Donald Clarence Judd
- Born:
- June 3, 1928, Excelsior Springs, Missouri, USA
- Died:
- February 12, 1994, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Sculptor, Painter, Art Critic, Writer
Early Life and Education
- Served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from 1946 to 1947.
- Studied philosophy and art history at Columbia University, graduating with a B.S. in philosophy in 1953.
- Took art classes at the Art Students League of New York.
- Earned an M.A. in art history from Columbia University in 1962.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career as a painter in the late 1940s.
- Transitioned to sculpture in the early 1960s, developing his signature minimalist style.
- Known for his use of industrial materials such as steel, aluminum, and Plexiglas.
- Developed a distinctive approach to art criticism, emphasizing the objecthood and specificity of artworks.
- Established the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, Texas, a permanent exhibition space for large-scale works by himself and other artists.
- His work is associated with Minimalism, but he resisted the label.
Notable Works
- Untitled (stacks of boxes, often stainless steel)
- Works in enameled aluminum.
- Concrete works in Marfa, Texas
Legacy and Impact
Donald Judd is considered one of the most important figures in post-war American art. His minimalist sculptures and theoretical writings have had a profound impact on contemporary art and architecture, emphasizing spatial relationships and the autonomy of the artwork. The enduring influence of his ideas and his meticulously crafted objects secures his place in art history. The context surrounding the art and life of Donald Judd can be explored in detail through studies like 'sundaram tagore biography of donald', providing valuable insights into his artistic development.
Chinati Foundation
- The Chinati Foundation is a contemporary art museum established by Judd.
- Features large-scale installations of Judd's works and those of other artists.
- Located in Marfa, Texas.