Brunnier Art Museum hosted a reception for “The Barragán: A Spiritual Master” exhibition Thursday at the Scheman Building. The photographer of the exhibit, Robert Duncan, met with patrons while cocktails and desserts inspired by the flavors of Mexico were served.
The exhibit featured Duncan’s photos, which capture Mexican architect and engineer Luis Barragán’s architectural designs. Barragán was famous for designing aesthetic gardens and water features in his projects. Often incorporating water, timber and stucco with vibrant color and texture to his creations, the photographer captured a simplistic view of the architect’s designs.
“The architecture of Barragán is both timeless in its design, yet transient because of the endless play of light on color and form intertwined with nature,” University Museums wrote. “Robert Duncan has succeeded in documenting the quietude and the expressive moments of beauty he has found in the architecture of Luis Barragán, chronicling and interpreting those responses within the images seen in the exhibition.”
This exhibit featured photographs from Duncan at two private residences designed by Barragán: Cuadra San Cristóbal and Casa Gilardi, both located in Mexico City. Duncan and President Wendy Wintersteen made brief comments for all of the people present at the reception. Duncan gave advice, encouragement and thanks to the Ames community for supporting his exhibit.
“I’ve always noticed things, I’ve always looked,” Duncan said. “If you haven’t developed that habit yet, I would encourage you to do so. There are so many beautiful things. There are beautiful flowers, beautiful automobiles, beautiful sculptures, beautiful people. I notice these things and I take photographs of them.”
Others from the community gathered throughout the Brunnier Museum and the Barragán exhibit to take in the art and mingle with the photographer and other art lovers.
“I appreciate that [the exhibit] brings pieces of other cultures and styles of art from other cultures into Ames to share with the community and with Iowa State,” said Amy Erica Smith, a political science professor at Iowa State University.
The “Barragán: A Spiritual Master” exhibition will be open at the Brunnier Museum through Dec. 20 before moving to Omaha’s Gallery 1516. A calendar of other museum programs at Iowa State University can be found here.
