Week 37: Sep. 15, 2024

Shuttlecock, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen, American, 1994, Fabricator Merrifield-Roberts, Inc., Aluminum

Shuttlecocks…

Four giant shuttlecocks adorn the grounds of the Nelson Atkins Museum. When they were commissioned and added to the grounds they were enormously controversial. They were seen as frivolous and in contrast to the grandeur of the museum. I spoke with family members of the couple who commissioned and donated the pieces, and learned that they had even received death threats from within the KC community for ruining the museum in this way.

Today, the shuttlecocks are the emblem of the entire city. They are seen on t-shirts, postcards, Christmas tree ornaments, jigsaw puzzles. They’re everywhere.

I chose to photograph this one because it is close to the building and shows the modern appearance of the shuttlecock in direct contrast to the classic grandeur of the building. I think this is now the image that best represents the Nelson in its role in KC. Welcoming of art from all view points; welcoming of diverse people; serious minded yet playful and creative; incorporating something for everyone.

I considered waiting until the gentleman on the steps had left, however, there is almost always someone on these steps. So it seemed appropriate to just include him. The steps look across the south lawn which is a long sloping yard with two other shuttlecocks and a large grassy area that is sometimes quiet and scenic, and other times filled with picnickers, frisbee players, and dog walkers.