Dia: Beacon

The trip to Dia: Beacon was definitely a memorable one for me. The museum was not only at a great location, but was also structured in a very effective way. I really enjoyed the large number of windows within the building, which emphasized the great amount of space and minimalist atmosphere of the rooms in which the artwork was displayed. This trip defintiely gave me a greater appreciation of Conceptual Art. The fact that I could actually get up close to the work and really examine it from different angles really affected the way I felt about each piece.

Three artists' work I especially gained a greater interest in is that of Sol LeWitt, John Chamberlain, Robert Smithson, and Richard Serra. Sol LeWitt's "Drawing Series..." really had me fascinated. I thought it was interesting how he commissioned artists to draw different patterns of lines on the walls of the gallery with such great precision. I just loved how the drawings served as a sort of wallpaper, depicting different values by using varying directions of the same thickness of lines. I also enjoyed how the lines were placed in a series of blocks. Just as I thought how these lines would have been really intriguing if they had been done in color, I discovered the next room that was rendered in colored pencil. I also enjoyed the other wall drawings that portrayed other fascinating, precisely-drawn line patterns.

I really enjoyed John Chamberlain's manipulation of car parts. It amazed me how he was able to band and paint the metal parts into intricate, aesthetic sculptures. I had no idea that car parts could be made into such interesting compositions and interventions. I also really enjoyed his use of color and the glossiness of it. Although Chamberlain's work interested me quite a bit, I would have to say that Robert Smithson's work was my favorite. His use of mirrors and natural materials, such as dirt or gravel were most intriguing. He seemed to have arranged the mirrors in such a way that it really captured the viewer's attention. My favorite of his pieces at the museum was "Atlantic." This piece really captured my attention. The glass could be seen as delicate and fragile, for it was arranged in a certain way, in upright postions, which resembled ice crystals. However, it could also be seen as dangerous and harmful, for broken glass is often seen as a treacherous interevention. It was not only interesting to think about, but was a visually fascinating piece as well.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed the trip to Dia: Beacon. I would definitely go back with a friend or family member to show just how interesting the artwork is. Although I was initially skeptical of the visit, it ended with satisfaction and enlightenment. After seeing it in person, I now have a greater appreciation for Conceptual Art, as well as some newly-favored Conceptual works and artists.