Untitled 1971

Robert Irwin's "Untitled" implicates the architecture it inhabits. Irwin often works with everyday materials – in this case, fluorescent lights, scrim, and translucent surfaces. The industrial origins of these materials are key. Irwin isn’t interested in traditional artistic mediums like oil paint or bronze. Instead, he explores the sensory possibilities of the commonplace. Here, light is filtered and diffused, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The effect is achieved through precise arrangement, and the subtle manipulation of the surrounding space. Consider the labor involved. While the materials themselves are mass-produced, their arrangement requires careful calibration and attention to detail. Irwin's work prompts us to reconsider the value we place on different kinds of making, and to recognize the artistry inherent in even the most seemingly mundane materials. Ultimately, Irwin asks us to see the world around us with fresh eyes.