John Baldessari
1931-2020
The notion “artistic universalist” is the most appropriate one to characterize John Baldessari. Originally starting from painting, during his life he addressed to different new techniques and xpresive means, like photography, video performances, collage, cut-ups and concert art. Aiming to continuously reinvent himself, in 1970 he took the most radical step possible: in “Cremation Project” he burnt the majority of his works that appeared before 1966. The urns with the ashes of his works later became an important part of his exhibitions. He wasn’t less provocative on the artistic stage either as he allowed students to write "I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art" on walls in 1971. Nowadays he is counted to the most innovative and influential artists of his time. His works were presented in more than 200 individual exhibitions and in more than 1000 joint exhibitions in the most important art centers of world. He studied in California Institute of the Arts and in the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2009 he got the Golden Lion on the Biennale in Venice for his lifetime achievements.
The notion “artistic universalist” is the most appropriate one to characterize John Baldessari. Originally starting from painting, during his life he addressed to different new techniques and xpresive means, like photography, video performances, collage, cut-ups and concert art. Aiming to continuously reinvent himself, in 1970 he took the most radical step possible: in “Cremation Project” he burnt the majority of his works that appeared before 1966. The urns with the ashes of his works later became an important part of his exhibitions. He wasn’t less provocative on the artistic stage either as he allowed students to write "I Will Not Make Any More Boring Art" on walls in 1971. Nowadays he is counted to the most innovative and influential artists of his time. His works were presented in more than 200 individual exhibitions and in more than 1000 joint exhibitions in the most important art centers of world. He studied in California Institute of the Arts and in the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2009 he got the Golden Lion on the Biennale in Venice for his lifetime achievements.
