Broad Museum
Scale: “The relative size or extent of something.” As I walked through the new Broad Museum, I was struck by scale. I have read that the museum has more endowments than any other LA museum. It will showcase a 2000 piece collection. The building is 120,000 square feet. The lobby is “cavernous.” The escalator is “massive.” And I observed that the paintings and installations are huge.
Some critics have weighed in negatively about the collection. Not being a critic, I was not required to consider whether the Broad collection is forward thinking. I simply wandered around taking in as much as I could in my first visit. First impressions. I was treated to pieces that are beautiful, amazing, thought-provoking, whimsical, perplexing, and interesting. And most of these are huge.
I am giving size some thought. A huge oil portrait by Chuck Close is a photo-realistic triumph. Its size allows one to see the truthful, unforgiving detail of human features and flaws. Furthermore, the dimensions of this painting ensure its importance. Other pieces are significant simply because of their monumental size…for example, a gigantic dining table and chairs, a twice life-size woman in business attire. Why does large scale have so much impact? Is it a cultural thing? Tall is good? Big cannot be overlooked? Dominance commands respect? Possibly.
But, for me, looking at large scale art provides greater visual opportunities. I can come up close and see detail, stand away and see patterns and composition. I can stand above or below and get a personal perspective. I found that the Broad Museum, with its high ceilings, massive gallery spaces, and wide walls offers a very rare experience.
Broad: “Having an ample distance from side to side; large in area; spacious.” And I had thought that the Broad Museum referred to the benefactors, Eli and Edythe Broad. Silly me.
