Date of Birth: April 1, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: November 29, 1996
Biography
Dan Flavin was an American sculptor best known for creating sculptural objects and installations from commercially available fluorescent light fixtures. Born on April 1, 1933, in Jamaica, Queens, New York, Flavin studied for the priesthood for a short period before turning to art. He attended Columbia University and the New School for Social Research, where he studied art and art history. Flavin’s breakthrough came in 1963 with his first installation using fluorescent lights, which became his signature medium. Over his career, he exhibited widely, transforming the perception of light and space in contemporary art. Flavin passed away on November 29, 1996, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.
5 Interesting Facts about Dan Flavin
1. Dan Flavin initially trained to be a priest before deciding to pursue art.
2. His first major work using fluorescent light was titled “The Diagonal of May 25, 1963.”
3. Flavin’s work is part of the permanent collections of major museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.
4. He was a pioneer of Minimalism, using industrial materials to create his art.
5. Flavin’s installations often transform the spaces they inhabit, creating immersive experiences with light.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dan Flavin
1. “It is what it is and it ain’t nothing else.”
2. “One might not think of light as a matter of fact, but I do.”
3. “The real drama of my work lies in the fact that I use light as my primary medium.”
4. “I like art as thought better than art as work. I’ve always maintained this distinction.”
5. “My installations are not about a colored object, but the environment itself.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Dan Flavin’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $3 million at the peak of his career.
Children
Dan Flavin had one child, a son named Stephen Flavin.
Relevant Links
1. [Dan Flavin – ArtNet](https://www.artnet.com/artists/dan-flavin/
2. [Biography – Guggenheim](https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/dan-flavin
3. [Dan Flavin – MoMA](https://www.moma.org/artists/1920
4. [Tate – Dan Flavin](https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/dan-flavin-1103
