The first publication to focus exclusively on Irwin'sextraordinary trajectory during the 1960s, this book exploreshow the artist moved from creating small-scale, abstractpaintings to temporary installations that responded to thespecific circumstances of a given site. During this relativelybrief interval, Irwin methodically interrogated the mostessential premises of art and, in the process, ultimatelyredefined what a work of art could be, proposing that art not belimited to objects but be considered a way of seeing. Featuringa diverse selection of works, this publication immerses thereader in Irwin's groundbreaking investigations into the natureof colour, light and perception. The essays offer fresh insightsonto Irwin's art while highlighting his pivotal role in the broaderaesthetic developments in the 1960s. The book also includestext by Irwin and a discussion of his new, large-scale immersiveinstallation created in response to the Hirshhorn's iconic roundarchitecture.

Contributions by: Robert Irwin, Susan F. Lake, Julia Langenbacher, Rachel Rivenc