Sol LeWitt American, 1928-2007

Sol LeWitt is an American conceptual artist, a pioneer of minimal art and conceptual art. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, LeWitt studied at Syracuse University before moving to New York in the 1950s. LeWitt is best known for his geometric "structures" and wall drawings, based on precise systems and instructions. By prioritizing the idea over the execution, he revolutionized the notion of the artwork, stating that "the idea becomes the machine that makes the art". His famous "Wall Drawings", executed by assistants according to his directions, consist of abstract compositions of lines, geometric shapes, and colors, exploring the infinite variations of an initial concept. LeWitt also created modular sculptures in open structures, playing with the perception of space. Throughout his career, LeWitt exhibited at the most prestigious institutions, from MoMA to Tate Modern and the Centre Pompidou. His influence on contemporary art is considerable, paving the way for new forms of conceptual and collaborative expression.