Todd Cronan
Associate Professor of Art History, Emory University 

Born and trained in Vienna, R. M. Schindler came to Los Angeles in 1920, working in the office of Frank Lloyd Wright. After leaving Wright's office, Schindler went on to become the most influential modern architect in Southern California. This talk explores his enigmatic approach as a designer, from his infamous bohemian mecca, the Kings Road House, to his last great "translucent" works, including the remarkable Janson and Tischler Houses. In many ways, Schindler's work remains a mystery, full of seemingly arbitrary shapes, patterns, and angles they seem to many like futuristic set designs for early Hollywood film. We will try and unravel some of the mysteries that surround this astonishing body of work.

This event is in person at Santa Barbara Museum of Art's Mary Craig Auditorium.

In an effort to create the safest possible environment, please note visitors who plan to attend an event in SBMA’s Mary Craig Auditorium must show proof of being fully vaccinated OR, in some cases, supply a negative Covid-19 medical test result (taken within 72 hours prior to each event), along with an official photo ID, before entering the venue. Visitors must also follow SBMA’s mask policy and wear a mask in accordance with the recommendations of the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (SBCPHD) and California’s Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mask guidance. Capacity limited to 50 seats.