Dan Flavin was a pioneer of minimalism who rejected traditional art materials and used fluorescent lights as his medium. He stripped art down to its essential form and focused on light as both an object and his source of illumination. He was Influenced by Abstract expressionism, Dada, and Russian Constructivism.

His only materials were commercial Fluorescent Light Tubes in different colors and sizes (2, 4, 6, or 8 feet long) and electrical fixtures to power and light his exhibits. He installed his work into walls, ceilings, and floors integrating them into the architectural setting including corners, corridors, and entire rooms, focusing on the Interaction of light and environment which he felt was important while the viewer experiences the art.

He used a minimalistic approach with repeated light tubes and patterns arranged in a grid or simple geometric patterns and kept his art as a balanced and rhythmic visual experience. The light tubes were used as sculptures that are both the object and subject of his work. He designed his art to emit colored light into the space, changing the appearance of the space and reflecting onto surfaces creating a glow, and in some cases using mixed colors to blend together while Introducing an element of motion which changes based on angle of observation. Many works were designed to be site-specific and positioned to maximize the impact of light diffusion and interaction with the room while altering visual depth, shadows, and spatial perception.

Some of his works include

The Diagonal of May 25, 1963 (to Constantin Brancusi)1963

This was Flavin’s first use of light as art and mature work. He installed it at a 45-degree angle to emit a soft glow. Its position changes how the surrounding walls and floor are perceived allowing viewers to experience perception changes depending on their position and angle.

an artificial barrier of blue, red and blue fluorescent light (to Flavin Starbuck Judd), 1968

Flavin was inspired by a large barrier on a home and this was one of his “Site-situational” installations that uses the architectural angles and full space of the room. This piece focuses on the spatial points of intersection of the entryway as the starting point for the work and emphasizes potential endless repeatability through the serial placement of the units in light and space.

Untitled (to you, Heiner, with admiration and affection) 1973 

Similiar to the artificial barrier this piece changes the viewers perception of space through a fence of light to divide the room. When staying in the room, the intense green light fades to white as the eyes compensate. Additionally, when leaving the room, the view sees rose tones as their eyes compensate for the extreme color, bringing the experience of the art outside the installation room.

Untitled (to my dear bitch, Airily) 1981

This piece consists of fluorescent tubes arranged in a grid patter casing colorful lights on the walls and ceiling. The tubes are strategically placed at varying angles and heights creating shadows. It creates “barred corridors” by using “corners,” “barriers,” and “corridors” to re-conceptualize the sculpture in relation to space.

Untitled (to Tracy, to celebrate the love of a lifetime) 1992

This is a permanent installation built into the architecture of the Guggenheim museum. He chose to use pink, green, blue, yellow, daylight, red and ultraviolet fluorescent lights to flood the space with glowing radiant color creating an immersive experience. The viewers experience changes depending on angle of observation and time spent creating a constantly changing environment.

Santa Maria Anunciata Church (Interior) 1996

This was a site-specific piece for a church in Milan and Flavin’s last work as it was completed 2 days before his death. He used green, pink, blue, and golden hues to outline the church , creating harmony and emphasizing its structure. He draws attention to the classical architecture and geometric forms and transforms a sacred space into a modern art environment blending minimalism with the historical and religious elements evoking emotion.

Works Cited

https://magazine.artland.com/top-10-light-art-artists-in-the-modern-and-contemporary-art/
https://www.davidzwirner.com/exhibitions/2021/exceptional-works-dan-flavin
https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/1308
https://www.thecollector.com/dan-flavin/
https://www.thecollectohttps://www.dailyartmagazine.com/dan-flavin-art-is-thought-and-fluorescent-lights/

https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/dan-flavin-art-is-thought-and-fluorescent-lights/