The History
By the 1960's, in North America, there were two up and coming movements. The first was Pop art, which was being spearheaded by Andy Warhol. Then came Minimalism, which was a clear rejection of Everything Pop Art stood for. Minimalism was the counter-culture art movement of the 60's. The movement based itself on creating art that a seamless and industrial looking. While being overshadowed by Pop Art, minimalist still managed to gain notoriety. Unlike its rival movement, Minimalism focused on simple, strong and clean lines. The artist from this movement removed all unnecessary details and kept the colours pure and bold. Many minimalists, such as Dan Flavin, created sculptures and installations. Flavin's most famous works proved to be avant-garde, all while staying true to the structure of minimalism. What set him apart from other minimalist was his choice of material. Dan Flavin chose to work with a material that was made commercially; he worked with fluorescent lights.
THE ART
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Untitled (for you Leo, in long respect and affection) 4
Artist: Dan Flavin (1933, New York City - 1996, Riverhead)
Year: 1978
Material: Pink, green, blue and yellow fluorescent lights
Dimensions: 122 x 122 x 5.1 cm
Location: Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, TX, USA
In 1978, New York based artist, Dan Flavin, created the installation Untitled 4, that he proceeded to dedicate to contemporary art dealer, Leo Castelli. This installation is composed of eight fluorescent lights fixed onto the joining walls of a corner placed at eye level. They are lined up four by four; the first four are evenly placed in a vertical position facing away from the viewer and the other four are position horizontally facing the viewer. The movement in this installation is restricted to the emitting glow of the lights. Moreover, this piece is perfectly symmetric this means it has balance of the installation is evenly distributed. Furthermore, there is a high colour contrast. This contrast is mainly between the colours radiating out from the lights and then from the lights against the dark walls of the room. Also, the pastel-like tones coming from the lights are soft and pleasing to the eye. In addition, when observing this piece for the first time, our eyes will immediately follow the grid that was created by the placement of the fluorescent lights. Further, the installation created by Flavin has made shapes appear, such as the nine squares, formed by the superimposition of the lights. These shapes make this piece more comprehensible because the viewer has a point of reference and will not get lost and confused in abstraction.
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The alternate diagonals of March 2, 1964 (To Don Judd)
Artist: Dan Flavin (1933, New York City - 1996, Riverhead)
Year: 1964
Material: Red and yellow fluorescent lights
Dimensions: 368.3 x 30.5 x 10.2 cm
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Il, USA
The artist behind this installation is Dan Flavin, he completed this piece in 1964 and dedicated it to fellow Minimalism artist Donald Judd. This dedicated piece is composed of three fluorescent lights placed on a 45 degree angle. There are two short red tube-lights placed side by side at the base of the installation and one longer yellow light placed at the extremity of the smaller fixtures, all while following the same axis. This piece contains very little physical movement. However, the light radiating from the tubes creates a soft glow that fade into the dark room. Also, the dark setting of the room intensifies the contrasts of the red and yellow neon tubes. In fact, if one chooses to study the symbolism of the colours used, it can be noticed that yellow is a representation of happiness. Whereas, the red is a symbol structure and power. In fact, these vivid colours can evoke a certain joy and silent strength. Moreover, the components of Flavin’s installation are positioned on one diagonal axis, which allow the piece to be perceived as balanced and cohesive. When observing this piece for the very first time, the viewer’s visual path is directed to the bright yellow and then makes its way down the installation toward the red lights.
Year: 1964
Material: Red and yellow fluorescent lights
Dimensions: 368.3 x 30.5 x 10.2 cm
Location: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Il, USA
The artist behind this installation is Dan Flavin, he completed this piece in 1964 and dedicated it to fellow Minimalism artist Donald Judd. This dedicated piece is composed of three fluorescent lights placed on a 45 degree angle. There are two short red tube-lights placed side by side at the base of the installation and one longer yellow light placed at the extremity of the smaller fixtures, all while following the same axis. This piece contains very little physical movement. However, the light radiating from the tubes creates a soft glow that fade into the dark room. Also, the dark setting of the room intensifies the contrasts of the red and yellow neon tubes. In fact, if one chooses to study the symbolism of the colours used, it can be noticed that yellow is a representation of happiness. Whereas, the red is a symbol structure and power. In fact, these vivid colours can evoke a certain joy and silent strength. Moreover, the components of Flavin’s installation are positioned on one diagonal axis, which allow the piece to be perceived as balanced and cohesive. When observing this piece for the very first time, the viewer’s visual path is directed to the bright yellow and then makes its way down the installation toward the red lights.
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Concluding Notes
To conclude, the minimalist movement in the sixties displayed beauty in a completely different way. It showed society that simplicity could be appealing, if not as appealing as figurative Art. Also, the Minimalism movement expressed that subject matter did not have to be commercial and frivolous, it could be strong and structured and still create an appeal toward the viewer. As the years have gone by, we can notice in our present day society that the population is pulling away from extravagance and is heading toward simplicity. This is demonstrated through fashion, from what is in store to what can be found on the runway, also, in design, but mainly in architecture.