Statement regarding postponement of Krzysztof Wodiczko’s projection on exterior of Hirshhorn

(left) Krzysztof Wodiczko, Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, DC, 1988. Public projection at the Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, DC, October 25-27, 1988. Courtesy the artist and Galerie Lelong, New York. (right) Krzysztof Wodiczko, Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, DC, 1988. Public projection at the Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, DC, February 13, 2018. Courtesy the artist and Galerie Lelong, New York. Photo: Joshua Jest

Feb. 15, 2018

Statement regarding postponement of Krzysztof Wodiczko’s projection on exterior of Hirshhorn

Out of respect for the victims and families of Wednesday’s shooting in Florida, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden and artist Krzysztof Wodiczko have postponed his projection on the exterior of the building, to be presented at a later date within the run of the exhibition Brand New: Art and Commodity in the 1980s. The museum staff grieves alongside the rest of the country during this time of tragedy.

“Now is a time for mourning and reflection, and out of sensitivity to our community in D.C. and beyond, the Hirshhorn, Smithsonian leadership and artist Krzysztof Wodiczko have made the decision to postpone the artist’s projection, Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, D.C.” said Hirshhorn Director Melissa Chiu. “We remain committed to exhibiting this important work, which is still relevant today—30 years following its original showing. We look forward to restaging the work in its original format at a later date.”

The decision to postpone was reached in close collaboration with the artist. “To me, the silence feels most respectful. In this case, not showing the projection shows respect and sensitivity to the people who suffer from this great tragedy,” Wodiczko said.

Starting Feb. 15, footage of the projection will be on view in the Museum’s lobby as part of the exhibition Brand New: Art and Commodity in the 1980s, joining Wodiczko’s interventionist sculpture Homeless Vehicle from the same period.

The projection was initially planned for the evenings of Feb. 13,14 and 15, in conjunction with the opening of Brand New. It was projected Feb. 13, and a future date for additional evenings will be announced shortly. Brand New closes May 13.

About the Hirshhorn

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is the national museum of modern and contemporary art and a leading voice for 21st-century art and culture. Part of the Smithsonian, the Hirshhorn is located prominently on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. With nearly 12,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, mixed-media installations, works on paper and new media works, its holdings encompass one of the most important collections of postwar American and European art in the world. The Hirshhorn presents diverse exhibitions and offers an array of public programs on the art of our time––free to all, 364 days a year. For more information, visit hirshhorn.si.edu.

Image: (Left) Krzysztof Wodiczko, Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, DC, 1988. Public projection at the Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, DC, October 25-27, 1988. Courtesy the artist and Galerie Lelong, New York. (Right) Krzysztof Wodiczko, Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, DC, 1988. Public projection at the Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, DC, February 13, 2018. Courtesy the artist and Galerie Lelong, New York. Photo: Joshua Jest