Jaume Plensa: Genus and Species, Nasher Sculpture Center, through May 2, 2010
Jaume Plensa: Genus and Species is magnificent. It works on so many different levels. For starters, it is contemporary art to which most people can relate. The media Plensa uses, metal, stone and glass, among others, are traditional. The structures are representational, while hinting at abstract ideas. But at the same time, it addresses many contemporary issues. And it is a multi-sensory experience.
Walking up to the Nasher on opening night, we were greeted by two seated figures, La Llarga Nit, each on their own base high above the street, each changing color every few seconds. Against the clear night sky, it was beautiful. The work felt as though it would be very comfortable on Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth, a venue of large scale, contemporary sculpture. To have it in Dallas is thrilling.
Walking into the Center, visitors are greeted to Twenty-nine Palms, steel letters, hanging the length of the entry hall. The only way to get from the admissions desk into the galleries is to walk through them. The sound of their light tickling is the musical accompaniment to the exhibition. Plensa has been very influenced by music - this gives his art an opportunity to “sing”.
Each gallery holds its own visual surprises. In the upstairs gallery, there were several. Two rows of carved alabaster heads face each other. At night their milky surfaces glow. Together, they convey the feeling of Easter Island. It is spectacular.
On the north end of the gallery, Twins I & II captivates everyone who sees them. Two enormous crouching figures face each other. Their open forms are made using letters from seven different alphabets, from Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi and Latin. The effect is dazzling. They are almost their own towers of Babel. Their shins have been cut out, giving visitors the chance to walk into them. Completely interactive. On opening night it seemed as though every cell phone in the place was pressed into camera duty. When does that happen at a museum opening?
The downstairs gallery is full of life-sized figures hanging precariously from the wall, Where are You? I, II, & III. Lit from the inside they glow otherworldly in the otherwise darkened gallery.
I am also pretty fond of the facing booths, Song of Songs III & IV. The doors are inscribed with the Song of Solomon - in Hebrew. Once again, language serves as an integral part of the art. Each booth is about 3’ x 3’ on the inside, big enough for one adult and one child. While it was a little claustrophobic, I appreciate the idea of refuge that it provides. If only I could have one of these at home.
There is more to discover in the garden so be sure to do so. Plensa uses every available space within the Nasher to create an environment that is both serene and exciting. It is a fabulous exhibition. Don’t miss it.
