KEITH SONNIER

Provenance:
- Galerie St. Gilles, Zurich.
- Private collection Germany.

Keith Sonnier was together with Dan Flavin, James Turrell and Richard Serra one of the founders of "New Sculpture" in the 1960s. The conventional concept of sculpture was expanded to include process-based elements using industrial and ephemeral materials.

From early on, Sonnier became interested in neon light and used it for his installations. Of course, the neon tubes themselves form part of the compositions, but the light and its effect on the space also belong to the sculpture. The classic sculpture plinth is replaced by the wall and floor on which the works are either installed, or referred to by the light.

Large installations such as "Ba-o-Ba Berlin" at the Neue Nationalgalerie or the "Lightway" at Munich Airport demonstrate to great effect how these works encompass an entire space, whether outside or inside, and provide passers-by with a unique experience, often without being aware of it.

Sonnier uses his art to interpret society and culture, and with his installations he seeks to reveal stimuli or new aspects within culture, and to endow the viewer with an appreciation of the world.