Art Daybook: Reflecting on "Broken Obelisk" Every day is a good day for Barnett Newman's famous sculpture, but Martin Luther King Day is special Photo of Molly Glentzer Molly Glentzer Jan. 16, 2017 More Comments Print 2

1 of 2 A reflection of Barnett Newman's "Broken Obelisk" in the pond at the Rothko Chapel. Photo: Molly Glentzer, Houston Chronicle 2 of 2 Barnett Newman's "Broken Obelisk" was recently re-installed above the reflection pond at the Rothko Chapel. Photo: Molly Glentzer, Houston Chronicle

The piece: "Broken Obelisk"

The artist: Barnett Newman

Where: Rothko Chapel reflection pool, 3900 Yupon at Sul Ross

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When: Daily

Why: Because it's Martin Luther King Day. Built in 1967, Barnett Newman's monumental Cor-ten sculpture projects an awesome mix of power and poignance. Legendary art patrons John and Dominique de Menil brought the piece to Houston, matching a government grant for monumental public artworks on condition the sculpture would be placed in King's honor at City Hall's reflection pond. City officials accepted the sculpture and its placement but rejected the dedication. So the de Menils withdrew their offer, purchased the sculpture outright and found a home for it beside the chapel, which opened in 1971. Placing "Broken Obelisk" above a reflection pool was a magnificent gesture that emphasized the work's spirituality. Newman never saw it completed; he died in 1970 of a heart attack, but the sculpture and the chapel have become landmark Houston attractions. There's programming all year, but the Annual Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration is always a highlight. Today's event includes a ceremony to officially mark the return of the sculpture, which is just back from a year in conservation, and a 7 p.m. lecture in the chapel by Leonard Pitts, Jr. entitled "The Fierce Urgency of Now."