John Baldessari's 1973 series Throwing Three Balls in the Air to Get a Straight Line (Best of Thirty-Six Attempts) is a fascinating exploration of chance, performance, and the conceptual boundaries of art. This work, like much of Baldessari's oeuvre, operates within the realm of conceptual art, where the idea behind the work is as significant as the physical object itself. Baldessari's method involved the simple act of throwing three balls into the air and attempting to photograph them aligned in a straight line. This process, governed by the unpredictability of chance, yielded a collection of images that stand as a testament to Baldessari's playful yet profound engagement with the medium of photography and the concept of artistic creation itself.

The series is notable for its experimental nature and its embrace of randomness and spontaneity. Baldessari's approach to this work was indicative of his broader artistic philosophy, which often involved setting up systems or games with specific rules but leaving the outcome to chance. The photographs in the series are offset lithographs on cream, clay-coated wove paper, each measuring 9 5/8 x 12 3/4 inches. They were created in a context where Baldessari was questioning and expanding the limits of what could be considered art, often through the use of simple, everyday actions or objects​ (Marble Explore)​​ (Artspace)​.

Baldessari's contributions to conceptual art and his innovative use of photography were part of a larger exploration of art's possibilities. By the early 1970s, he had already made a significant mark on the art world, not only through his works but also as an influential figure at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). His teachings and philosophies helped shape a generation of artists, including notable figures of the "Pictures Generation." Baldessari's art was deeply influenced by Marcel Duchamp, emphasizing the importance of the idea behind the artwork and engaging the viewer's mind over their visual perception. This approach led Baldessari to create works that defy easy categorization, spanning a variety of mediums and styles, from video and sculpture to text and photography​ (Artspace)​.

Throwing Three Balls in the Air to Get a Straight Line is emblematic of Baldessari's playful interrogation of artistic processes and his willingness to embrace the absurd and the serendipitous. It reflects a moment in art history when artists were actively dismantling traditional notions of art-making and the role of the artist, situating Baldessari as a pivotal figure in the transition toward a more conceptual and process-oriented art practice. This work, with its combination of whimsy and rigorous conceptual underpinnings, captures the essence of Baldessari's impact on contemporary art, demonstrating his unique ability to blend humor with a deep inquiry into the nature of art​ (Aperture)​.