Overlapping rhomboids strung with blue netting balance outside of American University’s Katzen Art Center. At night, underground lights illuminate the piece, casting a glow on the museum. Modern and usually unusual, art exhibitions and sculptures decorate the circular building’s perimeter year round.
“Its an incredible contribution to the community,” studio art teacher Jean Diamond says. “The artists there are really cutting edge.”
With free admission, the museum presents an affordable and convenient way for students to enjoy modern art. Jack Rasmussen, the director of the museum, says he wanted to set up the museum apart from other D.C. art museums.
“My goal is to try and mirror the goals of the university—globally, politically and socially engaged, as well as be a part of the community,” he says. “My overall goal is to do things that aren’t being done.”
Santiago Sierra’s traveling “NO” sculpture and Georgia Goldberg’s “Emergence” sculpture are currently in front of the museum. “Emergence,” which Goldberg created especially for the gallery, is the largest single installment to ever come to the museum.
“ Originally the structure was going to be plexi-glass, but it didn’t hold up,” Rasmussen says. “[Goldberg] used mosquito netting from Japan.”
While Goldberg’s piece represents the force of nature in the environment, Sierra’s “NO” sculpture, carries some more controversial interpretations. Rasmussen says that Sierra described the piece as a representation of society’s unhappiness.
“‘NO’ has been traveling the world in the back of a truck, and they are currently making a movie about it,” he says. “The Katzen Center is the only place where it has stopped for a long period of time.”
Rasmussen wishes the museum will continue to be a place where people can enjoy art that other museums may not show.
“I want something that’s great artistically and hopefully provocative,” he says. “I want it to be a surprise to other people.”
“NO” will we at the museum until June 21, and “Emergence” will be at the museum until August 8. The museum is located at 4400 Massachusetts Ave.
