Date of Birth: September 9, 1928
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: April 8, 2007
Biography
Sol LeWitt was an influential American artist whose work played a pivotal role in the development of both Minimalism and Conceptual Art. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, LeWitt attended Syracuse University where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1949. He then moved to New York City, working as a graphic designer for architect I. M. Pei and later at the Museum of Modern Art, where he met other young artists and absorbed the vibrant art scene. LeWitt is best known for his wall drawings and “structures” (a term he preferred over “sculptures”), which are based on a set of instructions that could be carried out by others, emphasizing the idea over the execution. His work often involved geometric forms and a systematic approach, reflecting his belief that the concept or idea behind a work of art was more important than its physical realization. Throughout his career, LeWitt’s work was exhibited in major galleries and museums worldwide, and he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to contemporary art.
5 Interesting Facts about Sol LeWitt
1. Sol LeWitt’s first solo exhibition was held at the John Daniels Gallery in New York in 1965.
2. He created over 1,200 wall drawings during his lifetime, which were executed by other artists following his detailed instructions.
3. LeWitt’s “Sentences on Conceptual Art” (1969) is considered a foundational text in the Conceptual Art movement.
4. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1997 by President Bill Clinton.
5. LeWitt was a pioneer in the idea of art as a form of communication, often involving others in the realization of his works.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sol LeWitt
1. “The idea becomes a machine that makes the art.”
2. “When an artist learns his craft too well he makes slick art.”
3. “Conceptual artists are mystics rather than rationalists. They leap to conclusions that logic cannot reach.”
4. “The artist’s will is secondary to the process he initiates from idea to completion.”
5. “If you follow the artist’s instructions, that is the work of art.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
The highest net worth achieved by Sol LeWitt is estimated to be around $20 million at the time of his death.
Children
Sol LeWitt had two daughters, Sofia LeWitt and Eva LeWitt.
Relevant Links
1. [Sol LeWitt Biography – Guggenheim Museum](https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/sol-lewitt
2. [Sol LeWitt – MoMA](https://www.moma.org/artists/3412
3. [Sol LeWitt Wall Drawings – MASS MoCA](https://massmoca.org/sol-lewitt/
4. [Sol LeWitt Foundation](https://www.lewittfoundation.org/
5. [Artworks and Analysis – The Art Story](https://www.theartstory.org/artist/lewitt-sol/
