BY STEPHANIE BUHMANN | Her first solo museum exhibition, “Louise Despont: Energy Scaffolds and Information Architecture” features a site-specific architectural installation and several series of large-scale drawings. These works, all of which were commissioned by The Drawing Center, promise to be deeply influenced by Despont’s recent relocation to Bali.
Best known for her stunningly intricate drawings on antique ledger paper, Despont employs compasses, stencils, and rulers to create deeply meditative compositions. One of the architectural works on display, for example, will hold a monumental frieze drawing composed of no less than seven panels.
For Despont, each drawn line symbolizes the invisible energy that flows mysteriously through the human body. In addition to her own work, Despont has also invited conceptual artist Aaron Taylor Kuffner to present his gamelatron, an original instrument created by him that is a robotic variant of the gamelan, the traditional Balinese and Javanese orchestra that includes vibraphones, drums, chimes, bells, and gongs.
Jan. 22–Mar. 20 at The Drawing Center (35 Wooster St., btw. Grand & Broome Sts.). Hours: Wed., Fri., Sat. & Sun., 12–6 p.m. & Thurs., 12–8 p.m. (free every Thurs., 6–8 p.m.). General admission, $5 ($3 for students/seniors, free for children under 12). Call 212-219-2166 or visit drawingcenter.org.
