To the editor: Allow us to now reward Michael Govan, the director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Artwork.
Since arriving in 2006, Govan has overseen the transformation of the 20-acre campus into an thrilling and ever-evolving oasis of artwork and tradition in the course of a metropolis with no actual heart — till now. Not too long ago, LACMA hosted a sneak peek of its eye-popping new addition, the David Geffen Galleries, over three superb days. After a tough yr, it was nice to see hundreds of Southern California residents come collectively to have a good time this thrilling new landmark.
However you’ll hardly bear in mind that such a particular occasion occurred or of LACMA’s elevated profile through the years due to Govan’s management and fundraising prowess by following artwork critic Christopher Knight’s protection (“The brand new LACMA is glossy, splotchy, highly effective, jarring, monotonous, interesting and absurd,” June 27). His articles are full of extra grievances than a Donald Trump stump speech.
Knight states that the constructing’s value is pegged at $720 million however sources have instructed him “your complete venture value is nearer to $835 million.” This, I don’t doubt. Ever try a kitchen rework? Attempt constructing an elevated 347,500-square-foot construction in an earthquake zone, amid historic tar pits full of treasured fossils, throughout a pandemic.
“The limitless concrete is monotonous,” Knight complains of the brand new galleries. Aren’t white partitions additionally monotonous till you dangle some artwork on them? He worries the museum has been present process a “prolonged transformation from a civic artwork establishment right into a vacationer vacation spot.” Can’t or not it’s each?
I perceive that Knight doesn’t just like the “non-hierarchical” design of the single-story museum. We are able to all comply with disagree on such issues. I simply don’t assume it’s essential to vilify LACMA in each article he writes to make some extent.
Lastly, Knight writes, “Will the Geffen Galleries achieve success? My crystal ball is damaged, however I see no motive why it gained’t be a well-liked attraction.” I don’t have a crystal ball both, however I can let you know LACMA has been a well-liked vacation spot for years and little doubt will proceed to be so.
Carlos Valdez Lozano, Los Angeles
This author is a former Los Angeles Instances Metro reporter and editor.
