A remarkable story of art restoration and preservation unfolds in Detroit, where a long-lost masterpiece by renowned artist Harry Bertoia has been given a second life. This mid-century sculpture, once thought forgotten, now hangs proudly in the atrium of the new Hudson's/General Motors headquarters, a 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, this unique piece featured two large metal rod 'clouds', an innovative design Bertoia dubbed 'sunlit straw'. However, after the mall's renovation in 1980, the sculpture's whereabouts became a mystery.
Fast forward to 2017, when the sculpture was rediscovered in a derelict state in the basement of Northland Mall, Southfield. General Motors (GM) stepped in, determined to restore this lost treasure to its former glory. The process was no easy feat, as Natalie Morath, GM's lead archivist and curator, explained: "It was definitely a labor of love, requiring the expertise of many. Handling a sculpture of such size and condition was a challenge, but we were determined to bring it back to life."
The sculpture's new home in the Hudson's atrium was a perfect fit, both in terms of size and scale. Morath described the moment as serendipitous: "When we saw the renderings for the Hudson's project, it was as if the sculpture was meant for that space. Our construction team had to get creative, essentially 'unzipping' the building's side to accommodate it, but the result is truly breathtaking."
But here's where it gets controversial: GM originally considered placing the sculpture in their Technical Center campus in Warren, which already boasts another enormous Bertoia piece. However, the newly discovered sculpture was too large for the site. This decision sparked debate within the art community, with some questioning whether the sculpture's size should have been a limiting factor.
And this is the part most people miss: the deep connections this sculpture holds. Commissioned by J.L. Hudson for the Genesee Valley Mall, it not only has a strong Hudson's connection but also a significant GM link. Bertoia himself had deep roots in Detroit, having attended Cass Tech, College for Creative Studies, and Cranbrook. His collaboration with local architects and artists further cements his legacy in the city's art and design scene.
Harry Bertoia's daughter, Celia, now runs a foundation in Utah dedicated to protecting and promoting his artistic legacy. She described the rediscovered sculpture as "very important", a collaboration between her father and renowned architects and artists of the time. Celia expressed her joy at seeing the sculpture back in the public eye, hoping that other monumental works hiding in plain sight might also be rediscovered and appreciated.
So, what do you think? Is the decision to place this sculpture in the Hudson's atrium a triumph of art preservation, or did GM miss an opportunity to showcase it in a more intimate setting? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
