Donald Judd: The Multicolored Works

A 2013 exhibition at St. Louis’s Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts showcased a series of Donald Judd’s obscure and multicolored boxes. In this gorgeous volume, curator Stockebrand goes beyond just that exhibition and examines the history, manufacturing, and meaning of all of the late artist’s multicolored works. The book presents 135 photos of those multicolored pieces, along with essays examining the meaning of Judd’s patterns and form. The book expertly catalogues the precise colors Judd used and indexes each piece to give a full picture of Judd’s production. Stockebrand traces the history of how Judd conceived of and created the floor pieces and wall pieces, and the book includes facsimiles of Judd’s early sketches and notes for the project. Unlike Judd’s more austere work, these bright rectangles shine in contrast to white walls and monotone surroundings. At first glance the color patterns appear to be random, but a closer examination reveals subtle patterns and a series of “two-color monochromes.” Judd’s own essay on color is invaluable and pairs neatly with the photographs. With this elegant book, Judd’s multicolored works receive the thoughtful attention and recognition they deserve. (Dec.)