The Boca Raton Museum of Art announced the completion of the restoration of a major sculpture by pioneering artist Louise Nevelson, a leading American sculptor of the 20th century and innovator in site-specific art installations.
The restoration was funded by a grant from Bank of America’s Art Conservation Project, a global program providing grants to nonprofit cultural institutions to conserve historically or culturally significant works of art, including works that have been designated as national treasures. Among the thirteen museums in the U.S. that were selected this year, the Boca Raton Museum of Art is the only one chosen in South Florida.
“The Boca Raton Museum of Art is honored to receive this prestigious grant from the Bank of America Conservation Project,” says Irvin Lippman, the Museum’s Executive Director. “Nevelson’s sculpture commands a singular position in our galleries for our museumgoers to enjoy, and we are grateful for this support for its crucial restoration. Painted in her signature matte black paint, featuring abstract compositions composed of scavenged bits of discarded wood and boxes, they transform into striking sculptural walls built to an architectural scale, an engulfing, sensuous environment full of shadows and mystery — this artwork continues to be a favorite for our visitors.”
The work, “Shadow Chord,” created in 1969, exhibits stacked boxes completely covered by Nevelson’s signature flat black paint, giving this installation the imposing presence of a cityscape that alters the viewer’s perception of light and space. Since acquiring the piece in 2001, the museum has followed professional conservation standards and taken measures to minimize the deterioration of the artwork. However, the work needed repairing the damage to the surface due to natural aging and handling after more than five decades since its creation.
“Shadow Chord,” was created at the height of Nevelson’s artistic career and embodies the visual language of her work with its complex wood assemblages and monochromatic color, representing her relentless dedication to her art.
For more information, visit bocamuseum.org or call 561-392-2500.