A steel silhouette against the California sky. That Profile Sculpture has been a silent observer at the Getty Center since 1999. That Profile, a creation of the American artist Martin Puryear, rises an impressive forty-five feet above the Tram Arrival Plaza. This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a blend of stainless steel and bronze, materials chosen for their perceived permanence. That Profile Sculpture, however, proved that even the most resilient materials can be vulnerable to the elements. The sculpture began showing signs of wear and tear shortly after its installation. The Getty Center, committed to preserving this monumental work, sought the expertise of L. William Zahner. Zahner, a specialist in metal restoration, discovered the culprit. The stainless steel nodes, the joints connecting the sculpture’s elegant lines, were weakening under the California sun and weather. That Profile Sculpture needed intervention. Zahner devised a two-stage restoration process. First, a chemical wash to cleanse the metal. Then, electropolishing to restore the original stainless steel sheen and reinforce the weakened nodes. That Profile Sculpture stands tall once more, a testament to the power of art and the dedication to its preservation. Its profile, sharp against the sky, continues to inspire and intrigue visitors to the Getty Center.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to