Gilbert Bretterbauer / Group II, Apr 96 - Sept 96

FINAL PROJECTS

9/17/96 to 9/30/96

MAK Center for Art and Architecture L.A at the Schindler House, 835 North Kings Road, West Hollywood, CA

The residents joined with local colleagues to present an evening of festivities for the Final Projects exhibition entitled "Multi-Media Celebration." In the tradition of "happenings," this art event encompassed a range of simultaneous activities. In Gilbert Bretterbauer's house, poet Benjamin Weissman read from his work and artist Christiana Glidden created a light sculpture. Videos, slides and Super-8 films were continuously projected on screens hung from the roof of the Schindler House. Andrea Lenardin and food stylist Alison Attenborough created a buffet and music was provided by DJs Marnie Castor and Josh Berman.

For Final Projects, Gilbert Bretterbauer constructed "The House" on the front lawn of the Schindler House by using bamboo harvested on the grounds and interpreting Schindler design concepts. "The House" utilized the interlocking "L" structure of the Schindler House and engaged Schindler's interpenetration of indoor and outdoor spaces through the use of translucent fabrics and lighting. Late in his life, Schindler spoke of "removing architecture." Bretterbauer's nomadic house -- the structure can be moved and reconstructed in an hour -- with its fabric walls was a contemporary expression of that ideal. Just as Schindler's house provided a canvas for the artists of Final Projects, Bretterbauer's house played host to the work of other artists. In two of the three rooms, the work of Los Angeles artists Liz Larner and Thomas Baldwin were presented for the duration of the exhibition.