Wall Drawing 822

Sol LeWitt

Wall Drawing 822

Description

Wall Drawing 822 was first created for a 1997 exhibit at the Ace Gallery at which Sol LeWitt executed wall drawings in paint for the first time. The works shown were monochrome murals, few of which contained the lines and geometric shapes that dominated LeWitt’s earlier works. In Wall Drawing 822 the artist introduced a new form to his vocabulary – an undulating line that divides the wall in half horizontally. The two halves are distinguished by different finishes – one matte and the other glossy. The draftsmen achieved the glossy finish by applying a shiny varnish over the black paint.

Backstory

To execute the curvy line, the draftsmen first create a grid out of string. The grid, which includes a horizontal line that runs through the center of the wall, acts as a guide to show the draftsmen where to plot various points along the wave. Once plotted, the draftsmen connect these points using a flexible foam stick as a guide. The stick bends to create an even curve, which is traced.

Details

Work Date:
April 1997
Medium:
Acrylic paint
Credit Line:
Courtesy of the Estate of Sol LeWitt