Issue c. 1966

William Anastasi made "Issue" from wood; it’s a narrow slice wedged between the wall and the floor. His work is part of a lineage of American artists who questioned the nature of the art object and its place within an institution. This sculpture seems to critique the traditional idea of art as something separate from everyday life. Anastasi's intervention reminds us that art is always situated within a specific environment, both physically and socially. It reflects a broader cultural shift in the United States during the mid-20th century. Artists began challenging the established norms of the art world, questioning the role of galleries and museums. To fully understand "Issue," we might look at artists' writings, exhibition reviews, and other documents that shed light on the debates and discussions that shaped the art world at that time. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.