Modernism Part 2

Between Earth and Heaven, an exhibition devoted to architect John Lautner, is on display at the Hammer Museum.

Lautner emerged from the spindle of Frank Lloyd Wright (as did seemingly half the important architects of the 20th century), to create an abundance of stunningly original architecture (largely in Los Angelesland). The Hammer show attempts to trace Lautner's central ideas and fluency with space, through a loose examination of 50 works and an in depth examination of six, wherein design drawings, models, still images, curatorial writings, and video, combine.

I'd once been a big fan of Lautner, but as modern architecture soared in popularity I went in search of new gods, ever uncomfortable with mass appeal. (Of course, Lautner isn't exactly a card-carrying modernist, overtly inspired by organic forms.)

Would a presentation dedicated to an early Los Angeles master, a Joseph Cather Newsom or a Hudson & Munsell (second image), have any drawing power? Probably not. I might shadow such a show, transfixed by albumen prints, a scrap of Herter Brothers paper, and Gilded Age analysis, whilst my set, my "peeps"--nearly everyone with whom I have anything in common--every cosmopolitan, Obama supporting, greenified, Whole Foods Shopping khaver between 28 and 61 years of age--toured the Mar Vista tract, shopped for Scandinavian furniture, bubble lamps, and all things bent ply.

Afterwards I'd attempt to pass unnoticed, as the mod throng toasted and made Luau fun around the Tiki firepit, "admit it", they'd hasten, "you like amoeba shapes, post-and-beam construction, and the Rat Pack."
"I like Rudyard Kipling, Ragtime, and Tonalism," I'd retort causing a moment's stir en route to an exit stage right.


Between Earth and Heaven
The Architecture of John Lautner
Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-443-7000
www.Hammer.ucla.edu
July 13 - October 12, 2008