Inspiring Icons/ Donald Judd

Left: Donald Judd, Shot by Arnold Newman, 1973, Right: Chair

Left: Donald Judd sketch, Right: Chair

Left: Installation, Right: Chair

Left to right: Installation, Chairs, Installation

Left: Installation,  Right: Poster for 1970's exhibition, Leo Castelli, NYC

Left: Studio in Marfa, Texas, Right: Chair

Left: Blue Bookcase, Right: Installation

left: Installation, Right: Print

left: Exterior Installation, Marfa, Texas, Right: Japanese Poster

Donald Judd (1928-1994) did not really want to be known as a minimalist, nobody really likes to be branded I suppose? However he has been associated with that movement. Many would not know this but while I love the layer of objects, my core has always been an appreciation of minimalism. I have always loved the clean and uncomplicated lines of Judd’s work in all mediums. His work in sculpture and furniture is most known

Wikipedia says Judd sought autonomy and clarity for the constructed object and the space created by it, ultimately achieving a rigorously democratic presentation without compositional hierarchy. What does this all mean one might ask, I think largely it is saying that Judd’s work was so purposeful and executed with such vision and determination that his stamp is simply seen without any confusion throughout all his work. It’s a purity that is spell bounding!

To have this vision and for it to resonate with such strong conviction is something as Artists we all strive for, no matter what profession.

Donald spent much of his life and career in New York City where in the late 1960’s he bought a five-story building that allowed him to start placing his work in a more permanent manner than was possible in gallery or museum shows. Over the next 25 years, Judd renovated the building floor by floor, sometimes installing works he purchased or commissioned from other artists.

In 1979 Judd purchased desert land near Marfa, Texas, The first furniture was designed in 1973, when he moved from New York to Marfa. Early furniture was made of rough pine but Judd continually refined the construction. Later he worked in sheet metal. The pieces included chairs, beds, shelves, desks and tables. Desk and Chair (both 1984), made of clear anodised aluminium and copper respectively, demonstrate Judd’s move from hand-crafted forms to embracing methods of industrial manufacture.

You can read more about Donald Judd or purchase some of his furniture at   www.artwareeditions.com or check out www.juddfoundation.org

All photo's credited where possible.