The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) commissioned Tokyo-based textile designer Reiko Sudō to create custom curtains for its new David Geffen Galleries, which feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Sudō developed sputter-plated chrome textiles—in matte and gloss finishes—that are both transparent and light-protective, solving the challenge of shielding light-sensitive artworks while preserving panoramic views of the surrounding city. The textiles, produced by Sudō’s company NUNO, are now installed as curtains and will also appear in her retrospective "Textile Alchemy: The Art of Reiko Sudō and NUNO" at LACMA opening September 20, 2026.
This collaboration matters because it demonstrates how innovative textile design can address practical museum conservation needs without compromising architectural vision. Sudō’s chrome-based solution, which passed fire safety tests where other materials failed, represents a fusion of art, craft, and engineering. The project also highlights LACMA’s commitment to integrating contemporary design into its new building, while the upcoming retrospective underscores Sudō’s growing recognition as a major figure in textile art and design.