Art Talk
Robert Irwin, Twice
Hunter Drohojowska-Philp talks about the importance of being Irwin.
By Hunter Drohojowska-Philp • • 3m ListenOne of the key figures of the phenomenological art movement that emerged in L.A. of 1960s was Robert Irwin. Now 89 years old, he is the subject of two exhibitions, a literally brilliant site- specific installation at Sprüth Magers Gallery in the mid- Wilshire district, and a historical overview at Cal State University Long Beach.
covered. Per his instructions, the dealers removed the panels to let the north light flow through the interior.
Robert Irwin Installation view, Sprüth Magers, Los Angeles, January 23 - April 21, 2018 Courtesy the artist and Sprüth Magers Photo: Robert Wedemeyer
Robert Irwin Installation view, Sprüth Magers, Los Angeles, January 23 - April 21, 2018 Courtesy the artist and Sprüth Magers Photo: Robert Wedemeyer
Robert Irwin Installation view, Sprüth Magers, Los Angeles, January 23 - April 21, 2018 Courtesy the artist and Sprüth Magers Photo: Robert Wedemeyer
Robert Irwin Installation view, Sprüth Magers, Los Angeles, January 23 - April 21, 2018 Courtesy the artist and Sprüth Magers Photo: Robert Wedemeyer
The exhibition was organized by Dr. Matthew Simms, a scholar of Irwin’s work. Simms has brought together models and drawings to demonstrate how the artist has worked over the years in response to the physical and natural conditions of any particular site including his rigorous light-filled installation in Marfa, Texas, commissioned by the Chinati Foundation established by the late Minimalist Donald Judd. The show also documents Irwin’s parallel interest in landscape design including the gardens at the Getty and LACMA.
Robert Irwin. Marfa Color Plan (2002). color pencil on Mylar. Sheet: 30 x 42 inches (76.2 x 106.7 cm). Collection Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Promised gift of L.J. Cella. Photograph: Pablo Mason © 2018 Robert Irwin/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
