The history of the MADI Museum began more than 12 years ago when visual artist Volf Roitman introduced Bill and Dorothy Masterson, lifelong supporters of the arts, to the innovative MADI art movement. Fascinated by the playful complexity and fascinating figures inherent within this modern art form, the Mastersons became involved in the MADI movement, traveling around the world to collect MADI art pieces and even staying with Carmelo Arden Quin, the movement’s founder.

 

 

When Mr. Masterson’s law firm, Kilgore & Kilgore, moved to the building on 3109 Carlisle, the Mastersons decided to give back to the community that has supported the firm by converting the majority of the first floor of the building into the first permanent MADI Museum. As such, the renovation of the building itself was designed in the MADI style; one that emphasizes innovative designs containing an array of geometric forms. The concept behind MADI is more than just an assembly of colored shapes, however – the art is universally accessible and appealing, and the more it is studied, the more multifaceted it becomes.

“…I would like to propose a building, which speaks for and by itself. A building which forces us into contemplation, which surprises, captivates, and amuses us and leaves us with a sudden and fixed idea: I must live here, I must work here. The sight of the edifice should provide the viewer with a feeling of well-being and lead to an instinctive certainty: Here, my interior life will be enriched.” — Volf Roitman

Designed by MADI artist and architect Volf Roitman, the building radiates the MADI philosophy of whimsy and joie de vivre combined with complexity and interesting geometrics. But it is not only Roitman who has an appreciation for MADI. Prominent Austin architect Bill Martin, consultant for the building’s exterior, has many years of experience to his name, both in designing buildings and in appreciation of MADI’s dynamic and graphically pleasing aspects. “This is a fantastic concept, and one that adds a unique perspective to this area,” Martin says.

Roitman, who has employed innovative laser techniques on brightly colored metal panels in order to create exquisite MADI art forms, used this same technique to create abstract pieces with cut-out geometric shapes floating on freeform backgrounds. These panels were then hooked onto the exteriors of the building, which had been already prepared with metal studs. Paul Mallett is responsible for the construction.

The website of the museum can be found here: http://www.GeometricMadiMuseum.org.