Book: Object Lessons: Case Studies in Minimal Art—The Guggenheim Panza Collection Initiative (2021)

Posted on Mon, 07/12/2021 - 14:12

The Guggenheim is pleased to announce the release of Object Lessons: Case Studies in Minimal Art—The Guggenheim Panza Collection Initiative. Based upon the research of the Panza Collection Initiative, an ambitious, 10-year study project, Object Lessons focuses on four works by key figures of 1960s Minimal and Conceptual art: Dan Flavin, Donald Judd, Robert Morris, and Lawrence Weiner. Each work is presented from multiple vantages, and the book’s authors explore how a previously unaddressed history of production, ownership, and display has deeply influenced the life and legacy of these radical examples of Minimal and Conceptual art. A separate section examines the topic of decommission, a new category of collection classification for works that are contested or compromised and are therefore no longer viable for display. Throughout, the book is copiously illustrated with photographs of the works, the exhibitions in which they appeared, and related drawings and proposals from scores of archives and other sources. Rounding out this volume are extensive excerpts of new interviews with artists and fabricators, key historical documents, and previously unpublished correspondence. Object Lessons is published by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and authored by Francesca Esmay, Conservator; Ted Mann, Consulting Associate Curator; and Jeffrey Weiss, former Senior Curator. It includes a preface by Nancy Spector, former Artistic Director and Deputy Director; and Lena Stringari, Deputy Director and Chief Conservator, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum; and additional texts by Martha Buskirk, Professor of Art History and Criticism, Montserrat College of Art; and Virginia Rutledge, art historian and attorney. The hardcover volume, priced at $55, is available at guggenheim.org/publications. Read more.