For Immediate Release: May 16, 2007
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David Macaulay Exhibition: News Release
New Exhibition showcases the art of illustrator David Macaulay
WASHINGTON, DC—For more than 30 years, architect, illustrator, and storyteller David Macaulay has employed the narrative power of drawing to reveal to millions of readers "the way things work." From the vast underground network of pipes, cables, and tunnels that support cities to the elaborate construction of a mosque, Macaulay's work illustrates the architectural, engineering, and social processes shaping the built environment.
From June 23, 2007 to January 21, 2008, the National Building Museum will present David Macaulay: The Art of Drawing of Architecture an exploration of Macaulay's original architectural illustrations as a form of visual archeology—a metaphor and a set of visual methods for "excavating" historical structures. Unaided by computer programs and wielding only an ink pen, Macaulay demonstrates the power of drawing to explain the built environment in ways more compelling and memorable than mere words can. Showcasing more than 100 original sketches and finished drawings, this exhibition reveals how David Macaulay's work moves us beyond words, sharpens our mind's eye, and teaches us that the best way to understand architecture is through visual engagement.
David Macaulay's exceptional balance of technical and artistic skills has helped educate millions of people to the way buildings and infrastructure systems they interact with every day work," noted William F. Marcuson III, Ph.D., P.E., Hon.M.ASCE, president of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a supporting sponsor of the exhibition. "Like the National Building Museum, we take great pride in recognizing and celebrating his unique and enlightening talents, and are pleased to offer our support."
David Macaulay: The Art of Drawing Architecture is organized by guest curator Kathy Franz, assistant professor and director of public history at American University in Washington, DC. At the National Building Museum, the exhibition team includes Curator Chrysanthe Broikos and Curatorial Associate Deborah Sorensen. The award-winning Providence, Rhode Island firm of Malcolm Grear Designers, Inc. is creating the exhibition and graphic design for the 3,000-square-foot exhibition. Mrs. Laura Bush is the exhibition's Honorary Chair.
Featured in the National Building Museum's second floor galleries, David Macaulay: The Art of Drawing Architecture is divided into four sections: Visual Archeology, Playing with Perspective, Revealing Structure, and Inspiring Imagination. The Visual Archeology section provides an overview of Macaulay's research process through analysis of sketches, notes, and photographs created for his book Mosque. This section illustrates how Macaulay uses drawing to understand, document, and explain the history of the built environment, in particular the mosque, in a compelling way. Playing with Perspective explores how Macaulay uses perspective drawing both as a formal technique for rendering buildings on the flat page and as a way to dramatize the story of a work of architecture by showing it from angles that would otherwise be impossible to experience. Revealing Structure reviews Macaulay's use of sketching to deconstruct buildings and convey what lies under the skin of bridges, domes, and skyscrapers. The final section of the exhibition, Inspiring Imagination showcases Macaulay's playful and ironic critiques of architecture and emphasizes the liberating and imaginative potential of drawing.
The exhibition features original sketches and finished drawings from Macaulay's popular books including Cathedral (1973), Underground (1976), Great Moments in Architecture (1978), Motel of the Mysteries (1979), Building Big (2000), and Mosque (2003), as well as original and reproduction sketchbooks for Mosque and Building Big. The exhibition also contains audio-visual stations where visitors can watch or listen to interviews with Macaulay and library alcoves with research material used for Mosque and copies of his books to browse.
The family-friendly exhibition includes four hands-on activity tables that employ low-tech methods to expand upon the show's primary themes and promote visual literacy. Designed for children ages six and older and accompanied by an adult, these stations complement what visitors learn in the exhibition while directly fostering creative activity. Each station has a different sketching project that will promote drawing and seeing architecture in new ways. The Museum is also working with David Macaulay to develop and design an "interactive sketchbook" featuring original drawings of the Museum's historic home. Intended for ages 9-13, but also of interest to adults, this sketchbook will provide ideas, guidance, and exercises visitors can use to further explore the themes of the exhibition after they leave.
For the duration of the exhibition, the Museum will offer programming such as lectures, family programs, teacher workshops, and professional drawing workshops related to the exhibition's themes. On June 23, 2007, the exhibition's official opening, the Museum will host The Big Draw Family Day featuring David Macaulay. The first U.S. event of its kind, this free, hands-on, fun-for-all family day is offered in association with the UK-wide initiative of the same name organized by the Campaign for Drawing. Visitors of all ages are invited to experiment with the process and product of drawing and to see and learn from artists in the field, including David Macaulay who will lead several drawing exercises throughout the day.
David Macaulay: The Art of Drawing Architecture is made possible by American Society of Civil Engineers; Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP; Dale Chihuly; Lamy writing instruments; Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, LLP; Edward W. Rose III Family Fund of The Dallas Foundation; STUDIOS Architecture; Turner Construction Company; Blick Art Materials; Sunrise Foundation; The American Architectural Foundation; and other generous contributors.
The National Building Museum is America’s leading cultural institution dedicated to advancing the quality of the built environment by educating people about its impact on their lives. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, online content, and publications, the Museum has become a vital forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the world we build for ourselves. Public inquiries: 202.272.2448 or visit www.nbm.org. Connect with us on Twitter: @BuildingMuseum and Facebook.
