University Daily Kansan / Friday, March 24, 1989
Arts/Entertainment
9
Exhibit features plans for unbuilt structures
Spencer Museum show offers a look into architects' minds
Architect Robert Mangurian designed this model of a private residence in California.
by Christine Winner Kansan staff writer
The architects' visions in a new exhibit at the Spencer Museum of Art were never compromised in the process of construction.
There was never any need to.
There was never any need to,
"What Could Have Been:
Unbuilt Architecture of the 1980s"
presents works by the most
important architects of the
decade.
The exhibit, which features models and drawings of projects that were never built, opens on May 12 and will run through May 21.
Lawrence is the last stop for the traveling exhibit, which has been shown around the country for the last two years.
Peter Jay Zweig, a Houston architect, had three criteria in mind when he organized the exhibit. Each of the projects has been designed since 1980 and has a site in the United States but, for one reason or another, remains unbuilt.
There are many different reasons why the projects were never built, he said. Some did not win the architectural competitions they were designed for. Some never received an expected federal grant. Some were to be located in an area whose economy suddenly nosedived, such as the Southwest.
Zweig said it was exciting to
see forums popping up around the country to discuss the issues raised in the exhibition
"Museums usually show exhibits that are historical, classical, maybe modernist but not contemporary. We want to make people aware of what's currently being created. When Frank Lloyd Wright designed his best building, he said, 'My best building is my next one.' "
He said the exhibit showed the work of important people in the field of architecture and was a demonstration for the profession's future.
When he was compiling the exhibit, Zweig sent letters to leading architects, asking them to submit their work as a favor. After word got out about of the exhibition, Zweig visited the exhibit, other architects started calling Zweig, eager to have their work included.
Helmut Jahn's and Cesar Pelli's designs for the celebrated Columbus Circle Tower competition in New York are featured. Antione Predock's energy-efficient model for a housing complex in the desert sprawls across sand in a frame big enough to double for pre-schooler's sand-box.
Michael Graves' model and drawings for the Phoenix, Ariz.
city hall, Robert Venturi's design for the Marconi Plaza and the work of architects such as Philip Kahn, Frank Gehry, also are featured.
One concoction, called "Barbie's bivie Tower," was created by Peter Shire. The work, which was inspired by his daughter's Barbie doll, is an example of "gallery architecture."
fills the exhibition room in Spencer with a riot of eye-popping colors, is not intended to be constructed.
Zweig said the gallery work was a radical movement.
This type of architecture, which
John Wilson, curator of European and American art at the museum, said that he hoped the exhibit, and especially the fantasy works, would challenge people's ideas about architecture.
He added that the exhibit also illustrated the long tradition of the relationship between architects and their patrons.
"Michelangelo had a model when he presented his design for the dome (of St. Peter's basilic) to the pope," Wilson said.
NY dance company offers modern style, well-known themes
Courtesy of Lois Greenfield
by Max E. Evans Kansan staff writer
David Dorfman and Arthur Armijo of the Susan Marshall and Company perform in "Trio in Four Parts."
Marshell's contemporary dance style has been described as "accessible" for those who are not ordinarily devotees of modern dance.
Modern dance will come to the University of Kansas Wednesday with the presentation of U.S. choir Susan Marshall and her company.
The performance, presented by the KU New Directions Series, is scheduled for 8 p.m. in Hoch Auditorium.
Jackie Davis, director of the series, said she saw the trope in New York more than a year ago and set out to book the company.
The troupe's interpretations are easy to follow and appreciate, even for those who do not know much about modern dance, she said.
Marshall and Company will perform five works for the KU performance, with each piece offering a variety in theme and dancers.
A 1984 work, "Arms." features only Marshall and fellow dancer Arthur Armjo, "Arena," a 1986 piece featuring the entire ensemble
Charla Jenkins, director of public relations for the KU Performing Arts, said the troupe was a highly
regarded, young company that dealt with contemporary themes such as life, love and romance.
"The works are about relationships and how they transform into spatial relationships," Jenkins said.
Davis said one work, "Companion Pieces," reminded her of when she was in college and dating. The piece focused on a young couple sitting on a bench and the relationship that builds and wanes. Davis said.
It's this use of relationship and closeness that Davis found most attractive about the troupe.
"I love them," Davis said. "I particularly like the very human elements, the continual reflection of experiences that we have all had."
Marshall began her career in choreography in 182 after studying at The Julliburd School, New York City. In 1865, she won a New York Dance and Performance Award for outstanding choreography and was one of the first to receive the American Choreographer Award.
Tickets for Susan Marshall and Company are on sale at Murphy Hall Box Office. All seats are reserved and are paid by the person for the K-12 student $85 for KU and K-12 students and $11 and $9 for senior citizens and other students.
EVENTS
C A L E N D A R
FRIDAY
The University Singers will give their spring concert at 8 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall. Free.
"Struck Dumb," a play by Jean-Claude Van lattie, will begin at 8 p.m. in the Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 New Hampshire St. A panel discussion will follow the show, featuring the author, a physician, a therapist, a psychiatric nurse and a member of the Douglas County Head Injury Support Group. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens and students. Call the theater for more information.
- The Homestead Grays will play at the Jazzahaus, 92%/2 Massachusetts St. Call the Jazzahus for more information.
SATURDAY
Laura Goehner-Moren, Atchison graduate student, will give a master's recital on the piano at 8 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall.
*Carlo Grindea, president of the European Piano Teachers Association; will give a lecture and demonstration on the effects of tension on performance at 12:30 p.m. in Swarthout, Rectal Hall.
"Struck Dumb," a play by Jean-
Claude Vanitt, will begin at 8 p.m. in the Lawrence Community Theatre,
1501 New Hampshire St. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for senior citizens
Call the theatre for more information.
- Lawrence pianist Jan Shumway will join the Lawrence Woodwind Quintet for a free concert at 2 p.m. in the Spencer Museum of Art courtyard. Selections include works by Lawrence resident Carl Prever.
KANU's Imagination Workshop will present "Tales of Ray Bradbury" at 8 p.m. in the Lawrence Arts Center, Ninth and Vermont streets. Tickets are $3 for adults and $1.50 for children. Call the center for more information.
"What Could Have Been: Unbuilt Architecture of the 1980s," an exhibit of models and drawings, will open in May at the museum of Art, and run through May 21.
MONDAY
The Student Brass Quintets will perform at 8 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall.
Marie Rubis, graduate teaching assistant in organ and piano, will give a doctoral recital on the organ at 8 Cardinal Center, 1631 Crescent Road.
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
■ Jazz Choir II and Jazz Ensembles II and III will perform at 8 p.m. in Swarthout Recital Hall.
The New Directions Series presents Susan Marshall and Company at 8 p.m. in Hoch Auditorium. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $12 and $10 for the public. $6 and $5 for KU and KN. For other tickets, contact Senior citizens and other students. Call the Murphy Hall Box Office for more information.
THURSDAY
"The Island," a Japanese play directed by Andrew T. Tsubaki, chairman of the East Asian languages and cultures department, will begin at 8 p.m. in Inge Theatre. Seating is general admission, and tickets are $2.50 for KU students, $4 for senior citizens and other students, and $5 for the public. Call Murphy Hall Box Office for more information.
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