Menu
FREE ART CONSULTATION
Buy Painting Buy PaintingBuy Image Buy Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

Objectivity

Explore Sol LeWitt's 'Objectivity' (1962): A striking grid of layered colors & bold lettering challenging perception. Key piece of Pop/Conceptual art.

Explore the minimalist & conceptual art of Sol LeWitt (1928-2007). Known for wall drawings, structures, & pioneering geometric abstraction, his work profoundly influenced modern art.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options.

P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (2 July)

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

-

reproduction

Objectivity

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

-

Quick Facts

  • Influences: Eadweard Muybridge
  • Artist: Sol LeWitt
  • Movement:
    • Conceptual Art
    • Minimalism
  • Title: Objectivity
  • Subject or theme: Objectivity, perception
  • Medium: Mixed media on canvas
  • Year: 1962

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What artistic movements are most closely associated with Sol LeWitt’s ‘Objectivity’?
Question 2:
How is the word 'OBJECTIVITY' presented within the artwork?
Question 3:
Describe the visual effect created by the receding rows of lettering in 'Objectivity'.
Question 4:
What is a defining characteristic of Sol LeWitt’s artistic style?

Collectible Description

Objectivity by Sol LeWitt: A Grid of Conceptual Precision

Sol LeWitt's "Objectivity," created in 1962, is a seminal work within the realms of Minimalism and Conceptual Art. This striking piece challenges traditional notions of artistic representation, prioritizing idea and system over subjective expression or illusionistic depiction. Measuring an impressive 128 x 128 cm, it commands attention with its rigorous structure and deliberate repetition.

Composition and Technique: A Three-Dimensional Grid

"Objectivity" presents as a square canvas meticulously divided into a three-dimensional grid of twenty-five squares. Each row contains five squares across and five down. The word "OBJECTIVITY," rendered in bold blue capital letters, is repeated five times across the rows. However, it's not simply a straightforward repetition. Each square displays two letters – “OB,” “JE,” “CT,” and “IV” – with the rightmost squares completing the word “ITY.” A key element of the work lies in its layering: the top row projects outward from the canvas surface, while subsequent rows recede further back, creating a subtle illusion of depth. The background color shifts progressively from orange in the upper row to increasingly darker shades of red as one descends, contributing to a sense of diminishing visibility and an overall darkening effect.

Style and Historical Context: Minimalism and Conceptualism

“Objectivity” emerged during a pivotal period in art history. The late 1950s and early 1960s witnessed the rise of Minimal Art, which rejected Abstract Expressionism’s emphasis on gesture and emotion, favoring instead geometric forms, industrial materials, and a reduction to essential elements. Simultaneously, Conceptual Art began to gain momentum, prioritizing the idea behind the artwork over its physical manifestation. LeWitt's work brilliantly embodies both movements. "Objectivity" exemplifies Minimalism through its grid structure, precise geometry, and serial repetition. It aligns with Conceptualism by foregrounding the underlying concept – in this case, a meditation on objectivity itself – and minimizing the artist’s hand in the final product. The systematic nature of the piece reflects LeWitt's interest in mathematical principles and logical systems.

Symbolism and Emotional Impact: Questioning Perception

The title "Objectivity" is inherently provocative, given the work's visual complexity and layered construction. By repeatedly presenting the word within a receding grid, LeWitt seems to question the very notion of objective truth or perception. The darkening effect as one descends suggests that objectivity becomes increasingly elusive, obscured by layers of interpretation and perspective. The rigid structure can evoke feelings of detachment, artificiality, and even a subtle unease. While seemingly impersonal, "Objectivity" invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of seeing and understanding, prompting reflection on how our perceptions are shaped by context and distance.

Materials and Legacy

LeWitt utilized mixed media in “Objectivity,” primarily employing cardboard or similar rigid material painted with acrylics. The choice of materials reinforces the work's industrial aesthetic and its rejection of traditional artistic techniques. "Objectivity" remains a significant piece within LeWitt’s oeuvre, demonstrating his pioneering approach to artmaking and solidifying his place as a key figure in 20th-century art. Its influence can be seen in subsequent generations of artists exploring conceptual frameworks and systematic processes.


Artist Biography

Solomon Lewitt: Pioneer of Minimalism and Conceptual Art

Solomon Lewitt, born September 9, 1928, in Hartford, Connecticut, stands as a monumental figure in the history of modern art. He revolutionized artistic practice with his unwavering commitment to conceptual ideas—a radical departure from traditional aesthetics—establishing himself as one of the foremost proponents of minimalism and profoundly influencing generations of artists. His work transcends mere visual representation, prioritizing intellectual exploration and challenging conventional notions of sculpture and painting.

Early Life and Artistic Formation

Lewitt’s formative years were marked by a fascination with mathematics and geometry, disciplines that would become central to his artistic vision. Studying at Syracuse University from 1945-9 instilled in him a rigorous analytical approach—a cornerstone of his subsequent creative endeavors. Initially drawn to painting, Lewitt swiftly transitioned towards exploring the possibilities inherent in geometric abstraction, recognizing its capacity to convey complex concepts with unparalleled clarity and precision. This early experimentation foreshadowed his groundbreaking contribution to minimalist art.

The Emergence of Wall Drawings

Lewitt’s artistic breakthrough arrived in the late 1960s with the invention of “wall drawings”—a technique that fundamentally altered sculptural practice. Rejecting the physicality of traditional sculpture, Lewitt conceived of artworks as sequences of instructions—precise geometric patterns meticulously executed by assistants. This method underscored his belief that the artist's role was to conceptualize and disseminate ideas rather than physically constructing objects. The resulting wall drawings, characterized by their austere simplicity and unwavering adherence to mathematical principles, became instantly iconic, encapsulating the essence of minimalism’s aesthetic ethos.

Conceptual Art and Structural Principles

Lewitt firmly positioned himself at the forefront of conceptual art—a movement that prioritized intellectual inquiry over visual sensation. He championed structural principles—the deliberate arrangement of elements according to geometric rules—as a means of achieving artistic expression. These structures, often consisting of repeating lines or squares, demanded meticulous execution but ultimately served as conduits for conveying profound philosophical ideas about order, repetition, and the relationship between artist and viewer. His work challenged viewers to contemplate the underlying logic governing visual experience.

Notable Achievements and Legacy

Lewitt’s prolific output spanned diverse mediums—drawing, printmaking, photography, painting, installation, and artist's books—demonstrating his versatility as an innovator. He gained international acclaim for his monumental wall drawings in locations such as Cologne Cathedral and Harvard Yard, cementing his reputation as a visionary artist. Furthermore, Lewitt’s influence extended far beyond the confines of minimalist art, inspiring artists across disciplines to embrace conceptual approaches and explore new frontiers of artistic expression. His legacy continues to resonate within contemporary art discourse, reminding us that true artistry resides not merely in skillful craftsmanship but in the articulation of transformative ideas—a testament to Solomon Lewitt's enduring contribution to the history of modern art.
solomon lewitt

solomon lewitt

1928 - 2007 , United States of America

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Minimalism & Conceptual Art
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Minimalism']
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Frank Lloyd Wright']
  • Date Of Birth: September 9, 1928
  • Date Of Death: April 8, 2007
  • Full Name: Solomon Lewitt
  • Nationality: American
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Distorted Cubes Bozuk Küpler
    • Kaldor Public Art Project 11: Sol LeWitt 1998
  • Place Of Birth: Hartford, United States
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.