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2000s
2000s

In the 2000s, Frank Stella's work continued to evolve, pushing the boundaries between painting, sculpture, and architecture even further. This period in Stella's career is marked by his innovative use of technology and continued exploration of three-dimensional forms, as well as his engagement with architectural projects. During this era, Stella became increasingly involved in creating sculptures and architectural structures, reflecting his interest in the spatial dynamics of art. For instance, his work "Prinz Friedrich von Homburg, Ein Schauspiel, 3X" (1998-2001), a monumental sculpture installed outside the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., demonstrates his ability to create large-scale, complex structures that incorporate the visual lexicon of his earlier painterly reliefs​ (The Art Story)​. Stella's engagement with architectural thought was evident in exhibitions like "Frank Stella: Painting into Architecture" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This exhibition highlighted how architectural thought has informed Stella's work since the late 1950s and showcased his more recent forays into designing structures and conceiving buildings. Despite the ambition of his architectural projects, none had yet been realized, although he came close with proposals for museums, garden complexes, and public structures​ (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)​. The 2000s also saw Stella embracing new technologies, such as computer modeling, to produce intricate stand-alone star-shaped sculptures, which were often monochrome or metallic, with various textures and forms​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Art in Context)​. These works underscore Stella's ongoing fascination with geometric forms and his desire to explore the limits of abstraction and representation. Stella's influence and legacy, recognized through retrospectives and continued critical acclaim, affirm his position as a significant figure in contemporary art. His work from the 2000s, characterized by a blend of artistic disciplines and innovative approaches, reflects a career that is as dynamic and multifaceted as the artworks he creates. Through his explorations in painting, sculpture, and architecture, Stella continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of visual art​ (Whitney Museum of American Art)​​ (Encyclopedia Britannica)​.