The New Modern Art Museum Fort Worth
Tadao Ando’s building was a pure delight to visit. The first thing that I immediately noticed upon walking onto the site from the Kimball was that it had the same overall hue and seemed to relate in context. The next almost same thing that I noticed was the large sculptural piece that is located on the southwest corner of the site. This piece begs exploration, and that is what I did. This sculptural piece has amazing acoustical qualities. Any foot movement or sound transmission seems to be drawn to the very top of the tower where it resonates back down in the form of an echo. This was amazing. When I walked up to the entrance, I notice the same dark colored pebbles forming a 1 foot line around the building. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was a design element reinterpreted from the Kimball’s west entrance. I also notice that the building had barrel vaults like the Kimball, but the new modern’s vaults were a series of v-shaped patterns that met at the top. It wasn’t a rounded arch. The Picture view out to the pond is priceless and promoted a sense of calm and wonderment. I’ve always been drawn to water so I decided to go outside and explore more. I noticed the same dark colored stones in the water, but the water seemed stagnant and not inviting at a close distance. This same pool played with the overhangs covering the gallery pavilions. The reflections danced off of these overhangs in the east morning sun. I really like the work that was shown in this exhibition, and the way that each space seemed tailored to each piece being shown. The ladder reaching for the sky begged you to want to touch the piece. This, I think is a true compliment to art, sculpture or architecture. I found myself touching the smooth surfaces of the concrete formwork as I was walking. I also notice the same cork expansion joints on the corners of the floor and wall. I’m still confused about the choice of material. Chris and I didn’t stay to eat lunch at the café that was located here; I couldn’t talk him into doing it even though I owed him ten bucks. I would have to say that this is the most like architectural museum that I have visited in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.