François de Menil, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C; is Principal and founder of FdM:Arch, an internationally acclaimed architecture firm. He is also a filmmaker. One of his first films, “Hanging Max Ernst,” follows his mother, Dominique de Menil, during the planning and hanging of the 1973 Max Ernst exhibition at the Rice Media Center through the opening night party. Three other films capture each of Mark di Suvero, Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely in conversation and at work in his or her personal and unique environment. The last film, “The Rothko Chapel,” features conversations with Dominique and John de Menil, architect Howard Barnstone and others on the inspiration and creation of the Rothko Chapel.
(Spring 2005)