Flavin began to use commercially available fluorescent light tubes in 1963 as a way to bring color and light into three dimensions. For this work, he placed two tubes perpendicular to one another in a corner—a space not typically used to display art. Flavin did not consider his light works to be sculptures, instead calling them “situations” arising from the relationship between the physical object (the fluorescent tubing) and its illuminated surroundings. “One might not think of light as a matter of fact, but I do,” he stated. “And it is . . . as plain and open and direct an art as you will ever find.”

Gallery label from

2024

Medium Fluorescent light and metal fixtures
Dimensions 25 x 25 x 5 3/4" (63.5 x 63.5 x 14.6 cm)
Credit Gift of Philip Johnson
Object number 114.1975
Department Painting & Sculpture

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