Robert Irwin, 86 year old California light-and-space artist has finalized plans for a 10,000 s.f. building at the Chinati Foundation in Marfa with the help of Vernon and Amy Faulconer of Dallas, who are giving Chinati $1 million: half in support of the Irwin project and half for Chinati’s operations.
“I have had the pleasure of experiencing Chinati’s collection for many years. It has expanded my understanding and appreciation for art profoundly,” says Vernon Faulconer, who has been on Chinati’s board for nine years. “Judd did things his own way and it hasn’t been easy out there in Marfa. But I’ve always believed in the underdog and Amy and I are happy to support this unique institution. Irwin’s project is really something, quiet yet spectacular, and it will certainly change the art landscape in Texas.”
The new Irwin is a building with an interior installation (scrim!) on the site of the former hospital for Fort D.A. Russell, at the edge of Chinati’s grounds on the outskirts of Marfa. Construction will begin in early 2015 with an opening anticipated for 2016.