Nosy Neighbor: Is That a Dan Flavin Artwork?

Every time I walk down Worth Street, I wonder whether the yellow light installation in the window of 5 Worth is by Dan Flavin. Is there a way to find out? —M.

The short answer: Yes, it is. The slightly longer answer comes from Steve Morse, technician at the Dan Flavin Studio, which has been at 5 Worth for decades now, on the ground floor and in part of the basement. (Flavin died in 1996.) “It’s Untitled (for SD), circa the early 1990s,” says Morse. “Flavin wanted to put a version of that piece—it’s built in editions (there are five)—in that space. It’s site-specific in that it’s a corner work, and it must sit on the floor ‘to respect gravity,’ in his words. He said to run it however long you want—those were his instructions to me—so I leave it on all the time.” P.S. If you’re in the Hamptons, I highly recommend the Dan Flavin Art Institute in an old firehouse in Bridgehampton.

Got a question? Email tribecacitizen@gmail.com.

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1 Comment

  1. Yes, that’s a Dan Flavin sculpture, the location was his home and studio. All the best, enjoy art history when ever you walk by.

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