Dan Flavin

1933 - 1996

Born in New York (), died in New York ().

Dan Flavin is a fundamental figure of Minimal Art, famous for constellations of standard-issue neon lamps, usually Untitled (but dedicated in brackets to artists, critics or friends). Opulent and deliberately transitory, his light pieces are now expensive commodities whose owners struggle to prolong the lifespan of obsolete strips or bulbs. Flavin said: ‘These “monuments” only survive as long as the light system is useful, 2100 hours.’ The exhibited corner piece subtly subverts our understanding of light, space and how they affect each other, making a ‘new space’ emerge and emphasising how a predictable method can yield unpredictable results.

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About M HKA / Mission Statement

The M HKA is a museum for contemporary art, film and visual culture in its widest sense. It is an open place of encounter for art, artists and the public. The M HKA aspires to play a leading role in Flanders and to extend its international profile by building upon Antwerp's avant-garde tradition. The M HKA bridges the relationship between artistic questions and wider societal issues, between the international and the regional, artists and public, tradition and innovation, reflection and presentation. Central here is the museum's collection with its ongoing acquisitions, as well as related areas of management and research.

About M HKA Ensembles

The M HKA Ensembles represent our first steps towards initiating the public to today's art-related digital landscape. With the help of these new media, our aim is to offer our artworks a better and fuller array of support for their presentation and public understanding.