St. Louis, MO – Constantin Brancusi and Richard Serra are two of the most significant figures in the history of twentieth-century sculpture. A carefully composed group of their works of art will be presented in a new exhibition at the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts from February 5 through July 23, 2005.

The exhibition, Brancusi and Serra in Dialogue, will open with a public reception Friday, February 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The juxtaposition of works in the show sets up a dialogue not only between the works of the two artists, but also with the surrounding architecture of the Pulitzer building, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Tadao Ando.

Brancusi and Serra in Dialogue is the first time an exhibition in St. Louis has been devoted to Brancusi's sculpture, and the first time in 25 years that a significant selection of his photographs has been on public view. Along with sculpture by Richard Serra, the exhibition will also present sketches related to his sculpture "Twain", a site-specific sculpture from 1981 on a prominent city block in downtown St. Louis. Works in the exhibition have been generously lent by major museums including the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; the National Gallery in Washington DC; the Guggenheim Museum in New York City; the Philadelphia Art Museum, the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, as well as the Saint Louis Art Museum.

Despite differences in generation and background, Brancusi's and Serra's work reveal parallel approaches and responses, while at the same time each artist maintains his individuality. Serra and Brancusi experiment with materials and explore the nature of sculpture. They share a fascination with stacking elements, with spreading and concentrating forms, and with stressing sculptural aspects of weight and material.

Where Brancusi plays with the role of the base in his sculptures, making them a relevant part of the work, Serra rejects the base altogether and uses the floor, walls and surrounding architecture as part of his works. Both artists make the viewer aware of their sculpture in relation to the surrounding environment, in this case the hospitable contrasts of Ando’s architecture.

As well as creating opportunities for dialogue through exhibitions, the Pulitzer aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of art and architecture. With the works of art themselves, along with programs, collaborations and exchanges with other cultural and educational institutions, the Pulitzer is a resource for artists, architects, scholars, students and the general public. Integral to its mission is the visitor's experience of the building, designed by Tadao Ando and completed in 2001. It offers a place widely celebrated for its tranquility and for providing an atmosphere conducive to the contemplation, enjoyment and study of art.

From January 16 to February 4 the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts will be closed for the installation of the galleries. The Pulitzer re-opens with its regular hours on February 5.

The Pulitzer is open and free to the public Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information on docent tours, call 314-535-0770; for group visits of 5 or more, call 314-754-1848. For more information about the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts visit www.pulitzerarts.org.