Jasper Johns to Jeff Koons: Four Decades of Art from the Broad Collections

by Thomas E. Crow

Jasper Johns to Jeff Four Decades of Art from the Broad Collections, organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), is the first large-scale exhibition of the Broads' achievement, presenting more than 100 works of art from these two significant collections. The show highlights American artists whose paintings, sculptures, and photographs the Broads have acquired in depth, among them Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Roy Lichtenstein, Cindy Sherman, and Cy Twombly, Johns, Koons, and the Los Angeles artists John Baldessari, Sharon Lockhart, Charles Ray, Ed Ruscha, and Robert Therrien. German artists such as George Baselitz and Anselm Kiefer are also represented. Together, these works form an invaluable record of the artistic achievements of the past forty years.
This catalogue, published in conjunction with the exhibition, illustrates the objects in the exhibition as well as several related works from the Broad collections. The accompanying texts include an interview with Eli and Edythe Broad by exhibition curators Stephanie Barron and Lynn Zelevansky, as well as essays by art historians Thomas Crow, Sabine Eckmann, Joanne Heyler, and Pepe Karmel, which place the works in critical and historical context.

Genres: Art

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Kevin Kelly]

Decent but dated overview of the Broad Collection prior to the Broad actually existing. There are 2 interesting essays accompanying the work throughout the book and then two real head scratchers that feel superfluous to the collection or theme. The book itself is dead sexy and designed well.

The most interesting aspect of the book is an interview with the Broad's outlining their introduction and burgeoning interest into collecting art. It's hard not to laugh when thinking about the fiscal amount of some of the work they are discussing and how to "get into" the art world. I do think they are genuinely interested in elevating the perception of art in modern society and, having visited the free museum myself a month ago, can attest to it's importance in culture. Specifically Los Angeles art culture.

[Lino Verde]

The interview with the Broad couple about their journey in art, and searching and auditing art work is really interesting. I did not see myself buying art work before this book, but now I know it is a possibility to collect art for me.

I enjoyed learning arts, the cultural meaning behind them, and the art photos in the book.

I graduated from MSU, and I realized "Broad" in the book is the same person as the one who donated to our business college and our Broad Art Museum! I appreciate their donation and art inspiration!

[William West]

Saw the Broad Collection at Boston's MFA. Great show!