Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas to present Jaume Plensa: Genus and Species

by Rosie Carbo

Plensa is a Barcelona born internationally renowned sculptor whose works grace cities around the world.

Meadows Museum

Jaume Plensa (b. 1955), Sho, 2007 -- Stainless steel (Museum Purchase with funds from The Pollock Foundation, the family of Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Pollock, and the family of Mr. Lawrence S. Pollock, III, in honor of Mrs. Shirley Pollock, MM.2009.01)

For the first time in its history, the Nasher Sculpture Center will exhibit the mind-bending works of a living sculptor, Jaume Plensa. Another first is that his creations are being installed in front of the building so that visitors can interact with his works.

Titled Jaume Plensa: Genus and Species, the exhibit of recently completed works by the Spanish contemporary sculptor opens on Saturday and runs through May 2. The exhibit will feature eight larger-than-life works selected by the sculptor and curator specifically intended for ideal spaces available inside and outside of the Nasher. Additionally, the exhibit includes works never before seen publicly. Twins I and II is a painted stainless steel work of art. The other is a group of 11, 6-feet-tall alabaster heads.

“They are in the midst of installing one of the pieces now,” said Kristen Gibbins, associate director of media relations for the Nasher. “It’s especially stunning to see at night.”

Plensa is a Barcelona born internationally renowned sculptor whose works grace cities around the world. In fact, one of his most famous is Crown Fountain in Chicago’s Millennium Park. Situated between a pair of 50-feet tall glass and brick towers, Crown Fountain’s black granite reflecting pool and light-emitting capacity to show videos, has attracted national recognition.

Like the hypnotic Crown Fountain, many of Plensa’s works inspire interaction with its viewers. That is why the Dallas exhibit represents a milestone for visitors and the Nasher alike.

“It’s also exciting because people can interact with his work. There are several large-scale works on display inside and out in this exhibit. So people will see them and interact with them,” said Gibbins.

Plensa, who studied art in Barcelona’s Llotja School and at Escola Superior de Bellas Arts de Sant Jordi, has been studying the connection between nature and culture for decades. Through his towering and thought-provoking structures, Plensa incorporates sound, text, and light in transparent, often interactive structures. The alabaster heads are sure to inspire a desire to feel, touch, and interact.

Since its opening in 2003, the Nasher Sculpture Center has focused on the study and display of modern and contemporary sculpture. But this is the first time the Nasher will host and display the works of a living artist. The late Ray Nasher knew Plensa and together with wife, Patsy had purchased Plensa’s Song of Songs III & IV to add to their collection. So hosting the living artist seemed logical.

“Jaume Plensa is someone that Ray Nasher knew personally, so this exhibit by a living artist had a special and particular meaning for him,” said Gibbins, explaining why this is the first time the Nasher is exhibiting the works of a living artist.

The Nasher Sculpture Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students. Admission is free for Nasher Sculpture Center members and children under the age of 12.

This article was submitted by a member of the Pegasus News community.