In an art world constantly seeking innovation while paying homage to its pillars, L.A. Louver’s latest exhibition is a shining example of this delicate balance. Opening its doors from May 29 through July 20, 2024, the Venice, CA-based gallery is set to showcase a captivating collection of sculptures and paintings by the late Richard Nonas (1936-2021). The exhibit aims to cast a spotlight on an influential figure in contemporary art, bridging Minimalism and Post-Minimalism through his unique approach to materiality and space.
Before Nonas redefined the parameters of sculpture, he spent nearly a decade in Mexico as an anthropologist. This experience profoundly impacted his artistic vision, particularly through his observations of the Tohono O’odham people. He noted their experiential relationship with objects within their environment, a concept that became the bedrock of his work. In Nonas’s universe, ordinary materials like wood, stone, and metal aren’t just physical entities but bearers of deep historical narratives and spatial significance. Unlike the pristine simplicity championed by contemporaries like Donald Judd, Nonas’s works carry with them the imperfections and stories of their provenance, closely aligning him with Richard Serra’s emphasis on site-specificity and the dynamic interplay between object, viewer, and venue.
The ambiguity in Nonas’s work is palpable, with his sculptures demanding interaction while allowing the viewer complete freedom in their engagement. This open-endedness, coupled with the geometric nature of his creations, facilitates a deeper contemplation of our own placement within a continuum of context and history. It’s not just about observing; it’s about being present and conscious of the intricate web of connections we inhabit.
Adding another layer to this rich tapestry are Nonas’s paintings on paper, which stand as iconic echoes of his sculptural pieces. These works, debuting in this exhibition, share a dialog with the sculptures, albeit in a more abstract form. The use of bold colors and deliberate spatial confusion elevates the conversation between object and environment, substance and void.
Having been a pivotal figure in the art scene since the mid-1960s, Nonas’s contributions are far-reaching. He was part of a daring collective of artists and curators who ventured beyond traditional galleries to showcase their work, marking his presence in the inaugural exhibition at P.S.1 (now MoMA PS1) in 1976. His extensive exhibition history includes prestigious venues in the U.S. and abroad, with notable recent installations at FiveMyles, Brooklyn; Musée Gassendi, Digne-les-Bains, France; and MAMCO Geneve, Switzerland, among others.
This upcoming exhibition at L.A. Louver not only commemorates Richard Nonas’s remarkable contributions to art but also introduces his first comprehensive monograph. This publication, featuring insights from notable critics and historians including Dieter Schwarz, Jan Meissner, Fabien Faure, and Richard Shiff, will be available for purchase, providing attendees and art enthusiasts a deeper understanding of Nonas’s enduring impact.
As we approach the exhibition’s opening, L.A. Louver prepares to offer visitors a profound exploration of Richard Nonas’s enduring legacy. Through his evocative sculptures and paintings, attendees will be invited into a dialogue with the past, present, and the spaces in between—a fitting tribute to an artist who lived to challenge the very notion of space and material.
