MoMA NYC gets mixed reviews - and rightly so

a previously unknown architect internationally, Yoshio Taniguchi comes under great international scrutiny for his addition and renovation to new york's MoMA. Praise, lavished by many critics, architectural press, and admirers, was thick and plentiful, and not entirely off base, depending on your feelings about 1) modern architecture, and 2) modern architecture serving museums.

a primarily negative piece written by Hilton Kramer of NY's Observer begins to tackle the question of these two issues - mainly, the appropriateness of modern, minimal, white-walled, stark architecture in the context of museum architecture. Are lifeless white boxes and cold surfaces and materials really the best conditions in which to experience art? Isn't the intention to provide an element of lifelessness? Aren't these spaces simply backdrops and subservient to the artworks themselves? Isn't a 'bland' backdrop of colour and texture best for a full experience of the work itself? More on this soon...