A remarkable story of art restoration and preservation unfolds in Detroit, where a long-lost masterpiece by renowned artist Harry Bertoia has found its way back into the public eye. This mid-century sculpture, once thought forgotten, now hangs proudly in the atrium of the new Hudson's/General Motors headquarters, a true testament to the power of art and the dedication of those who strive to protect it.
Originally commissioned in 1970 for the Genesee Valley Center in Flint, the sculpture featured two magnificent "clouds" of brazed metal rods, an iconic piece that adorned the mall's grand court. However, after the mall underwent renovations in 1980, the sculpture vanished, leaving many to believe it had been lost forever.
Fast forward to 2017, when the sculpture was miraculously discovered in a derelict state in the basement of Northland Mall in Southfield. General Motors (GM) stepped in, determined to restore this precious artwork to its former glory. The process was no easy feat, as Natalie Morath, GM's lead archivist and curator, explained: "Handling a sculpture of that size and dealing with one that has been stored underground for years is no small task."
Morath's team faced the challenge head-on, and their efforts paid off. The sculpture, now restored, hangs majestically in the Hudson's atrium, a perfect fit for its size and scale. But here's where it gets controversial: GM originally considered placing the sculpture at their Technical Center campus in Warren, where another enormous Bertoia piece, his very first commissioned work, already resides. However, the newly discovered sculpture proved too large for that site.
"When the Hudson's project came along, it was like fate had intervened," Morath said. "The renderings of the atrium showed that it was the perfect home for this sculpture."
The installation process was a team effort, with construction experts finding creative solutions to bring the sculpture into the building. Morath expressed her excitement, saying, "It's thrilling to finally share this with the world."
But the story doesn't end there. The sculpture's journey highlights the interconnectedness of art, design, and architecture in Detroit. Bertoia, a Detroit native, attended Cass Tech, the College for Creative Studies, and Cranbrook, collaborating with many influential Detroit artists and designers. The sculpture's commission by J.L. Hudson further cements its connection to the city.
Harry Bertoia's daughter, Celia, now runs a foundation in Utah dedicated to preserving her father's legacy. She called the sculpture "very important," explaining its collaborative origins with architects and the Hudson art gallery director. Celia expressed her joy at seeing the sculpture restored and on display, hoping the same fate awaits other monumental sculptures hiding in plain sight.
This story serves as a reminder of the importance of art preservation and the impact it can have on a community. It invites us to reflect on the value of our cultural heritage and the role we play in safeguarding it for future generations. So, what do you think? Should more be done to protect and showcase our artistic treasures? Let's discuss in the comments!
