Dan Graham, the New York City-based artist known for his multifaceted approach to art and life, died this past weekend at the age of 79. Though his work might fit within the canon of conceptualism, he is on record saying that he “disliked” conceptual art, instead insisting that his work is about “anarchistic humor.”
Graham’s larger-scaled works often involve immersive environments that play with viewers’ perceptions. Pieces like this in Texas-based collections include Triangular Solid with Circular Inserts, Variation F, which is sometimes installed in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s sculpture garden, and Argonne Pavilion II, which is a fractional gift of The Rachofsky Collection to the Dallas Museum of Art.
In addition to making art, Graham was an avid music fan, writing about it and incorporating it into his practice over the years. He created a video documentary, Rock My Religion, in 1984, and a “rock-opera puppet concert,” Don’t Trust Anyone Over Thirty, in 2004.
Throughout his life, Graham pulled on his extensive catalog of music to create mixtapes for himself and for friends. One of these, Dan Graham’s Greatest Hits (Vol. Four), was offered for sale by Primary Information in 2011.
The cover for “Dan Graham’s Greatest Hits Vol. 21.” Photo: Bucky Miller via Instagram
In remembrance of Graham after his death, artist and Glasstire contributor Bucky Miller, who recently met Graham, has compiled a Spotify playlist of his most recent mix CD, Dan Graham’s Greatest Hits Vol. 21. You can find that below.
