An Artist that Doesn't Draw

Is it really possible? An artist that doesn't execute his works?

Sol LeWitt (1928-2007) said that it's the idea that makes the art. By following a set of instructions and often, a diagram created by the artist, a team of trained draftsmen created the "wall drawings" on display at Dia:Beacon. Because the wall drawings are intended to be produced by experts as opposed to the artist himself, LeWitt's working style is likened to be an architect or a composer who conceives of an idea, but does not execute it. LeWitt started the "Conceptual Art" Movement which was popular in the 1960s and 70s.

The picture shows a 4 squares of different designs. His instructions come in the form of a diagram on how the 4 different designs are to be combined and laid out on a huge vertical wall. The end result is actually quite nice, if you can just imagine it a little. Just think of the mount of meticulous work done by the draftsmen., drawn line by line, to fill up the whole wall space.

Here's another one of his instructions: The first drafter draws a not straight vertical line as long as possible. The second drafter draws a line next to the first one, trying to copy it. The third drafter does the same, as do as many drafters as possible. Then the first drafter, followed by the others, copies the last line drawn until both ends of the wall are reached.