MOCA Acquires "Unmanned Drone"
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| Kara Walker, Unmanned Drone, 2023. Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles |
The Museum of Contemporary Art has acquired Kara Walker's Unmanned Drone, centerpiece of its "MONUMENTS" exhibition (through May 3, 2026, at the Brick and MOCA Geffen). The work was made from Charlottesville's equestrian monument of Stonewall Jackson by sculptor Charles Keck. Most of the works in "MONUMENTS" are being returned to the lenders, but the Charlottesville piece was donated so that Walker could make her transformed work. A gift of Beth Swofford, by exchange, funded the MOCA purchase.
Unmanned Drone becomes the first Walker sculpture in the MOCA collection and arguably the museum's highest-profile acquisition in years. MOCA has three large works on paper by Walker, including The Pool Party of Sardanapalus (after Delacroix, Kienholz).
Comments
> highest-profile acquisition
> in years.
That doesn't sound too impressive. Then again, their budget has been under the gun for years. Their square footage on Grand Avenue, even more so in today's age of large museums and all-encompassing experiences, is way too modest too.
The Broad across the street has never had an outdoor area to display large sculptures like "Unmanned Drone." The expansion also eliminates a potential garden to show that type of work. Although the parking garage under the Broad's extension may not be designed to hold up heavy art objects. However, the add-on will be reinforced in a way that seems similar to the pylon design (spindly too?) of the Geffen or Lucas.