IBJ reporter Jennifer Whitson has a scoop on developments at the in-the-works IMA Art and Nature Park. I temporarily turn
the blog over to her:
The proposed 1,200-foot walkway and bridge by artist Mary Miss slated to swoop down from IMA’s main building into the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is no longer part of the picture. IMA--in consultation with Miss--cut the project after studies showed it likely would cost $8 million and have more of an environmental impact than desired, said park Director Lisa Freiman.
“Instead of spending $8 million leading into the park, we decided it would be spent in the park,” Freiman said.
The park’s overall budget is still $21 million, but the focus has shifted to temporary artwork made from materials that either break down naturally or can be disassembled and reused.
“There’s been a very intentional decision to host artists and do temporary projects that will be replenished on a regular basis,” Freiman said.
Another announced artist for the park, Haluk Akaka?e, dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.
The IMA soon will reveal renderings by the remaining nine inaugural artists and announce a new addition: an “exciting, internationally known artist,” said Freiman, who declined to name names just yet. The park is set to open in fall 2009. Miss has been invited to do a smaller piece inside the park.
Several layout changes also will be outlined soon.
--Jennifer Whitson
Your thoughts?
The proposed 1,200-foot walkway and bridge by artist Mary Miss slated to swoop down from IMA’s main building into the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is no longer part of the picture. IMA--in consultation with Miss--cut the project after studies showed it likely would cost $8 million and have more of an environmental impact than desired, said park Director Lisa Freiman.
“Instead of spending $8 million leading into the park, we decided it would be spent in the park,” Freiman said.
The park’s overall budget is still $21 million, but the focus has shifted to temporary artwork made from materials that either break down naturally or can be disassembled and reused.
“There’s been a very intentional decision to host artists and do temporary projects that will be replenished on a regular basis,” Freiman said.
Another announced artist for the park, Haluk Akaka?e, dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.
The IMA soon will reveal renderings by the remaining nine inaugural artists and announce a new addition: an “exciting, internationally known artist,” said Freiman, who declined to name names just yet. The park is set to open in fall 2009. Miss has been invited to do a smaller piece inside the park.
Several layout changes also will be outlined soon.
--Jennifer Whitson
Your thoughts?
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I loved the way it fragmented off into false paths floating through the trees.
I'm afraid it's really going to affect the impact that the park has.
Along with the city's downtown art-rental approach, I can't say I'm exactly pleased with the decision to house works only temporarily. There is plenty of land to house hundreds of outdoor works. I tire of getting attached to public pieces, only to have them disappear less than a year later.
Some of us like to visit pieces repeatedly. Can you imagine the same attitude shown towards famous paintings in the Louvre?
You know, the Mona Lisa's been up there for years. We should probably take it down. People are probably bored of looking at it.