Robert Ryman's innovative use of fasteners in his artworks is a notable aspect of his exploration into the materiality of painting and its presentation. This approach underscores Ryman's interest in how paintings interact with the space they occupy, as well as the viewer's engagement with them. From around 1975 until 2003, Ryman often affixed his paintings to the wall using metal brackets, a method that went beyond mere utility to become a significant part of the artwork's aesthetic and conceptual framework.

These metal brackets were not generic or off-the-shelf items but were designed specifically for each piece. Ryman would collaborate with local metals fabricators to construct these brackets, ensuring that they were integral to the artwork itself. This bespoke approach to mounting paintings highlights Ryman's belief that the presentation of art is as crucial as its creation. The brackets did more than hold the painting; they extended the artwork into three dimensions, blurring the lines between painting, sculpture, and installation. This method of presentation invites viewers to consider not just the painted surface but the entirety of the object, including how it relates to the wall it hangs on and the space it inhabits.

The use of fasteners in Ryman's work is reflective of his broader practice, which emphasizes the physical properties of his materials, whether paint, canvas, paper, or the hardware used to display his works. By making the means of display a visible part of his art, Ryman challenges traditional notions of painting as a window into another world, instead presenting it as a physical object that exists in our space and demands to be experienced on its own terms.

Ryman's approach also speaks to his minimalist ethos, where every element of the artwork, including those that might traditionally be hidden or considered merely functional, is given consideration and contributes to the overall impact of the piece. This attention to detail and to the physical presence of the artwork encourages viewers to engage more deeply with the work, to move around it and observe how it occupies its environment. It is a testament to Ryman's meticulous process and his commitment to exploring the essence of painting.

Overall, Ryman's use of fasteners is emblematic of his innovative approach to art-making, which consistently questioned and expanded the boundaries of painting. By integrating the means of mounting as an essential aspect of his artworks, Ryman not only challenged conventional aesthetics but also deepened the dialogue between his works and their spatial contexts​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Kiddle)​.