Architecture, Art, California, Photography, USC

Trojan Shrine – “Let him bear the palm, who deserves it.”

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“Here are provided seats of meditative joy, where shall rise again the destined reign of Troy.” – Publius Vergilius Maro

Sculpted by Roger Noble Burnham in bronze, Trojan Shrine was unveiled during the University of Southern California’s 50th Jubilee in 1930.  The five traits of the ideal Trojan are inscribed on the base – Faithful, Scholarly, Skillful, Courageous, Ambitious.

Architecture, Art, California, Landscapes, Photography

Indigenous Inhabitants

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One of my favorite places to spend the holidays is Newport Beach, where I love to study and photograph the “brutalist” architecture of Newport Center.

In 1967, artist Tom Van Sant created a series he called “Indigenous Inhabitants” that captured the region’s wildlife (mostly extinct now) in concrete using a technique called Intaglios – Italian for incised carving.

His work was commissioned by Architects William Pereira and Welton Becket.

Architecture, Art, California, Photography

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

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Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center (1961). Palm Springs, California.  Designed by architect E. Stewart Williams.

Considered to be in the classic Desert Modern or mid-century International style, the 13,000 square foot building originally served as a branch of Santa Fe Federal Savings & Loan.

Architecture, Art, California, Culture, Photography

Ahmanson Building. LACMA

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Ahmanson Building, Los Angeles County museum of Art (1965 – 2020)

Designed by architect William Pereira (1909-1985) and built by Del E. Webb in 1965, the four-story Ahmanson Building at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is an iconic example of Los Angeles’ 1960s modernist architecture.

One of three original buildings (it was originally called The Lytton Gallery until 1968) at LACMA, it is slated to be torn down and replaced with an entirely new complex of buildings and exhibition spaces.

On a recent visit, the exhibition spaces within the building had been closed in anticipation of its demolition in 2020.  Adieu.