John McCracken

John McCracken

(B. 1934, Berkeley, CA.)

John McCracken’s planks have always challenged the traditional views of Minimalism, not only due to their almost extravagantly-colored and stick surfaces but also because of the artist’s interest in spiritual phenomena, as embodied in sights such as the Egyptian ruins and Stonehenge. Leaning almost casually against the wall, his planks seem to acknowledge their environment in an anthropomorphic manner. Their refl ective surfaces, in which viewers can see themselves, call attention to the defi ned, physical edges of the work, while creating unexpected depth.

Education:
1957–62, 1964–65 California College of Arts and Crafts, Oakland.

First solo show:
1965 Nicolas Wilder Gallery, L.A.

First group show:
1965 San Francisco Museum of Art, CA.

Recent exhibitions:
2002 Lisson Gallery, London; 2005 Hauser & Wirth, London; 2006 David Zwirner, New York

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