JUDD, 101 Spring Street, NYC

The Art Girls were recently in NYC for the annual Arts Week. While we were there we visited Donald Judd's recently re-opened studio and home at 101 Spring Street.  Continuing our education on all things Donald Judd, we were excited to visit this space since having visited Marfa a few years ago.

Judd purchased the building, a former textile factory and storefront  in 1968 for $68,000.  He llived and worked here prior to moving west to Marfa in 1974.  The building has undergone a renovation over the past several years.  Despite this, the building seemed as Judd left it, funky floors, old wavy glass windows, beautiful light and art, only now one looks out over the Ben Sherman store instead of the industrial activity of the late 1960s but it definitely kept the flavor of bohemian SoHo.  And oh, the amazing art!  WOW!


(Note:  there were no photos allowed inside the building so I want to fully disclose that most of these pix are from a pack of postcards purchased at 101 Spring Street.)

First floor is an exhibition space, currently seen are 2 of Judd's works but in the day, he often curated works of other artists here.

Second floor is the living space with a kitchen, dining table.  Ad Reinhardt painting on the right.

Third floor was Judd's studio, complete with a Stella protractor series painting on the left.

The fourth floor houses the sleeping area for Judd and a smaller sleeping loft for his children. A Dan Flavin sculpture  runs the length of the entire building. You can also see an early Judd box, an Oldenburg soft sculpture and a very scary Lucas Samaras box right sits right above the pillow. 

The bedroom as seen at night.  Also on view is an early John Chamberlain sculpture far right.

All that minimalism put us in the mood for a crustacean feast.  Good thing Balthazar was only a short walk on Spring Street.  Joining us was our friend and former Marfa citizen, Marella Consollini. 

You can check out more information about Donald Judd at:

http://www.juddfoundation.org/

Donald Judd, Marfa, TX

Our last day in Marfa involved finding someone to guide us through Judd's personal compound.  Here we saw his library, the earliest protypes of signature works, and his personal living space.  It was quite something.

If you want more information about Donald Judd or The Chinati Foundation, go to their website:
www.chinati.org

Chamberlain, Flavin & Judd, Oh My!

Our day at the Chinati Foundation began with a guided tour of the artillery sheds and the 100 aluminum boxes by Donald Judd.  The view of the Texas landscape outside and more Donald Judd works in concrete on the horizon made it a truly breathtaking experience.  We eventually got to rooms of Dan Flavin, Sol Lewitt, Roni Horn (the only woman in the collection), a Soviet era school house installation by Kabakov, a giant horseshoe by Oldenberg, a former horse arena re-designed by Judd complete with his furniture and so much more.  Then we had lunch in town and caught our breath.  We spent the afternoon in a former airplane hanger installed with about 50 John Chamberlain sculptures.  The docent unlocked the door and we had the place all to ourselves. The day far exceeded our wildest imagination and needless to say, we came away with a renewed respect and admiration for Judd and his vision of what an art experience could be.  Here are some highlights.

If you are curious about the art at the Chinati Foundation or want to gain a greater appreciation for Donald Judd and his contemporaries, check out Robert Hughes' segment on Judd from his American Visions television series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgelc5BVQrk&feature=related