Robert Therrien’s Whimsical World: A Journey into Artifice and Essence
Robert Therrien’s current exhibition offers a captivating exploration of perception, reality, and the power of artistic transformation. The show, currently on view, presents a compelling body of work that challenges your assumptions about everyday objects and the very nature of portrayal. It’s an experience that lingers, prompting reflection long after you leave the gallery.
Monumental Mundanity: The Tower of Plates
A striking centerpiece of the exhibition is a towering stack of oversized ceramic plates. Reaching nearly eight feet high, the 26 plates-enlarged from typical dinnerware-are constructed from ceramic epoxy over fiberglass. This seemingly precarious pillar appears to sway and shift as you move around it, creating a disorienting yet mesmerizing illusion.
The effect is reminiscent of a classic animated cartoon, brought to life with a captivating, almost unsettling energy. Therrien masterfully manipulates light and form,turning a familiar object into something remarkable and slightly off-kilter.
Beards as Symbols: Echoes of Brancusi
Perhaps the most intriguing pieces are therrien’s series of sculpted beards. These aren’t simply facial hair representations; they’re explorations of symbolism, identity, and the legacy of Modernist sculpture.
The artist draws a clear connection to Constantin Brancusi, the influential Romanian sculptor known for his abstract forms and, notably, his own iconic beard. Therrien’s beards, crafted from materials like synthetic hair, plaster, stainless steel, and aluminum, hang from wardrobe stands, ready to be “worn” as part of a costume.
artifice and Identity: A Ancient Thread
Consider the historical context: false beards have signified power, divinity, and disguise for millennia. Ancient Egyptian pharaohs wore them to embody the god Osiris, while those seeking to evade authorities have used them for concealment.
Therrien’s sculptures tap into this rich history, prompting you to consider the power of artifice and its impact on our perception of self and others. they challenge the notion of authenticity, asking what is truly “real” in a world saturated with representation.
The Essence of Things: Therrien’s Philosophical Approach
Brancusi famously believed that true art lies not in external form,but in the essence of things. Therrien takes this idea to heart, creating “real” false beards that embody this very concept.
This interplay between form and content, the visual and the physical, is at the heart of Therrien’s artistic practice. You might even interpret these eccentric beards as self-portraits, revealing the artist’s own exploration of identity and artistic expression.
Exhibition Details:
* Where: 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
* When: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed Mondays.
* Dates: Through April 5, 2026
* Cost: $19 adults, $12 students, free for children; free Thursday evenings 5-8 p.m.
* More information: (213) 232-6200 or www.thebroad.org
Ultimately, Robert Therrien’s exhibition is a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience. It’s a testament to the power of art to challenge our perceptions, explore complex ideas, and reveal the hidden beauty in the everyday. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this whimsical and intellectually stimulating world.
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