‘It is what it is.’ Dan Flavin’s iconic light fittings in the Ikon Gallery

Fatema Ahmed | Apollo | 6th May 2016

The popularity of Flavin’s minimalist light sculptures endures – as does their ability to intrigue. Although he trained for the priesthood Flavin discouraged interpretations that emphasized the spiritual element of his work. He felt, according to one critic, that “all humanistic content in art was mushy and to be avoided”. Or, in Flavin’s own words “Everything is clearly, openly, plainly delivered”.