Yellow Lines, Not Straight, Not Touching 1978

Sol LeWitt made "Yellow Lines, Not Straight, Not Touching" using ink on paper, a medium more closely related to design and architectural drafting than fine art. This work is driven by a set of instructions. The character of each yellow line is determined by its adherence to LeWitt's concept, and this systematic approach has a compelling effect. The density of the lines creates an almost palpable texture, a tactile quality that invites closer inspection. It’s interesting to note that LeWitt often employed assistants to execute his wall drawings, underscoring the idea that the concept is paramount, not the hand of the artist. This approach challenges traditional notions of artistic skill, repositioning the artist as a conceptualist or coordinator. Ultimately, understanding the meaning of LeWitt's work requires us to move beyond traditional aesthetic criteria. The emphasis is on the idea and the system, and these lines gain their significance from their execution of the artist's idea.