Rudolf Stingel

Italian(1956)

Works

Stingel is a conceptual painter known for works that question authorship and the nature of painting through industrial carpet installations, silver paintings, and photorealistic portraits. His practice invites audience participation and explores painting as both object and environment. Major exhibitions include a solo show at the Palazzo Grassi in Venice and his work is in collections including MoMA and the Whitney.

Male Artist Conceptual Art Contemporary Artist Abstract Contemporary Abstract Painting Italian Artist 21st Century Oil on Canvas Minimalist Mixed Media Process Art

Rudolf Stingel

styrofoam, 4 panels

“Zen is about acceptance, right?” Mr. Stingel said. “So that’s the way it is. I do sit and look at him sometimes — we have a meaningful relationship. You can’t get over it. You just live with it.” - Rudolph Stingel

The radicalness of Stingel’s Cellotex panels is often underestimated. While rejecting any suggestion of being a social, political or conceptual gesture, these works may be some of the most open and brave moments in recent contemporary art production. As with his provocative instruction book on how to make his paintings, Stingel once again gives himself and his work, in their totality, to the public and the viewer. He invites the viewer inside the surface of his work, and allows anyone to make a 'contribution' to it. The critical voice of the viewer becomes part of the work. Like magnetic tape, the artist records the viewer’s reaction to his work – not simply verbally, but physically.

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Artists in conversation