Brothers in art
Armory brings friends Jerry Zorthian and Richard Feynman together again
By Carl Kozlowski 06/26/2008
One of the most colorful characters ever to grace the hills of Altadena, sculptor, painter and architect Jirayr “Jerry” Zorthian created a splendid array of unique and artistic works while also literally embodying the bohemian existence with the parties and wild events on the ranch he shared with his wife, Dabney.
While Zorthian’s memory is beloved by many in the area, his bacchanalian side may have overshadowed the impressive work he did, particularly in 47 years of constructing and designing buildings throughout the Los Angeles area. And much of his art was never seen by the public during his life, leaving him to be appreciated more for his personality than his ample abilities.
Intriguingly, Zorthian had a close friendship with Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman of Caltech. Zorthian taught Feynman to draw in exchange for lessons in physics, and Feynman developed a 25-year artistic avocation.
The two geniuses are being honored together in the Armory Center for the Arts exhibit “Jirayr Zorthian/Richard Feynman: A Conversation in Art,” which opens with a reception from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. It marks the first significant survey of Zorthian’s art ever to be displayed publicly, and the first showing of Feynman’s artistic output in four decades.
“Zorthian was obviously quite a celebrity in this city ... such a presence and personality that everyone knew him, and his work is quite remarkable, though not everyone knows that side of him,” says Armory spokeswoman Sophia Bicos. “This allows people to seem him in a fuller context and in the context of relationship with another important person in this city, Richard Feynman.”
“Jirayr Zorthian/Richard Feynman: A Conversation in Art” shows through Aug. 31 at the Armory Center for the Arts, 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission is free. For more information, call (626) 792-5101, ext. 122.
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