LACMA's New Resnick Exhibition Pavilion

Members of the Press

 I attended the press opening for LACMA's new exhibition space, the Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion.  What follows is some information about the space, some first thoughts, and a bunch of pictures.

Michael Govan

It seemed appropriate that the opening remarks were held in the open-air entrance. The space functions as sort of a nexus, connecting an incomplete spine that runs through the campus, eventually connecting the old May Company to the tar pits. The other axis allows for ingress, connecting the parking structure and eventually a subway stop (in someone else's lifetime).

LACMA's Newest Additions

The new space blends travertine and fire engine red structural elements, the sawtooth roof of the Broad, and cloisters it behind Robert Irwin's palm garden. The total effect eliminates anything that could be thought of as façade or grand entrance, and despite the fact that it is a recent addition,  the structure is completely integrated and unobtrusive--shocking qualities in the current era of look-at-me philanthropy.

Easily Adapted Space

Renzo Piano aptly described the space as ecumenical, easily adapted to light-sensitive artwork, pseudo-period salons, and the standard ethereal white cube. Expanding the museum's exhibition space by an acre, the pavilion provides much-needed flexible space, since LACMA (like most museums) can only exhibit a sliver of their permanent collection.

Science-Fiction Scenes:
Terracotta Figurines in the Foreground,  and an Olmec Head Through the Doorway

For the opening of the building, the Olmec show takes advantage of the copious amount of natural light, forming a central 'T' that deftly makes use of  the north-facing wall of glass. The right third displays part of LACMA's  costume collection, strangely displayed in shipping crates--as if their display budget was drained by the watered silk walpaper and ornate molding that frames the Resnick collection. A byproduct of this eclectic amalgam are the surreal views of a glowing Olmec head through a vitrine of neoclassical terracotta figurines.

The Saw-Tooth Roof

At some point I expect the bamboo and palms will enclose the lawn north of the building, creating an outdoor sculpture room that can be viewed through the glass wall.

Los Angeles Light

The central space makes ample use of natural light. I'm reminded of Lawrence Weschler's musings on the atmospheric qualities of Southern California light. Rezo Piano has infused the space with an expresso shot of while Los Angeles haze, palpable across the length of the room. What Geary has done to our hearing at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Piano has done to our sight. In future posts I'll comment more on the art on display, Suffice to say the use of Michael Heizer to create the sculpture stands is nothing short of brilliant.

The Resnick Exhibition Pavillion

Walking around the perimeter, I looked for some iconic ways the building may be pictured in future years.  Perhaps it will be the air conditioning duct enclosures, placed at the four corners.

The Resnick's Iconic Red HVAC System

For those interested in experiencing LACMA's newest exhibition space, member's only events will open the space. For those short on cash, the entire museum--including the new pavilion--will be open free to the public October 2nd and 3rd, 2010, and free tickets can be had on-line at LACMA's website.

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