The American artist, a leading figure in Minimal art, often dedicated his works through their titles. The Kunstmuseum Basel is exploring this unique practice.
In broad daylight, it's barely noticeable. You have to wait until nightfall for the installation to reveal itself and illuminate the surrounding space. The work (untitled [in memory of Urs Graf]) consists of four long, vertical neon tubes in pink, yellow, green, and blue, installed in the corners of the courtyard of the Kunstmuseum Basel. It bears the signature of Dan Flavin (1933–1996), the artist inextricably linked to these industrial fluorescent tubes within Minimal art. The installation, created in 1972, was put in place three years later. With this title, the American artist pays homage to the painter, engraver, goldsmith, and mercenary Urs Graf (born in Solothurn in 1485 and who disappeared without a trace in 1529), of whom the Basel institution holds a significant collection. A surprising reference from the leading figure of a movement that rejected any sentimental affiliation. But perhaps not so surprising, since Dan Flavin denied belonging to this minimal art of which he was, despite himself, one of the emblematic representatives.