5 Questions With Matt & Viviana of The THNK1994 Museum

Photo Courtesy of THNK1994 Museum

Matt Harkins & Viviana Rosales Olen, Creators and Curators of The THNK1994 Museum in Brooklyn, New York

When I think of Matt Harkins, Viviana Rosales Olen and their beautiful baby The THNK1994 Museum, I think of those memes that ask you to "Name a more iconic trio." Matt & Viviana have created the ultimate church of pop culture that is worthy of anyone looking to pray at the alter of Godney, or whoever you personal savior may be.  The THNK1994 Museum, which stands for the Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan 1994 Museum, has played host to many iconic exhibits including its now permanent exhibit about it's namesake Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan, "Olsen Twins Hiding From Paparazzi," and "Yama Kippi Yay Bo," an all Kim Cattrall exhibit based around a viral video of the iconic actress reading a poem while her then partner played the upright bass. 

Like any good museum, THNK1994 also has featured speakers and panel discussions.  I have been blessed and honored to be a part of one of their Real Housewives symposiums as well as my ultimate favorite, a panel discussion on BRITNEY SPEARS! The panels attract the best people who truly love and care about pop culture and the deeper meaning that it holds. The Britney panel was pure magic and felt like a big group therapy session. When I saw how much the crowd truly appreciated Britney and pop culture, I knew I had found my people.  We discussed Britney on a deeper level than just, "OMG she is amazing!" People shared how her music and essence had helped and healed them throughout their lives which is one of the many reasons why I love pop culture so much. Pop Culture dives much deeper than people think and I believe Matt and Viviana truly understand that.  This could why they have been going Chris Crocker "Leave Britney Alone" video level viral. 

Check out their "5 Questions with" below to find out why they have been getting more press than a 2000's starlet exiting an SUV sans panties and what the Olsen Twins may or may not have sent over to the museum! 

Photo Courtesy of THNK1994 Museum

A painting form THNK1994 Museum's "Olsen Twins Hiding From Paparazzi" exhibit by artist Laura Collins entitled "An Olsen Twin Hiding Behind A Pack Of Cigarettes"

1. What brought the two of you together? 

Matt & Viviana: We met at the UCB and immediately started hanging out all the time, watching Real Housewives, chain smoking and swiping through Tinder. We moved in together in 2015 and a few months later we started The Tonya Harding Nancy Kerrigan1994 Museum in the hallway of our apartment.

Photo Courtesy of THNK1994 Museum

A painting from THNK1994 Museum's "Nicole Richie's Memorial Day BBQ" exhibit by artist Laura Collins entitled "Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton In A Car"

2. Your Current exhibit entitled "Nicole Richie's Memorial Day BBQ" runs until September 10th and has been picked up from everyone from InTouch to Vanity Fair. Why do you think this exhibit gained so much buzz?

Matt & Viviana: This exhibit "Nicole Richie's Memorial Day BBQ" is a collaboration with the blogger behind Pop Culture Died In 2009. His blog focuses on the history and the art of the scandal between 2000 and 2009. We spend A LOT of time thinking about that time period. We think most of the buzz has to do with the fact that people are very ready to revisit a time they remember living though or if they were to young, they've read about and become fascinated with.

Photo Courtesy of THNK1994 Museum

A painting from THNK1994 Museum's "Nicole Richie's Memorial Day BBQ" exhibit by artist Laura Collins entitled "Lindsay Lohan Posing In A Bikini And Ankle Monitor"

3. The namesake of the museum is due to the permanent collection dedicated to Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan.  Why does that particular collection hold such a special place in your hearts? 

Matt & Viviana: It was our first exhibit and it solidified what we try to do with each of our exhibits which is to provide a new look at confident women who became incredibly famous and were often mocked in ways a man would not be. The story is often mocked but it's an important part of history and there's a lot we can learn from re-examining what happened and how the media portrayed these women.

Photo Courtesy of THNK1994 Museum

An art piece from THNK1994 Museum's "Nicole Richie's Memorial Day BBQ" exhibit by artist The MaVa entitled "Expecting The Sloppy Second"

4. I know Paris Hilton Tweeted about the Museum.  Have any other celebs reached out and have any popped in?

Matt & Viviana: When we ran the "Olsen Twins Hiding From The Paparazzi" Exhibit we tweeted one day that we needed Frappucinos. An hour later, 2 Frappucinos were couriered over from an anonymous source that we choose to believe was the Olsen twins.

Photo Courtesy of THNK1994 Museum

An art piece from THNK1994 Museum's "Nicole Richie's Memorial Day BBQ" exhibit by artist Heather Rohnert entitled "Leave Britney Alone"

5. What would your dream instillation be and what can we look forward at THNK1994 Museum?

Matt & Viviana: Our dream installation would be devoted to Britney Spears. We have spent many late nights discussing the art, the legacy, and the magic of Britney. Our next exhibit opens October 6th. It's a solo show with Laura Collins entitled "Real Housewives Pointing Fingers." In September we'll be doing a few pop-ups with local artists so check out our site for more info and dates!

Bonus Question: If you could have brunch with any celeb who would it be?

Matt & Viviana: If we could have brunch with any celeb we'd have brunch with LeAnne Locken and we would just remain silent and try to absorb all of her wisdom! 

Photo Credit: Danny Ghitis for The New York Times

Matt Harkins & Viviana Rosales Olen as seen in the New York Times

For more information about The Think1994 Museum check out their official website by click here!

Would you be perfect for OJ&B's "5 Questions With" series? Do you know someone who is? Email Jonathan@orangejuiceandbiscuits.com and let me know!