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Senior Liza Lesser (Miami Beach, Fla.) is studying the work of contemporary architect Richard Gluckman through interviews with him, studying his buildings in person, and conducting other research in a year-long project.
Under the guidance of Robert Mattison, Metzgar Professor and head of art, Lesser is completing an honors thesis that examines Gluckman’s projects to determine how they fit into the minimalist movement.
“I have been researching how the minimalist art movement and the trends of modern architecture have inspired his designs,” says Lesser, an art major. “The majority of Gluckman’s projects involve the renovation of industrial loft spaces in Chelsea, N.Y. He transforms these areas into gallery spaces.”
For more than 20 years, Gluckman has focused on the creation of spatial contexts for art and art-related activities. His approach to design is marked by clarity and restraint, and he is renowned for creating functional, utilitarian spaces.
“This is an important opportunity for Liza to study one of the major living architects of our time,” says Mattison. “She has done a good deal of background research on Gluckman and traveled to see his buildings. She is now examining documents at his firm and will complete interviews with him.”
Lesser, who plans to attend graduate school for architectural history, explains that the project covers many subjects that interest her.
“The greatest challenge of this research is writing about a topic as recent as contemporary architecture from a historical perspective,” says Mattison. “Liza is doing a very good job, and I’m excited about her discoveries thus far.”
“Professor Mattison’s enthusiasm and true love for art makes working with him exciting,” says Lesser. “He has put time aside from conducting his own personal research to work with me and has helped me get my foot in the door for interviews, traveled with me to see sites in New York City, and is always available to help with this project.”
After taking an introductory art class, Lesser realized the art world held the key to her future.
“Lafayette’s art history department is impressive,” she says. “Not only do students get an immense amount of personal attention, they enjoy a number of unique opportunities. Lafayette has a very active art program that has brought amazing shows to campus galleries and a variety of artists and lecturers to the classroom.”
“The resources at Lafayette have made my project possible,” she continues. “Most undergraduates would never get the attention or have access to the resources available here. My adviser and many other faculty members have been so interested in my research. Their excitement constantly motivates me.”
Lesser is a tour guide and a member of Order of Omega, the Greek honor society. She also belongs to Alpha Phi sorority and received the Ruth Crellin Boutwell Scholarship from the national Alpha Phi Foundation this school year.
Liza Lesser ’03 combined passions for modern architecture and European cultural history in an independent study with Robert S. Mattison, Metzgar Professor of Art (left) and Robert I. Weiner, Jones Professor of History.