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Progressions

Donald Judd's Progressions are a captivating series of wall sculptures created between 1964 and the 1970s. Each piece in this series shares a similar form but varies in material, reflecting Judd's evolving use of substances over time. These artworks are fundamentally based on simple mathematical sequences, such as the Fibonacci Sequence, showcasing Judd's deep interest in the intersection of art and mathematical order. Judd typically left these works untitled, occasionally appending the term "progression" to their titles, underscoring their conceptual foundation in seriality and mathematical progression.


The works span a range of materials and sizes, from painted and galvanized aluminum to brass, copper, and anodized aluminum, with each piece employing a different mathematical sequence to dictate the progression of its form. For instance, some works embody a sequence where each subsequent box or unit geometrically increases in size from one end to the other, inversely the spaces between them decrease, creating a visually compelling escalation and contraction within a single artwork. This approach not only reflects Judd's minimalist ethos but also his desire to explore and manifest the concept of serial progression in physical form.


Judd's Progressions were not just exercises in mathematical precision; they were also deeply concerned with the viewer's experience of space and form. The sculptures, often made from materials like galvanized iron, brass, copper, and clear or colored anodized aluminum, engage with their environment in a manner that encourages viewers to perceive space differently. The inherent mathematical logic behind these works, derived from sequences like the Fibonacci series or the concept of inverse natural numbers, adds a layer of intellectual engagement, inviting viewers to contemplate the intersection of art, mathematics, and the physical world.


The Chinati Foundation, founded by Judd, has played a significant role in preserving and showcasing these works. Exhibitions at the Foundation have highlighted the variety and depth of the Progressions, underscoring their significance within Judd's oeuvre and their influence on the trajectory of contemporary art. These exhibitions provide a unique opportunity to experience Judd's innovative approach to form, material, and spatial engagement, offering insights into his broader contributions to Minimalist art and his enduring legacy in the art world​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Chinati Foundation)​​ (Chinati Foundation)​.