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1980s
1980s

In the 1980s, Donald Judd's artistic endeavors marked a significant phase characterized by experimentation with color and the continued exploration of form and space. This period is notable for Judd's innovative use of multicolored works, which signified a departure from his earlier practice of limiting his works to one or two colors. The introduction of vibrant and diverse colors into his works was facilitated by his collaboration with Lehni AG, a Swiss manufacturer specializing in aluminum products. This partnership allowed Judd to utilize powder-coated aluminum in a range of colors selected from the RAL color chart, a standard in commercial and industrial applications​ (MOMA)​. During this decade, Judd's approach to the spatial and chromatic aspects of his signature forms underwent a transformation. His engagement with folded aluminum resulted in shallow, outward-facing open boxes that reflected a new level of complexity and depth in his work. Judd aimed to achieve a balance of colors without resorting to patterns or systematic arrangements, expressing a desire for "a multiplicity all at once" that was previously unexplored in his oeuvre. This exploration of color and form was complemented by his ongoing projects in writing, architectural endeavors, and new commissions, demonstrating Judd's multifaceted engagement with the arts​ (MOMA)​. Simultaneously, Judd continued to develop and refine his iconic stacks, boxes, and progressions, maintaining a dialogue between these forms and the surrounding environment. His work during the 1980s exemplifies a mature period in which Judd's foundational ideas about minimalism, materiality, and space were expanded and enriched through new materials and the innovative use of color. This period was also marked by Judd's significant contributions to the fields of architecture and furniture design, further emphasizing the interconnectivity of his artistic vision across different mediums​ (The Art Story)​​ (Wikipedia)​. Judd's work in the 1980s represents a critical juncture in his career, where his established minimalist vocabulary was infused with new energy and vibrancy through the introduction of color and continued experimentation with form. This period reflects Judd's enduring influence on contemporary art, underscoring his role as a pioneering figure in minimalism and his ongoing quest to challenge and redefine the boundaries of art​ (MOMA)​.