
Sidney Lawrence
Originally from San Francisco, Sidney moved to Washington D.C. in 1975 to work as Public Affairs Officer for the Smithsonian’s newest addition, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, which specializes in modern art. Having always made art, it was natural that his off-hours were spent toiling away at his own work. This became his second career.
This scroll-like archival inkjet print is a kind of travel poster for a great American city. Inspired by 19th century Bird’s Eye lithographs and equally full of details, it uses the sharp black lines of pen-and-ink to reveal a grand procession of museums and monuments along the vast rectangular National Mall. The circular Hirshhorn, where Sidney worked for nearly 30 years, is at bottom center.
He depicts what he knows and cares about, and the spectacle of the Mall still touches his heart. Sidney hopes this work might touch yours too. Art can be a powerful vehicle for empathy.