In the 1960s, American artist Sol LeWitt revolutionised the definition of contemporary art by presenting the simple but radical idea that a work of art’s concept is more important than its form. LeWitt challenged our ways of seeing and thinking about art. Seen by many as a pivotal figure in twentieth-century American art, LeWitt’s ideas and practices continue to impact a wide range of artists from around the world. A LeWitt wall drawing will be the centre of this exhibition. This will be the first public LeWitt wall drawing developed and exhibited in Victoria since 1977.
Presented alongside the Sol LeWitt wall drawing, this exhibition will showcase the work of an established nucleus of international artists who worked closely with LeWitt during his career: Irene Barberis (AUS), John Hogan (USA), Fransje Killaars (NLD), Janet Passehl (USA), Wilma Tabacco (AUS); with a group of invited contemporary Australian artists: Jonas Balsaitis, Emma Coulter, Sarah Duyshart, Robert Hunter, Robin Kingston, Simon Klose, Sara Lindsay, Jordan Mitchell-Fletcher, Kerrie Poliness, Antonia Sellbach, Jacqueline Stojanović, David Thomas and Anne Scott Wilson.
'The Concentric Influences of Sol LeWitt: Foundations, Pivots and Place' emerges from the long-term friendship and mentorship between Barberis (RMIT School of Art) and LeWitt. Barberis met LeWitt in New York in 1974 and remained close friends with him and his family until his death in 2007. Through the generosity of the LeWitt family, she was granted residencies in his American and Italian studios. She became the first artist, outside the family, to work in his Chester studio twelve years after his passing, developing new work while systematically documenting the material and conceptual traces of his practice. In 2022, she published the only comprehensive documentary record of LeWitt’s Chester studio.
The research undertaken during Barberis’s residencies forms the conceptual and archival foundation of the project. This exhibition inaugurates the ‘Part 2’ phase of the project, extending the five completed ‘core artists’ exhibitions into a second international cycle bringing together artists, curators and institutions. Project curator, Barberis works in close collaboration with the core artists who are foundational to its evolving structure. The LeWitt family have generously granted a unique LeWitt wall drawing for each of these latter exhibitions.
Through exhibitions, publications and sustained archival development, this project establishes robust frameworks for cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge exchange. Each iteration draws together LeWitt’s legacy within distinct regional contexts, extending the understanding of his influence within new cultural and conceptual narratives.
Curated by Irene Barberis with Helen Rayment.
The Sol LeWitt wall drawing is generously loaned by the LeWitt family and Estate.
This exhibition is presented by RMIT University at RMIT Gallery.
Graphic design by Zennie McLoughlin.
11am - 5pm Tuesday to Friday
12pm - 4pm Saturday
Closed on public holidays
RMIT Galleries is delighted to present 'The Concentric Influences of Sol LeWitt: Foundations, Pivots and Place.' You are invited to celebrate the opening of this exhibition, which positions Australia at the centre of an ambitious global dialogue on conceptual art, influence and the circulation of ideas.
'The Concentric Influences of Sol LeWitt: Foundations, Pivots and Place' positions Australia at the centre of an ambitious global dialogue on conceptual art, influence and the circulation of ideas. Instigated and directed by Dr Irene Barberis, the project demonstrates how Australian scholarship and curatorial innovation can actively shape international discourse surrounding one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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