Overview
The Judd Foundation was created to preserve and maintain the work, archives, libraries, and spaces of the artist Donald Judd. This occurs both at his home and studio in New York City and on his properties in Marfa, Texas. The Foundation aims to better understand the work of Donald Judd and the legacy he left behind. It does this through opening up his spaces to the public and promoting further scholarship and educational programs.
Donald Judd
Donald Judd was born in 1928 and served in the United States army in Korea from 1946-47. He went on to study art and philosophy in New York and worked as an art critic. Although he began making paintings, he quickly abandoned the material to instead focus on three dimensional forms. A pioneer of minimalism in the 1960s, Judd focused on the materiality of the objects he used, employing boxes and other shapes to show progression. He used materials such as wood, steel, concrete, plexiglass, to name a few. Eventually, Judd began working with industrial fabricators to assemble the mock ups he drew. In addition to his art, Judd also made furniture and architectural works, as well as an impressive body of writing.
101 Spring Street
Judd became concerned with the idea of permanence. In 1968 bought a five story cast iron building in Manhattan to house permanent installations. The property, 101 Spring Street, is an example of Judd entwining his home with art installations placed throughout the building.
Marfa, Texas
After experimenting with 101 Spring Street, Judd began buying properties in Marfa, Texas in the 1970s. La Mansana de Chinati/The Block, was Judd’s residence and studio. The buildings are some of his first forays into architecture and exhibit his early works in addition to his library. The Studios, Judd’s downtown spaces include an architecture studio, art studio, and The Cobb House and Wythe building. These spaces have Judd’s paintings and furniture plus an extensive collection of work he bought by artists and designers. In addition, Judd created his own museum in Marfa, called The Chinati Foundation. This museum houses a number of large scale permanent installations created by a select group of artists.
Looking Forward
Marfa is currently in the process of renovations which will restore and maintain his spaces. Furthermore, a series of buildings will be finished that Judd wasn’t able to complete in his own lifetime. Tours and visits are available by appointment for the rest of Judd’s Mafa spaces and his 101 Spring Street building.
