Donald Judd (1928–1994) was a prominent figure in Minimalist art and a key contributor to the development of a new aesthetic in the 1960s. Trained as a painter, Judd transitioned to three-dimensional work, rejecting the subjective and expressive qualities of Abstract Expressionism. He became a leading voice in the Minimalist movement, advocating for art that focused on the inherent properties of the materials used and their spatial relationships. Judd's work often featured industrial materials such as Plexiglas, aluminum, and steel, arranged in precise geometric forms. His sculptures, often characterized by their clean lines and unadorned surfaces, aimed to eliminate any illusionistic or representational elements, emphasizing the direct experience of the viewer with the artwork.

 

Donald Judd's impact on contemporary art is profound, and his work is prominently displayed in major museums and institutions globally. The Chinati Foundation in Marfa, Texas, founded by Judd himself, is a permanent exhibition space for large-scale installations of his work and that of other artists. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam are among the institutions that house significant collections of Judd's sculptures and writings, underscoring his lasting influence on the trajectory of modern and contemporary art.