Fourth Friday: Curator Discussion

LAL presents Fourth Friday: Curator Discussion with Julien Robson and special guest, Michael Lowe on Friday, March 25.  This event will focus on Robson and Lowe’s personal experiences collecting artwork. Robson is the former curator of The Speed Art Museum and Lowe is the collector of fascinating works by artists including Cindy Sherman, Andres Serrano, Bob Stanley, Wiener Werkstätte, Art Nouveau Marcel Duchamp and Maurizio Cattelan.  

It is an honor to have Lowe as a part of the discussion.

Right when you walk into Lowe’s Cincinnati home, guest Curator Julien Robson says, “a replica of the world’s smallest exhibition space, a miniature glass door, with brick surround, that lights up when you open it, is the first work of art you see.”  It is the perfect introduction to the type of Conceptual artwork that has intrigued Lowe for the past twenty years.  

His wife, Kim Klosterman, describes Lowe as “a veritable art bloodhound who, once he gets the scent of something, will not let go.”  This tenacious spirit shows in the collection displayed throughout Lowe’s home. A 1964 painting of Mick Jagger by Bob Stanley hangs on the wall by the staircase which opens onto the main living space that is occupied by what Robson describes as “a variety of objects ranging from antiquities and Chinese objects to Wiener Werkstätte and Art Nouveau.”  

In this space, Lowe displays many impressive works like a 1967 abstract painting by Mario Yrisarry and a set of miniature canvases by painter Gene Davis, but his favorite is the sculpture by John McCracken. Lowe loves artists who have the artistic integrity and nerve “to do the work and persist with it,” which is exactly what the Californian “Fetish Finish” artist achieved.  

Lowe has always been a collector. Whether it was books about architecture or working as an antique dealer, he was constantly fascinated by artists’ multiples beginning in the 1980’s. His purchase of a small portfolio produced by William Copley led him to the discovery of Conceptual Art. S.M.S was only the beginning for Lowe. Robson says that after realizing the market for these works was inexpensive, he began to investigate, deal, sell and collect conceptual works, many of which are now held in his studio.   

Lowe and his wife share a unique interest and collection of art of the 60’s and 70’s. While he has a warehouse where he displays work from this period, he is more concerned about getting a bigger space so he can enjoy his collection himself instead of creating a museum that would put him in the pubic eye.  

We are very excited to have Lowe as a special guest and cannot wait to hear more about his personal collection.

The first hour of Fourth Friday will consist of the Curator Discussion and cocktails. After that, the evening will move into music by Nicholas Penn and light bites and a cash bar provided by Bella Notte.  

Come out to experience this special Curator Discussion on March 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Loudoun House.

Written by Sheridan Fromm, LAL Intern, University of Kentucky ISC student