The Broad Museum is set to open “Robert Therrien: This Is a Story” this November, showcasing the largest-ever solo exhibition of the late sculptor’s work.
Robert Therrien, known for his monumental sculptures of ordinary objects, holds a special connection to the museum, as he was among the first artists collected by the founders, Eli and Edythe Broad, nearly half a century ago.
The museum proudly displays 18 pieces by Therrien in its collection, alongside over 100 additional works that will be featured in the exhibition.
Therrien, who passed away in 2019 from cancer complications, created iconic installations such as the enormous table and chairs titled “Under the Table,” which has become one of the most photographed pieces at The Broad.
The exhibition promises to display a range of Therrien’s work, from intimate drawings of birds and snowmen to a replica of his downtown L.A. studio.
Joanne Heyler, the founding director of The Broad, once described Therrien’s studio as a ‘tinkerer’s den’ filled with endless tools and objects, reflecting the artist’s creative process.
She noted the studio’s unique ambiance—where every surface was painted a warm white, creating a dreamy effect that enhanced the sculptures and artworks displayed there.
Therrien’s works often evoke memories and emotions, placing viewers in a ‘liminal space’ where nostalgia meets present experience, as seen when one stands beneath his large-scale sculptures.
His ability to conjure feelings of childlike wonder while simultaneously engaging with themes of memory and time is what makes his work both personal and universally relatable.
Curator Ed Schad emphasized Therrien’s impact on the Los Angeles art scene, highlighting his role in the evolution of sculpture over the past 40 years.
He observed that Therrien navigated the city’s artistic transformations, contributing to the spirit of experimentation in the 1970s and the expansion of scale in the following decades.
In his email, Schad remarked on Therrien’s consistent voice amidst the changing landscape of contemporary art in L.A., stating that the upcoming exhibition aims to showcase both the well-known monumental pieces and the lesser-seen works that reflect Therrien’s brilliance as a draftsman and thinker.
“Robert Therrien was vital to Los Angeles’s story, navigating artistic shifts while maintaining his unique perspective,” Schad wrote.
Jessica Gelt, an arts and culture writer for The Times, reflected on her own childhood memory of hiding under a table in Nogales, Arizona, drawing parallels to the intimate experiences provoked by Therrien’s art.
In addition to celebrating Therrien’s legacy, other highlights in the arts and culture scene include upcoming performances and projects across Southern California.
The Tony Awards are approaching, and Times theater critic Charles McNulty explored the journey of Michael Arden, a prominent director making waves on Broadway.
Arden’s latest Tony-nominated musical, “Maybe Happy Ending,” is characterized by its warmth and surprise, reflecting his innovative style.
Alongside his theatrical endeavors, Arden has co-founded At Rise Creative with scenic designer Dane Laffrey, whose production of “Parade” will open at the Ahmanson Theatre.
McNulty also provided insights into L.A. Theatre Works, marking its 50th anniversary while adapting its productions for the podcast era, making its rich archive of nearly 600 titles accessible to broader audiences.
In a thought-provoking article, Times art critic Christopher Knight examined the paradox of the Joshua Tree Art Museum, which despite its online presence, has yet to materialize as a physical space due to a cease and desist order from the California attorney general.
Meanwhile, The Huntington has lost its National Endowment for the Humanities grants but remains committed to supporting research and innovation in the humanities field.
The institution is set to host over 150 scholars from around the globe, granting nearly $1.8 million in fellowships, ensuring the continuation of meaningful academic exploration despite funding challenges.
The Skirball Cultural Center also announced its lineup for the 2025 season of Sunset Concerts, highlighting its dedication to showcasing diverse musical acts in its picturesque Taper Courtyard.
Renowned figures such as Brazilian singer-songwriter Rodrigo Amarante and the Colombian all-female trio La Perla will perform this summer, attracting crowds to the celebrated series.
In the world of contemporary art, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles has acquired “Twenty-Six Seconds” by Cynthia Daignault, a compelling artwork that meditates on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy through an intricate series of paintings.
This acquisition highlights the museum’s commitment to deepening its collection with works that engage with significant historical events while prompting reflections on their contemporary relevance.
As the arts landscape in Los Angeles continues to evolve, exhibitions like Therrien’s serve as a reminder of the intimate connections between memory, space, and the artistic journey.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/newsletter/2025-05-30/essential-arts-robert-therrien-the-broad-museum-2025
