Circus Cage

Contrary to John Cage's surname, his work rejects easy boxing or categorization. The composer who stretched the boundaries of creative communication will now be commemorated in an exhibition that redefines the nature of such things. "Rolywholyover A Circus," planned by Cage himself, will take over the Guggenheim SoHo from April 27 through July 31. The show is described as "a dynamic, nonstatic work of art." (Its name originates from Joyce's Finnegans Wake and suggests revolution and dynamic movement.) Cage—who died at age 79 in 1992—explained further: "The basic idea is that the exhibition would change so much that if you came back a second time you wouldn't recognize it." Even during your first visit you might not recognize it. At the core of the exhibition are works by more than 50 artists important to Cage. Some are placed on movable walls and shuffled according to a score generated by Cage collaborator Andrew Culver.

Also included are interactive computers and various hard-topredict live performances. Even the catalogue is an unusual art piece unto itself: a metal box filled with drawings, pictures, and dissertations by and about Cage. "I once asked Arragon, the historian, how history was written," the artist wrote in one of the documents. "He said, 'You have to invent it. ' " Or re-invent it.

MICHAEL MUSTO