Guggenheim Museum Bilbao 1999
Distributed by Films Media Group, PO Box 2053, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by Adeline Collier
Directed by David Collier
VHS, color, 33 min.
High School - Adult
Architecture
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Robert Wick, Fine Arts Bibliographer, University of Colorado at DenverThe Guggenheim Museum Bilbao provides a very interesting introduction to a fascinating building and museum program. Frank Gehry's building located in the Basque country of northern Spain reminds the visitor of a very large sculpture.
It is of an abstract design with curved, organic lines, and a variety of textures and muted colors. The major building materials are titanium, glass, and limestone, and the interplay between these textures is startling. The video program points out how Mr. Gehry intended the materials of the building to be a compliment to the artistic contents, and to provide an art work in itself. Much of the program is a discussion with the architect concerning his design approach, and the evolution of his ideas for the concept. This part of the tape is very interesting even if some of the other parts are rather ordinary in approach. Also included in the discussion are views of original sketches, computerized blueprints, and project drawings. The chronicle of the transition of Mr. Gehry's original concepts in sketch form to the final construction plans, and finally to the finished building provides for exceptional viewing. While the program is designed for the novice concerning design creation, it will be of interest to both artists and architecture students.
Recommended