General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHirshhorn would go back to square one if Smithsonian bursts the Bubble
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/hirshhorn-would-go-back-to-square-one-if-smithsonian-bursts-the-bubble/2013/05/23/a22427b0-c3dc-11e2-914f-a7aba60512a7_story.htmlSmithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough will cast the deciding vote in June.
The approximately 150-foot-tall seasonal inflatable structure, which would cost an estimated $15.5 million, would be inflated during clement months for special events, symposia and programs supporting the Hirshhorns exhibition schedule.
Thursdays vote made it clear that the Smithsonian is at a cultural crossroads, and Cloughs decision will do more than decide the fate of what is officially called the Seasonal Inflatable Structure. It will also pass judgment on Koshaleks legacy and vision, which was to make the Hirshhorn a more open, engaged and internationally important institution. If Clough kills the project, grave doubts would be raised about whether the Smithsonian can attract a top-tier successor to Koshalek, and whether it is a fit steward for a world-class art museum.
This actually plays into a lot of DC politics about what the Federal City is meant for.
frazzled
(18,402 posts)Many significant shows originated there for decades, and it has been respected internationally for many years, certainly before Koshalek came there. The notion that Koshalek has somehow brought it to prominence, and that it will "go back to square one" is ridiculous.
That said, I find it sad that this article really says nothing about what the bubble really is: a needed expansion of space, and a structure designed by what is probably the most significant and intellectually daring artistic architectural team in the US: Diller Scofidio + Renfro. It will be a shame if it is not built. While most contemporary art museums in the US underwent huge building or renovation campaigns in the past decadebringing the institutions much prominence (though sometimes putting them in the hole financially, especially after the recession hit), the Hirshhorn remains outdated. This is a very small expenditure compared to major renovation or a new building by a prominent architect.
Really sad it's not going forward.
Recursion
(56,582 posts)And there are some local voices, street art voices, who oppose Koshalek's vision. That said, the Smithsonian is a national treasure (does anyone seriously disagree with that?) and this deserves a national voice.
frazzled
(18,402 posts)Remember back to his decision to censor and remove the video installation of David Wojnarowicz's (an important queer artist) "A Fire in My Belly" from the National Portrait Gallery's "Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture." Intervention in curatorial aesthetic judgments is unforgivable. Censorship is really the worst offense that could be committed.
The Smithsonian has had many problems since the "culture war" years of the 1990s. The Hirshhorn has not really been part of that, thankfully.
The only reason I could see to nix this minor building project is the sequestration and economic effects. If they've had to lay off staff and endure other cutbacks, allowing the Hirshhorn to move forward with the project could be seen as untoward. But it would be cutting off your nose to spite your face, really. They could raise the $15 million for this in a nanosecond from private sources.