Monday, 21 April 2008 | Levent OZLER
Frank Lloyd Wright and the House Beautiful
The Nevada Museum of Art presents Frank Lloyd Wright and the House Beautiful, an exhibition showcasing Wright's skill in creating harmony between architectural structure and interior design while fulfilling the needs of a modern lifestyle. During his remarkable 70-year career, Frank Lloyd Wright was committed to the development of a truly American style of architecture and to the creation of furnishings and accessories that enhanced the surroundings in his revolutionary spaces. Frank Lloyd Wright and the House Beautiful presents more than 100 original objects including furniture, metal work, textiles, drawings, publications and accessories from the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and other collections. This is the first exhibition dedicated to Wright's decorative and graphic designs since the 1970s. Frank Lloyd Wright and the House Beautiful will be on exhibit at the NMA from April 19 through July 20, 2008.
The phrase "house beautiful" was coined in the early 20th century to refer to a principle of architectural and social reform which proposed that quality of life could be improved by designing one's material environment. Frank Lloyd Wright's fascination with this ideal was apparent early in his career when he designed the book titled The House Beautiful, and it remained central to his architectural philosophy throughout his career.
This exhibition is divided into three themes that represent the methods by which Wright practiced the philosophy of the "house beautiful." Each section is presented through period and contemporary photographs of Wright interiors to provide context for the original objects on view. The first section introduces how Wright sought to develop a modern interior reflective of a uniquely American spirit of democracy and individual freedom. The next section illustrates Wright's development in integrating the space with furnishings and architectural elements. Finally, the exhibition explores his experimentation in bringing these ideas to the homes of average Americans.
Wright believed families would benefit from living in a tasteful and well-designed house. Examples of metal work, leaded glass windows, furniture, light fixtures, drawings, textiles, publications and accessories, and photographs of home interiors combine to tell the story of Wright's contributions to modern American life. Frank Lloyd Wright and the House Beautiful presents a philosophy for creating interiors that radiate a sense of inner beauty and modern spirit.
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