Primary Atmospheres: Works from California 1960-1970 by Brian Fichtner
Those visiting New York this Valentine’s weekend, get yourselves down to Chelsea for the closing day of “Primary Atmospheres” at David Zwirner Gallery.
The exhibition presents a host of minimalist work created in and around Los Angeles in the 1960s from artists Peter Alexander, Larry Bell, Laddie John Dill, Robert Irwin, Craig Kaufman, John McCracken, Helen Pashgian, James Turrell, De Wain Valentine and Doug Wheeler.
During the mid-’60s, Californian art took on a minimalist feel with artists leaning towards a distinct West Coast sensibility – a period often referred to as “Light and Space”. This proto-movement was shaped by the unique atmosphere of southern California, with its bright light, shimmering automobiles and boundless aspiration.
At the same time, new advances in plastics and applied paints influenced the way artists made these works. Cutting-edge materials and processes, such as fiberglass reinforced polyester, cast polyester resin, and vacuum coated glass, led to astonishing surfaces and contributed to the moniker “Finish Fetish.” These revolutionary materials suffused works with rich color and reflective qualities, wholly capturing the vibrant nature of the time.
For the full blog post, see: http://www.coolhunting.com/archives/2010/02/primary_atmosph.php
