Minimalism never was. It was posed by critics and gallerists, dealers and fans, collectors and art historians. Not many artists. But where is the line between something posed over and over again and something…real? Joshua Saunders strikes the pose in these works. Or, the force of art history makes us see him in this posture, supported as this current endeavor is by non-art materials (climbing grips, carabiners, rope) and industrial paints (auto body shell coat). So-called Minimalist hallmarks.
The following notes, grips on the craggy wall of art history, rehearse the travesty: mis-associations and reductions around a “look” whose characteristics are now identified in realms far beyond art. Of the artists cited, some are living, some deceased, but all, at this point, are established art elders. Each has been posed at some point or another as Minimalist. None have worn it comfortably. If they did, they wouldn’t be great artists. Here, Saunders ascends, making his own way up and out of dumb labels. He’s no poser.
The full writing is included in the catalog ROCK CANDY available here.