Sol LeWitt's "Scribbles" series encapsulates a significant evolution in his artistic practice, particularly evident in his later works. This series, including pieces such as "Wall Drawing #1187, Scribbles: Curves" from 2005, showcases LeWitt's exploration into the dynamic interplay between form and perception through the accumulation of simple graphite scribbles to create complex visual experiences. The meticulous layering of scribbles in varying densities results in works that oscillate between flatness and depth, illustrating LeWitt's interest in how minimalistic gestures can generate a profound sense of space and movement (The Museum of Modern Art).
LeWitt's approach to the "Scribbles" series was emblematic of his broader conceptual art principles, where the idea or concept behind the work held primacy over its physical execution. The works were realized by others following his instructions, which he likened to the relationship between a composer and musicians, offering room for both to make their own statements within the framework of the original concept. This methodology underscores the performative aspect of creating art, where the process of execution unfolds over time, reflecting a deliberate engagement with the materials and the concept (The Museum of Modern Art).
This series was featured prominently in the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in a comprehensive retrospective that opened in 2008 and is slated to remain until 2033. This exhibition covers nearly an acre of space and celebrates the vast scope of LeWitt's work, including his prolific output of wall drawings. The "Scribbles" are part of this significant collection, highlighting LeWitt's innovative approach to creating art that bridges the gap between conceptual planning and physical realization (MASS MoCA) (Phillips).
In another exhibition titled "Sol LeWitt – Scribbles" in 2012 at the Madre Museum in Naples, LeWitt's scribble drawings were specifically created for the event and have since become part of the museum's collection. These works were selected and designed by LeWitt in 2007, making them among the last cycle of works he dedicated himself to before his death. Unlike his earlier wall drawings that sought to render the drawing as two-dimensional as possible, the "Scribbles" aim to detach from the wall, creating an illusionistic effect through dense and shadowy lines. This evolution in LeWitt's practice from flatness to illusionistic depth demonstrates his ongoing experimentation with the perception of space and form (Madre Napoli).
LeWitt's "Scribbles" series, with its emphasis on simplicity, process, and conceptual rigor, continues to resonate within the art world, illustrating the enduring impact of his ideas on contemporary art practice.
