This exhibition is the first in New York of Sol LeWitt's "Wall
Paintings." Executed by artisans following written instructions
by the Minimalist maestro, the paintings are a logical
development from his pivotal Conceptual Art project of the '60s,
the "Wall Drawings."
The resulting mural-sized squares in black, white, gray, red,
yellow and blue could hardly find a more effective venue than
the cavernous spaces of Ace, where viewers are dwarfed by
the looming monochromes. One room is painted floor-to-ceiling
in black, matte paint above eye level and glossy below. A clear
horizon line is formed where the contrasting textures meet. In a
certain way these murals bring to mind the elegant simplicity
and sleek geometry of so-called First Style ancient Roman
painting.
In spite of LeWitt's use of severe colors and enormous scale,
however, an element of quiet nostalgia permeates these
paintings. The work evokes a simpler time and place, and
recalls the idealistic promise of Minimalism that now may be
already lost.
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