Robert Therrien, “Under the Table,” (All photographs by Elise Thompson for The LA Beat)
We thought we would just give you a little taste of what the new Broad Museum downtown has to offer. Eli and Edyth Broad selected works with the philosophy that the best collections come from artists who are currently working. As a result, the museum spans postwar artworks through contemporary art. There are a number of pieces you will recognize from your college art books from artists like Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein and Jasper Johns.
Personally, it covers some of my favorite periods of art, gravitating towards “statement” pieces instead of focusing on abstracts. Many of the pieces are either whimsical or political, many created by gay and lesbian artists, women artists, and artists of color. I was unsure whether I should include the slavery-themed silhouettes of Kara Walker here, because I don’t want to perpetuate those kinds of images. But the artist felt it was important for people to see them, so I won’t censor anything. The photos here are of artworks that caught my eye. However, I have intentionally left out a number of wonderful works and exhibits so you can experience the joy of discovery yourselves.
General admission to The Broad is free. Online reservations are currently booked up through November. You can also just show up and wait in line. The museum is open until 8pm on Thursdays, which people don’t seem to have realized yet. So late Thursday afternoon is probably the best time to visit until people figure it out. If you get peckish, check out Otium by Bill Chait and Timothy Hollingsworth. PS. It’s pronounced “Brode.”
Photos after the break
