Dan Graham

Dan Graham’s Pavilions, which are a cross between architecture and sculpture, have been an important part of his work since the early eighties. They are usually displayed outdoors. The work in De Pont's collection happens to be one of the few exceptions to this rule, as it can also be displayed indoors.

Graham made most of his sculptures with industrial materials, such as stainless steel and two-way mirrored glass. Due to their transparent character, they generally merge and interact with their surroundings. Among his best-known works is Rooftop Urban Park, a project located on the roof of the DIA Center for the Arts in New York City. In the Netherlands, his work titled Two Adjacent Pavilions stands on the lawn outside the entrance to the Kröller-Müller Museum. Light reflected off the glass, as well as the changing reflections of people and things surrounding the work, determine the ever-changing character of his sculptures. They appear to be solid and, at the same time, dissolve in their environment. This play of perception can be found in much of Graham’s other work.

One of his most ambitious projects has been the Children’s Pavilion, from 1989, on which he worked together with Jeff Wall.

Dan Graham passed away on 19 February 2022.