Kreeger Museum hosts ' Philip Johnson: Architecture as Art '

Written by Roger Finch Wednesday, 08 September 2010 21:09

Washington, DC - Philip Johnson: Architecture, at as Art, at the Kreeger Museum, showcases the relationship between art and architecture as seen by Philip Johnson (1906-2005) in his late works. Notably, Johnson was the architect who designed The Kreeger Museum. Curated by Hilary Lewis, a longtime interpreter of Johnson's life and work, the exhibition will present visitors with the final and fascinating chapter of his long career. On view through 31 July, 2008.

From structured, twisting forms that may remind some viewers of the current work of Santiago Calatrava, to softer, curving expressions produced in chain-link, fiberglass or concrete, Johnson and his firm Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects produced work in the 1990s and 2000s that was often not only sculptured architecture, but also sculpture itself. An individual who continually appreciated the lure of monuments, Johnson experimented with such structures during this period, producing numerous designs, many of which were never fully fabricated. This segment of Johnson's architectural portfolio is one of the most powerful expressions of his lifelong commitment to architecture as art, which contrasts boldly with the approach of many other prominent architects of his generation.

Using documentation based on her close working relationship with Johnson, Lewis will provide visitors with Johnson's direct commentary on these projects and structures, which reveal a side of this renowned architect that may surprise those that have become accustomed to Johnson as the creator of The Glass House and the AT&T Building, but not as the generator of monumental clocks and obelisk-like markers for commercial developments.

Visitors to the exhibition will have an opportunity to examine this fertile, and until this time, unpublicized period of Johnson's portfolio. A number of projects presented are still in process at Philip Johnson/Alan Ritchie Architects including the Cathedral of Hope for Dallas, Texas and the Habitable Sculpture, a concept for combining sculpture with residences designed for Antonio Nino Vendome. Johnson was influenced strongly by works of art, from paintings to sculpture. Art from Johnson's own collection, including works by Andy Warhol and Frank Stella, will be on display along with a combination of models, drawings, sculpture and photographs.

The Kreeger Museum opened its doors to the public on June 1, 1994. The Board of Directors appointed Judy A. Greenberg as the Director of The Kreeger Museum. As the founding Director, Ms. Greenberg has provided vision and conceptual leadership and has been responsible for originating innovative programs involving art, architecture and music for the museum and the Washington, DC community.

Visit The Kreeger Museum at : www.kreegermuseum.org/