A captivating story of artistic resurrection unfolds in Detroit, where a once-forgotten masterpiece has found new life. A rare sculpture, lost for decades, has been resurrected and now adorns the world headquarters of General Motors. But this isn't just any sculpture; it's a mid-century marvel by the celebrated artist Harry Bertoia, and its journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
The sculpture, originally commissioned for a mall in Flint in 1970, consisted of two massive 'clouds' of brazed metal rods, affectionately named 'sunlit straw'. However, after the mall's sale and renovation in 1980, it disappeared, leaving art enthusiasts wondering about its fate. And here's where it gets intriguing...
Fast forward to 2017, and the sculpture is found in a derelict state in a basement in Southfield. General Motors (GM) took on the task of restoring this forgotten treasure, and the result is a testament to their dedication. The sculpture now hangs in the atrium of the new Hudson's/GM headquarters, a space perfectly suited to its grand scale.
The restoration process was no easy feat, as Natalie Morath, GM's lead archivist and curator, explains. The sculpture's size and the fact that it had been stored underground for years presented unique challenges. But with the expertise of Michigan-based conservation specialists, Flatlanders, the sculpture was meticulously restored to its former glory.
The discovery and restoration process was a team effort, with Celia Bertoia, the artist's daughter, playing a crucial role in confirming the sculpture's authenticity. She also highlighted the significance of the piece, which was a collaboration between her father and renowned architectural firms in 1970. But here's the twist: the sculpture originally hung from a single point, a remarkable feat considering its weight.
The decision to place the sculpture in the Hudson's/GM headquarters was a serendipitous one. Initially, GM considered their Technical Center campus, but the sculpture's size made it a challenging fit. However, when the Hudson's project came along, the atrium's design seemed like a perfect match. The construction team went above and beyond, creating a unique solution to bring the sculpture into the building, and now it's a stunning centerpiece.
This sculpture holds a special place in Detroit's art history. Harry Bertoia, a Detroit native, had deep roots in the city's art scene, having studied at Cass Tech, College for Creative Studies, and Cranbrook. The sculpture's connection to the city, both through its original commission by J.L. Hudson and Bertoia's own history, makes its homecoming even more meaningful.
The Bertoia Foundation, led by Celia Bertoia, is thrilled to see this piece back in the public eye. They hope that this restoration will inspire the rediscovery and preservation of other hidden artistic treasures. And this is the part most people miss—the potential for more lost artworks to be found and given new life.
So, what do you think? Is this a remarkable tale of art preservation, or does it spark a debate about the responsibility of corporations in safeguarding artistic heritage? Share your thoughts and let's explore the fascinating world of art conservation and its impact on our cultural history.
