The Broad in Los Angeles is hosting the largest museum retrospective to date for the late conceptual artist Robert Therrien. Curated by Ed Schad, the exhibition features over 125 works, including his iconic oversized sculptures like the 10-foot-high "Under the Table" and a massive stack of plates. The show aims to elevate the profile of an artist who was a fixture of the Los Angeles art scene for five decades but often remains less of a household name than his contemporaries.
This retrospective is significant because it recontextualizes Therrien’s work beyond the simple spectacle of scale, distinguishing him from the Minimalist movement through his use of personal narrative and private symbolism. By showcasing pieces from his estate alongside major loans from institutions like Glenstone, the exhibition highlights Therrien's technical mastery and his unique ability to transform domestic, everyday objects into uncanny, monumental experiences.