Experiencing the Art of Robert Therrien’s Table
**Robert Therrien: Capturing Whimsy and Depth in Sculptural Form**
Los Angeles — Among the renowned pieces at the Broad, “Under the Table” (1994) by Robert Therrien stands out as a crowd favorite. The artwork features a 10-foot-tall replica of a Gunlocke table with chairs, drawing numerous visitors who marvel at its imposing scale in a compact space. This specific work, however, eclipses the broader spectrum of Therrien’s oeuvre to many outside Los Angeles’ art scene.
Curated by Ed Schad, “Robert Therrien: This is a Story” endeavors to illuminate the artist’s wider contribution beyond his notable table. Displayed until April 5, the exhibit showcases over 120 pieces spanning Therrien’s five-decade career, comprising oversized objects like tables and chairs, alongside varied sculptures and drawings, reflecting Therrien’s fascination with form and personal histories.
Born in Chicago in 1947, Therrien relocated to California for health reasons. His early influence from cartoons and his subsequent art education in California laid the groundwork for his intriguing artistic narrative. After moving to Los Angeles in 1971, Therrien began conjuring sculptures rooted in childhood memories—objects and forms symbolic of familial and cultural experiences.
His work demonstrates an evolution from personal symbolism—coffins, chapels, Dutch doors—to universal forms like snowmen and clouds, embodying his unique reinterpretation over time. Through his works, Therrien engaged in a dialog of transformation, bridging personal experiences with an expansive artistic vision.
Unlike the Minimalism trend he was sometimes associated with, Therrien infused his art with personal recollections and whimsical material choices, distancing himself from linear interpretations. Although he preferred nondescriptive titles over “Untitled,” this choice invited viewers to explore their interpretations and connections.
Therrien’s works often carry elements of humor and whimsy, resonating with the nostalgic slapstick of early cartoons. His sculptures created a dialogue between simplicity and complexity, charged with subtleties that transcended mere scale replicas, instead provoking emotions ranging from amusement to anxiety.
Rising to prominence in the 1980s through landmark exhibitions and gallery partnerships, Therrien ventured into grander artistic undertakings with the aid of art fabricators, achieving precision in monumental creations. These works, imbued with both child-like wonder and tension, challenged viewers to embrace multifaceted interpretations.
In his later career, thematic environmental installations and intimate drawings revealed a personal aesthetic beyond the large-scale constructs, portraying the intricate fusion of his cognitive and artistic journey. Despite preferring observer-led analysis over autobiographical interpretations, his work remains a profound exploration of universal themes through personal motifs.
His studio, a carefully designed space in South LA, became an extension of his artistic narrative post-1989, serving as both a workspace and an archival homage to his life and craft. Although it is not currently open to public viewing, his retrospective at the Broad seeks to recreate its wonder, sharing a glimpse into the realm of an inspiring artistic life.
Through “This is a Story,” the exhibition not only highlights his broader artistic portfolio but encourages viewers to engage deeply with his enduring narrative, exploring the convergence of childhood memory and artistic sophistication that defines Robert Therrien’s extraordinary world.