced", maybe move on to Zap! Comics, R. Crumb, S. Clay Wilson or even actual art in a real museum? Anything but this dreck!

Avoid.

Record of an amazing place is not as good as being there and maybe lost on you if you've never been

[dbborroughs · 5/10 · 24 December 2007]

The film is a guided tour of the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors located on 27th Street in Manhattan. The space is a gallery of the work of Alex Grey. Its a small space that I stumbled upon by accident when I was looking for what turned out to be a related gallery showing the work of Jerry Garcia. The Chapel is an over powering, hypnotic and trippy experience that overwhelms you. Whether you like Grey's work or not, there is no denying its has a visceral effect on you. Having only been there once I have not forgotten the place. The film Alex Grey: Chapel of Sacred Mirrors is essentially Grey explaining his paintings and their arrangement in the chapel. Its a detailed explanation of what he was trying to do with each painting and he also points out little details you may not have caught.Its a moving record of several rooms of paintings.

I'm of mixed emotions about the film. certainly its a great record of the place and a font of wisdom as to what it all 'means". However its way more information than I really wanted.I didn't need to know about "every" piece. I'm also disappointed that it doesn't go into more detail about the building of the place. There is something special about the Chapel itself, however some of the specialness has been lost in the telling.

Would I recommend the film? Not unless you're a fan of Grey's art work or if you've ever been to the Chapel. With out being one or the other the odds are you're going to be hopelessly at sea.