The souls of millions of light next to the infinity mirrored Yayoi at kusama, the most photographed piece in the Broad Museum’s collection of contemporary art may be under the table of Robert Serien. You know one – a huge table and chair that asks your friends to take a photo when you look up standing below.
I often pull up the chair and there’s great news. Later this year, an entire exhibition of the works of the late sculptor will arrive at the museum. “Robert Therrien: This is a Story” expects some intimate drawings and surprises, along with larger household items and impressive works. This is what you need to know.
Therrien, a Chicago-born artist based in LA who passed away in 2019, holds a special place on Broad. He was one of the first LA artists to be included in the collection. His work explores memory and perception by experimenting with scales and materials and finding inspiration in seemingly ordinary objects. “The most important thing to know about Therrien is that he can evoke a sense of wonder,” says broad curator Ed Schad.
Robert Terrien, “Untitled” (Packed Plates, White), 1993. Photo: Courtesy of the Broad Art Foundation
And visitors can experience even more wonders at the show, the biggest solo exhibition of the artist’s work. More than 120 works Therrien has created over 50 years will be on display. From the huge sculptures of his signature to more intimate paintings of snowmen, birds and chapels. Many of the works, including some of the works the artist completed shortly before his death, have never appeared in museums before. Another popular dining set, a larger beard than the real thing, allowing you to walk under a stack of plates that look like they are moving. You can also expect “a full-size room full of surprises and encounters that are characteristic of the artist’s practice.” Downtown Therrien, downtown, LA Studios, just a few miles from Broad, will also be partially recreated as part of the exhibition.
The show will showcase something fun and playful, but also a serious side to Therrien’s work. And more than that, you can see beyond his work as mere photoshoot to discover the creative processes and meaning behind his eye-catching work.
“Robert Terrien: This is a Story” will open on November 22nd (close “Jeffrey Gibson: The Space to Place Me” after the current special exhibition). It will be held until April 5th, 2026. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but if Gibson’s exhibition costs $15 but you can visit it for free on Thursday night, you’ll likely be able to see Therrien’s exhibition for free, at any sign. And expect a full slate of special programming that matches the show. Tickets are available this summer at thebroad.org.
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