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Triforium
lights are on from 6-8 am
and from 5-7 pm or 6-8 pm daily.
Triforium Triumphs
On
December 13, 2006 the Triforium marked 31 years. About two years
ago Councilwoman Jan Perry (CD9) listened when I asked about the
Triforium perched in silence. I felt with all the pressing issues
facing us as a Downtown community, we needed something positive
to note. She asked me to draft an e-mail including my thoughts
and desires. Thanks to her responsiveness, we can celebrate this
artistic milestone.
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— When Joseph Young designed
the Triforium he said "...the sound and light sculpture would
outlast its critics."
Thirty-one years have proved his words to be true
— Built as a public art sculpture
in 1975 few public art pieces have garnered so much attention
from the public and the media as the Triforium.
—Located
at the Fletcher Bowron Square on the northeast corner of Temple
and Los Angeles Street, the Triforium is easily missed by vehicular
passersby. Over the years the piece has suffered updates, improvements,
retrofitting, reconditioning and upgrading. These actions have
depleted the sculpture of its true and original grace and sound.
—In
a recent conversation with Susan Hopkins, daughter of the City
Mall's construction project manager, Ms. Hopkins said the original
lights and sound were more in tune with each other than it is
at this moment. The lights had more fluctuation and the sound
more distinct. She remembers Joseph Young coming to her home with
early Triforium renderings as her father and Young
sat at the kitchen table and discussed the sculpture.
The Triforium
in the '80s
—I came to experience the
Triforium in the early '80's, walking in the City Mall past
the Triforium Control Room while the organist played the sounds
heard emanating from the instrument directly above at garden
level.
—The
early 80s was a fun time for the arts. Artists were just beginning
to discover Downtown as loft/studio land of plenty. Performance
art was everywhere. It was easy to imagine this incredible sound
and light sculpture utilized to the fullest with compositions
and performances from area artists. It is said John Cage celebrated
his 70th birthday composing here.
Updates
—Currently the sculpture has
been restored to a functioning order. Los Angeles City General
Services have cleaned and replaced the handmade Venetian glass
panes one by one, light bulbs have been tested and replaced.
The speaker system has been repaired. A schedule of lights and
sound is being prepared and future plans are being discussed.
Thanks to
Councilwoman Jan Perry and the Los Angeles City family for renewing
a true artistic vision as the glory of the Triforium again triumphs.
Qathryn Brehm editor
