Bruce Nauman: Neons Corridors Rooms

This monograph showcases the latest compilation of Bruce Nauman's spatial and architectural works, highlighting the contrast between perceptual and physical experience through neon, corridors, and room installations. It includes commissioned essays and photographic documentation of the exhibition at Pirelli HangarBicocca in Milan.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2022
Publisher: Marsilio

Published in conjunction with the exhibition at Pirelli HangarBicocca in Milan, this monograph presents the most up-to-date compilation of the spatial and architectural works of New Mexico-based artist Bruce Nauman (born 1941). Through his neon, corridor, and room installations, Nauman accentuates the contrast between the perceptual and physical experience of space. Perception itself can be interpreted as the subject matter of his work; the aesthetic experience of entering a narrow corridor or an empty room flooded with neon light supersedes the art "objects" in the viewers experience. The volume includes newly commissioned essays on Nauman's conceptual developments and formal variations by scholars, conservators, and curators such as Joan Simon, Francesca Esmay, and Gloria Sutton, and a text by the exhibition curators. Alongside rich photographic documentation of the show, the publication also features entries for the 30 works on display written by researchers from international institutions.

Introduction:
Bruce Nauman is a renowned American multimedia pioneer who has made significant contributions to the field of spatial and architectural art. His works often explore the boundaries between perception and physical reality, challenging the traditional understanding of art as static objects. Through his innovative use of neon, lighting, and space, Nauman creates immersive and experiential environments that blur the lines between the viewer and the artwork.

Spatial and Architectural Works:
The monograph showcases a comprehensive collection of Nauman's spatial and architectural works, spanning from his early experiments with neon and light installations to his more recent projects. The exhibition at Pirelli HangarBicocca in Milan provides a platform for the display of these works, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the artist's unique vision.

Contrast between Perception and Physical Experience:
One of the central themes of Nauman's work is the contrast between perception and physical experience. He uses neon, lighting, and space to create environments that are visually stimulating and tactile, encouraging viewers to engage with the space in a new way. Nauman's installations often create a sense of disorientation and confusion, as the viewer is forced to navigate through complex and often bewildering spaces.

Aesthetic Experience:
Nauman's installations are not merely visual experiences; they are also sensory experiences. The use of neon light, in particular, creates a unique aesthetic experience that is both captivating and disorienting. The bright, pulsating lights create a sense of movement and energy, while the narrow corridors and rooms create a sense of enclosure and claustrophobia.

Conceptual Developments:
The monograph includes newly commissioned essays on Nauman's conceptual developments and formal variations. Scholars, conservators, and curators explore the artist's use of neon, lighting, and space, as well as his exploration of themes such as identity, perception, and the body. The essays provide valuable insights into Nauman's artistic process and his contributions to the field of spatial and architectural art.

Photographic Documentation:
The publication includes rich photographic documentation of the exhibition at Pirelli HangarBicocca. The photographs capture the scale and complexity of Nauman's installations, as well as the sensory experience they create. The images provide a visual record of the show, allowing viewers to revisit the exhibition and explore the works in greater detail.

Contributions to the Field:
Bruce Nauman's spatial and architectural works have had a significant impact on the field of art. His innovative use of neon, lighting, and space has challenged traditional notions of what art can be and how it can be experienced. Nauman's installations have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and his work has been celebrated for its ability to engage viewers on a sensory and conceptual level.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this monograph presents the most up-to-date compilation of the spatial and architectural works of Bruce Nauman. Through his innovative use of neon, lighting, and space, Nauman creates immersive and experiential environments that challenge the boundaries between perception and physical reality. The volume includes newly commissioned essays on Nauman's conceptual developments and formal variations, as well as rich photographic documentation of the exhibition at Pirelli HangarBicocca. Bruce Nauman's spatial and architectural works have had a significant impact on the field of art, and this monograph provides a valuable insight into his artistic process and contributions to the field.

Dimension: 298 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9791254630136