Art critic Lucy R. Lippard has left an indelible mark on the art world, solidifying her position as one of the most influential figures in art criticism over recent decades. Renowned for her seminal works like “Six Years: the Dematerialization of the Art Object,” which encapsulated the essence of conceptual art, Lippard has consistently shaped various art historical moments through her compelling writings. Her impactful volumes, including “Mixed Blessings: New Art In a Multicultural America” and “The Lure of the Local: Sense of Place in a Multicentered Society,” have significantly influenced the art scene, setting the tone for different artistic eras.
However, her contributions extend beyond the realm of writing. Lippard’s curatorial endeavors, notably the exhibition “Eccentric Abstraction” in 1966, played a pivotal role in defining post-Minimalism in sculpture. Her unconventional traveling exhibitions acted as catalysts for conceptual, minimal, and land art, nurturing an audience for these avant-garde movements. Additionally, she curated one of the earliest museum displays of Second Wave feminist art at the Aldrich Museum in 1971 and was instrumental in founding Heresies, a groundbreaking journal that shaped the landscape of feminist art history.
Inspired by the activism of the sixties, Lippard was an active participant in the Art Workers Coalition, a historic activist group advocating against the Vietnam War and advocating for equality within the museum sphere. Her engagement with numerous collectives and activist movements, including the Artists Call Against U.S. Intervention in Central America, highlights her continued commitment to social causes.
Her latest book, “Stuff: Instead of a Memoir,” offers a unique insight into her life. Through a collection of photos documenting everyday items from her home in rural New Mexico, Lippard weaves a narrative that reflects her profound contemplation on the interplay between images, words, place, and community. This comprehensive retrospective invites readers to explore the events that have shaped her life and career.
In a recent podcast episode, Ben Davis engages once more with Lucy Lippard, delving into her multifaceted journey in and out of the art world.
