Lawrence Weiner

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Legendary American artist Lawrence Weiner was in town last week to talk about his latest solo show at the Lisson Gallery. Weiner came to prominence in the early sixties, paving the way for the conceptual art movement with works like Cratering Piece, THE STONE ON THE TABLE and most notably his Statement of Intent in 1968:

THE ARTIST MAY CONSTRUCT THE WORK
THE WORK MAY BE FABRICATED
THE WORK NEED NOT BE BUILT
EACH BEING EQUAL AND CONSISTENT WITH THE INTENT OF THE ARTIST
THE DECISION AS TO CONDITION RESTS WITH THE RECEIVER UPON
THE OCCASION OF RECEIVERSHIP

Weiner uses language as a sculptural material, and so his work need not always be fabricated to exist as the audience creates it in their mind. With his very distinctive font, Margaret Seaworthy Gothic, he plays on words' meanings, often creating cryptic scenarios with multiple readings.

Remarkably his Lisson show is inspired by Rugby, a game Weiner played as a teenager.  Be sure not to miss the piece in the little courtyard out the back, if only all whitewashed walls could be covered in Lawrence Weiner sculptures!

Offsides at Lisson Gallery until 15 March 2008.