Respite 2001

Stephen Antonakos created this construction, "Respite," with neon tubing and plexiglass. The shapes are like the simplest, archetypal building blocks. It's so interesting how they're arranged like an off-kilter ziggurat. I imagine the artist, carefully positioning each geometric form, working with the cool glow of the neon to find balance. Did he think about the way the colors contrast, or the shadows play with the shapes? It reminds me of what Donald Judd was doing. It has a minimalist feel, yet the neon gives it such a warm presence. I'm curious about the word Respite as a title. The effect is like a pause, a moment of calm set against the bright colors. That makes me think of Dan Flavin and the way he uses space. It is an act of generosity to make something to bring some peace into the world. We're all in conversation with each other that way.