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2000s
2000s

Sean Scully's art in the 2000s is a testament to his ongoing evolution as an artist, marked by significant explorations into geometric abstraction, emotional depth, and an expanded use of materials. Throughout this decade, Scully continued to refine his distinctive approach to abstraction, characterized by the interplay of color, form, and texture, which has established him as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. One of the defining series of Scully's career, the "Wall of Light" series, continued to evolve during this period. Exhibited widely, including at prestigious venues such as The Phillips Collection in Washington D.C. and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, this series is celebrated for its complex layering of colors and the emotive power of its abstract compositions. These works, inspired by Scully's travels to Mexico and his fascination with the interplay of light on ancient stone walls, are characterized by blocks of colors arranged in horizontal and vertical groupings. They manifest Scully's interest in the elemental interaction of light, structure, and color, reflecting a deep engagement with the landscapes that inspire him​ (Wikipedia)​. In addition to his paintings, Scully's work in the 2000s expanded to include a notable project in Barcelona, Spain. The Santa Cecilia project marked a significant point in his career, involving the restoration of the thousand-year-old Santa Cecilia de Montserrat chapel with a permanent 22-piece installation. This ambitious work included abstract painting, frescoes, stained glass windows, and even metal-cast candlesticks, showcasing Scully's versatile approach to different mediums and materials. The project, described by Scully as the most "significant and important" work of his career, underscores his ability to imbue geometric abstraction with profound emotional and spiritual depth​ (The Art Story)​. Moreover, Scully explored the sculptural dimension of his art with works like "Boxes of Air" (2015), a monumental sculpture constructed from a series of empty boxes in Cor-Ten steel. This work further demonstrates Scully's interest in the interaction between form, light, and space, emphasizing the materiality and physical presence of his art. The sculpture, intended to contain blocks of light, resonates with the themes present in his paintings, bridging the gap between two-dimensional and three-dimensional artistic expressions​ (The Art Story)​. Scully's art in the 2000s reflects a period of rich creative activity and experimentation, marked by a deepening of his engagement with the themes of light, structure, and emotional resonance. Through his paintings, installations, and sculptures, Scully continues to push the boundaries of abstraction, offering viewers a profound and nuanced exploration of color, form, and texture. His work from this decade cements his status as a leading figure in contemporary art, capable of translating the universal aspects of human experience into the language of abstract art.

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