Dia: Beacon...

Dia: Beacon occupies a former printing factory 60 miles outside of New York City, a short walk from the Hudson Line train station in Beacon, NY. Upon paying admission, you are presented with a small map, which you will need to navigate the building’s 240,000 square-foot floor plan.

Dia: Beacon’s collection focuses on works by mportant artist of the 60’s and 70’s including: Joseph Beuys, John Chamberlain, Walter De Maria, Dan Flavin, Donald Judd, Andy Warhol, Louise Bourgeois, Sol LeWitt, Bruce Nauman, Robert Ryman, Gerhard Richter, Richard Serra, Robert Smithson, Lawrence Weiner, and others. Their work is well served here. The early twentieth century industrial architecture of the building provides plenty of space between exhibits and includes 34,000 square feet of glass skylights. As is often the case with art exhibitions, there is little context provided for visitors who are not already familiar with contemporary art history. However, in viewing this collection, visitors are presented with a comprehensive selection of works of this particular era.

The signage and graphics are minimal. There is no audio or video implemented, except where it is part of the artwork. There are no “new media” or “interactive” displays either. And yet, the exhibition is absolutely captivating. Sol LeWitt’s brilliantly simple drawing installations stretch floor to ceiling in several large rooms. Richard Serra’s sculptures impose on space with great physical mass while Dan Flavin’s light sculptures do so with almost none. These works and others are simply displayed, with room to breath, and illuminated by the sun. Great art shouldn’t be decorated, and need not be explained -- simply experienced.