John Portman: Art and Architecture
Michael Portman
EXHIBIT After more than half a century of designing architecture (and running a highly successful development company to boot), John Portman has earned his exhibit at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. Not only did the lifelong Atlantan and winner of countless awards remake his hometown's skyline, he also redefined an entire building typology through the creation of "atrium hotels"—which, unfortunately, spawned a thousand bad knockoffs. In addition, Portman was among the first American architects to open a permanent office in Asia, way back in 1980. "John Portman: Art and Architecture" also includes examples of Portman’s paintings and sculptures, versions of which appear in, on, and around his own buildings. Through April 18, 2010. high.org