Hirshhorn would go back to square one if Smithsonian bursts the Bubble

[Recursion]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/hirshhorn-would-go-back-to-square-one-if-smithsonian-bursts-the-bubble/2013/05/23/a22427b0-c3dc-11e2-914f-a7aba60512a7_story.html

The Hirshhorn Museum’s board deadlocked Thursday on whether to forge ahead with the avant-garde inflatable structure known as the Bubble, and the museum’s director, Richard Koshalek, announced shortly afterward that he’ll quit later this year. Koshalek proposed the ambitious project four years ago to elevate the Hirshhorn’s international profile, seeking a bold commitment to architectural innovation and a new program of arts and cultural events.

Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough will cast the deciding vote in June.

The approximately 150-foot-tall seasonal inflatable structure, which would cost an estimated $15.5 million, would be inflated during clement months for special events, symposia and programs supporting the Hirshhorn’s exhibition schedule.

Thursday’s vote made it clear that the Smithsonian is at a cultural crossroads, and Clough’s decision will do more than decide the fate of what is officially called the Seasonal Inflatable Structure. It will also pass judgment on Koshalek’s legacy and vision, which was to make the Hirshhorn a more open, engaged and internationally important institution. If Clough kills the project, grave doubts would be raised about whether the Smithsonian can attract a top-tier successor to Koshalek, and whether it is a fit steward for a world-class art museum.

This actually plays into a lot of DC politics about what the Federal City is meant for.

[frazzled]

1. Well, the Hirshhorn has always been important in contemporary art

Many significant shows originated there for decades, and it has been respected internationally for many years, certainly before Koshalek came there. The notion that Koshalek has somehow brought it to prominence, and that it will "go back to square one" is ridiculous.

That said, I find it sad that this article really says nothing about what the bubble really is: a needed expansion of space, and a structure designed by what is probably the most significant and intellectually daring artistic architectural team in the US: Diller Scofidio + Renfro. It will be a shame if it is not built. While most contemporary art museums in the US underwent huge building or renovation campaigns in the past decade—bringing the institutions much prominence (though sometimes putting them in the hole financially, especially after the recession hit), the Hirshhorn remains outdated. This is a very small expenditure compared to major renovation or a new building by a prominent architect.

Really sad it's not going forward.

[Recursion]

2. We don't know what's happening yet

And there are some local voices, street art voices, who oppose Koshalek's vision. That said, the Smithsonian is a national treasure (does anyone seriously disagree with that?) and this deserves a national voice.

[frazzled]

3. Clough has been a reactionary presence

Remember back to his decision to censor and remove the video installation of David Wojnarowicz's (an important queer artist) "A Fire in My Belly" from the National Portrait Gallery's "Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture." Intervention in curatorial aesthetic judgments is unforgivable. Censorship is really the worst offense that could be committed.

The Smithsonian has had many problems since the "culture war" years of the 1990s. The Hirshhorn has not really been part of that, thankfully.

The only reason I could see to nix this minor building project is the sequestration and economic effects. If they've had to lay off staff and endure other cutbacks, allowing the Hirshhorn to move forward with the project could be seen as untoward. But it would be cutting off your nose to spite your face, really. They could raise the $15 million for this in a nanosecond from private sources.