Celebrating the Triforium

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — As the sun set this afternoon a crowd of well-wishers gathered at the base of the Triforium to honor its creator, the late Joseph Young. Highly controversial and widely panned at the time of its unveiling, the thirty year old piece of art has grown on some viewers over time. In attendance were many members of the Young family, including Young’s wife Millicent, two daughters, and several grandchildren.

Councilwoman Jan Perry has been responsible for current efforts to revive the piece. She led a short ceremony, and then proceeded to cut and serve cake to those in attendance.

Millicent Young expressed hope that the Triforium could soon live up to its intended function once again. Supporters of the piece would love to see a new computer system and energy-friendly LED lights. Young sees nothing wrong with that. The Triforium was conceived as a blending of old and new technology, she noted, and an update would just expand on that contrast.

Though the Triforium may not yet have its full bag of tricks and the LA Mall provides a somewhat dismal surrounding, there’s something magical about seeing all those colorful glass prisms lit against the twilight.

Pictured, Councilwoman Jan Perry and family of Joseph Young stand in the light of the Triforium.

More photos from the event after the jump.

All photos by Ed Fuentes.