Donald Judd

Date of Birth: June 3, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: February 12, 1994

Biography

Donald Judd was an American artist renowned for his contributions to minimalist art. Born in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Judd initially pursued philosophy and art history before enrolling at the Art Students League of New York. He later earned a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Columbia University. In the 1960s, Judd emerged as a significant figure in the minimalist movement, known for his geometric and three-dimensional works that emphasized simplicity and industrial materials. His groundbreaking approach to art challenged traditional concepts of sculpture and painting. Judd’s pieces often featured clean lines, repetitive structures, and a focus on space and materiality. He established the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, Texas, transforming it into a hub for contemporary art. Donald Judd’s legacy endures through his influential work and the ongoing activities of the foundation.

5 Interesting Facts about Donald Judd

1. Donald Judd initially studied philosophy and art history before fully committing to his art career.

2. He was a significant figure in the minimalist art movement, rejecting traditional art forms for geometric and industrial materials.

3. Judd established the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, Texas, to showcase large-scale installations and contemporary art.

4. His works often emphasize the importance of space, materiality, and the relationship between the artwork and its environment.

5. Judd’s pieces are held in major collections worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Donald Judd

1. “A shape, a volume, a color, a surface is something itself. It shouldn’t be concealed as part of a fairly different whole.”

2. “The simplicity of the material is a positive quality.”

3. “Art is a reality, not an illusion.”

4. “The natural world and its materials are what we are dealing with, and we have to respect that.”

5. “I’m not interested in the kind of expression that you have when you paint a painting with brush strokes. It’s all right, but it’s already done and I want to do something new.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Donald Judd’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Donald Judd had two children, Flavin Starbuck Judd and Rainer Yingling Judd, both of whom have been involved in preserving and promoting their father’s legacy through the Judd Foundation.