Skip to main content
1960s
1960s

The 1960s marked a significant and transformative period in Dan Flavin's career, solidifying his place in the art world through his innovative use of fluorescent light. This decade saw Flavin transition from traditional mediums to embrace industrial materials, leading to the development of his signature style. His journey into the realm of light as a medium began in earnest in 1961 with the creation of the "Icons" series, which combined painted surfaces with mounted fluorescent tubes. However, it was in 1963 that Flavin made a groundbreaking shift with "The Diagonal of May 25, 1963 (to Constantin Brâncuși)," a single gold fluorescent light placed on a diagonal on the wall, dedicating this work to the sculptor Brâncuși. This piece is considered Flavin's first mature work and marks the beginning of his exclusive use of commercially available fluorescent light as a medium​ (Wikipedia)​. Throughout the 1960s, Flavin refined his approach, focusing on the possibilities of light and color to transform spaces and create immersive environments. His works from this period are characterized by their minimalist aesthetic, utilizing straight fluorescent tubes in various colors and configurations to explore spatial relationships and the perceptual effects of light. These installations, often site-specific, emphasized the experiential aspect of art, inviting viewers to engage with the space altered by the subtle yet profound play of light and shadow. By confining himself to a limited palette of colors and form, Flavin was able to investigate the sculptural and spatial potentials of light with a rigorous conceptual approach​ (Wikipedia)​. Flavin's exhibitions during the 1960s, such as his first one-person show at the Green Gallery in New York in 1964 and his participation in "Primary Structures" at the Jewish Museum in 1966, played a crucial role in the emergence and development of Minimalist art. These shows provided a platform for Flavin and his contemporaries to present a new form of art that eschewed traditional artistic materials and methods, focusing instead on the idea that the art object could be a conduit for experience rather than a representational or narrative medium. By the end of the decade, Flavin had established himself as a key figure in what would come to be known as Minimalism, known for his innovative and experiential use of industrial fluorescent lighting to create art that was both visually striking and conceptually rigorous​ (Wikipedia)​. The 1960s were a pivotal decade for Dan Flavin, marking his transition to the use of light as his primary medium and laying the groundwork for his future explorations of space, color, and perception. His work during this period not only challenged traditional notions of sculpture and installation but also contributed significantly to the development of Minimalism and Conceptual art, highlighting the potential of simple, everyday materials to create profound artistic experiences.

Loading animation