Grahm’s statues at Rolfe deserve a look
By Daily Bruin Staff
July 21, 1996 9:00 p.m.
Monday, July 22, 1996
Doumani donations create opportunity to reflect on femininityBy
Ivana Mladenovic
The newly constructed outdoor space adjacent to Rolfe Hall is
yet another testament to UCLA’s dedication to and preservation of
art, culture and sculpture within its community.
The courtyard exists because of the generous support and
patronage of Roy and Carol Doumani, two people genuinely concerned
about beautifying UCLA’s cultural landscape. Perhaps part of their
enthusiasm stems from the uniquely celebratory attitude with which
they embrace the creativity of American sculptor Robert Graham (b.
1938).
Admittedly, Robert Graham’s works are highly likeable. The
majority from the Doumani collection are cooly classical bronze
creations of idealized and non-idealized women. Each of them
express inner strength and individuality. Taking into account
Edward Lucie-Smith’s comment that Graham’s images of women evoke
"an analytic response" and "an intellectual statement," perhaps
they have unique status at UCLA. "Dance Columns I and II" (Doumani
gifts from 1978), which are located in the Murphy Sculpture Garden,
are only a prelude to the triumphant profusion of 11 Grahams now
standing in the currently donated space. "Dance Columns I and II,"
for example, are not only reminiscent of two female guardians at
the steps of an ancient temple. Rather, they also represent women
contemplating their unique femininity and their unique existence in
delicate balancing acts of motion.
In fact, the multiple reliefs on the columns themselves seem to
lead up to that ideal. The same can be said of Graham’s
representations of women within the Rolfe Courtyard. Here, for
instance, a highly naturalistic "Olympic Torso  Female"
(1983) competes with the muscular realism of its male counterpart.
However, the slightly bent leg and the outstretched, sinewy hand
suggest a woman expecting recognition. Statements of female victory
also resonate clearly in "Fountain Fiqures I and III" (1983).
In the first, the woman rises out of the firm cylindrical base
and hour-glass pedestal, an extension of her contour. Her
straightforward gaze and clasped hands behind her back confirm her
strength. The second figure also affirms female inner strength in
the woman’s triumphant handstand on a solid rectangular base.
Graham acknowledges that a woman’s inner dominance results from
her individuality. Figures like "Lori" (1986), "Sasha" (1993),
"Study for Duke Ellington Memorial  Column I" (Neith) (1988),
"Study for Duke Ellington Memorial  Column II" (Lisa Ann)
(1988), "Study for Duke Ellington Memorial  Column III"
(Debbie) (1988) and "Stephanie and Spy" (1980-81), in particular,
are all sensitive portraits of women whom the artist came in
contact with. With each, he captures the women’s distinct
character.
The first two women are both petite and share a green hue that
evokes their adolescence and their growth; yet, their expressions
and their poses indicate their differing objectives. The same can
be said of the women forming the tripartite columns. Their distinct
divisions enhance the varying personalities of each woman into a
unique whole. Undoubtedly, the figures with the most personality
are Stephanie and Spy (her horse). They stand ready with such
expectancy that both seem to vanish into the future. And why not?
Despite his flaring nostrils and his perked ears, Spy’s invisible
mane and tail make him an undefined ideal guardian.
For those of you who get lost in the artistic messages which now
emanate from the Robert Graham sculptures in the Rolfe Courtyard,
take a seat on one of the sunny benches which line its
circumference. Contemplate the masterpieces from a distance. Or
write the internationally known sculptor. He lives and works in
Venice, Calif. and is currently in a group show at West Hollywood’s
Remba Gallery. The show is titled "The Image is Women" and runs
until Aug. 29.
Ivana Mladenovic graduated in 1993 with a degree in art
history/history.
Daily Bruin File Photo
"Study for Duke Ellington Memorial  Column II (Lisa Ann)"
is among the Robert Graham statues on display at Rolfe
Courtyard.
