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Chinati: The Vision of Donald Judd
A highly anticipated, complete, and beautifully illustrated book on the famed Chinati Foundation in Marfa, Texas
The Chinati Foundation is widely considered one of the world’s most important destinations for experiencing large-scale contemporary art. It was founded by Donald Judd (1928–1994), whose specific ambition was to preserve and present a select number of permanent installations that were inextricably linked to the surrounding landscape. Chinati is located on 340 acres of desert on the site of former Fort D.A. Russell in Marfa, Texas. Construction and installation at the site began in 1979 with help from the Dia Art Foundation, and it was opened to the public in 1986. This handsome publication is the first comprehensive presentation of the Chinati Foundation’s collection in more than twenty years. The book describes how Judd developed his ideas of the role of art and museums from the early 1960s onward, culminating in the creation of Chinati (and including its two predecessors—his buildings in New York and his residence in Marfa). The individual installations at Chinati are presented in chronological order with stunning photography; these include work by John Chamberlain, Dan Flavin, David Rabinowitch, Roni Horn, Ilya Kabakov, Richard Long, Carl Andre, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen, as well as Judd himself. His installations at Marfa include 15 outdoor works in concrete and 100 aluminum pieces housed in two carefully renovated artillery sheds. The book also features writings by Judd relating to Chinati and Marfa, and a complete catalogue of the collection.
Published in association with the Chinati Foundation/La Fundación Chinati
The Chinati Foundation is widely considered one of the world’s most important destinations for experiencing large-scale contemporary art. It was founded by Donald Judd (1928–1994), whose specific ambition was to preserve and present a select number of permanent installations that were inextricably linked to the surrounding landscape. Chinati is located on 340 acres of desert on the site of former Fort D.A. Russell in Marfa, Texas. Construction and installation at the site began in 1979 with help from the Dia Art Foundation, and it was opened to the public in 1986. This handsome publication is the first comprehensive presentation of the Chinati Foundation’s collection in more than twenty years. The book describes how Judd developed his ideas of the role of art and museums from the early 1960s onward, culminating in the creation of Chinati (and including its two predecessors—his buildings in New York and his residence in Marfa). The individual installations at Chinati are presented in chronological order with stunning photography; these include work by John Chamberlain, Dan Flavin, David Rabinowitch, Roni Horn, Ilya Kabakov, Richard Long, Carl Andre, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen, as well as Judd himself. His installations at Marfa include 15 outdoor works in concrete and 100 aluminum pieces housed in two carefully renovated artillery sheds. The book also features writings by Judd relating to Chinati and Marfa, and a complete catalogue of the collection.
Published in association with the Chinati Foundation/La Fundación Chinati
- GenresArt
328 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 14, 2011
It's rare that I actually read a museum catalogue cover to cover, but this one was required for a class.
The essays are solid, the writing of Judd's in the back is quite informative and the illustrations alone bring it to five stars. If you can't make it to Marfa, this book is second best.
The essays are solid, the writing of Judd's in the back is quite informative and the illustrations alone bring it to five stars. If you can't make it to Marfa, this book is second best.
January 31, 2026
This well-composed museum catalog is essential prep for visiting Chinati and Marfa. I have read about Donald Judd elsewhere in years past, but the collection overview and essays give a thorough background on why Chinati exists. Judd intended for it to be a permanent place for art in sensitive dialogue with architecture and to showcase an adequate number of pieces from himself, John Chamberlain, and Dan Flavin for visitors to understand their point of view. My excitement in an upcoming trip has only increased and I know that I will take away much more from the collection tour after having read this book.
Even if you are not planning to travel there anytime soon, it is enjoyable for the lavish photography that captures the desert light of West Texas. This book will give you a solid understanding of Judd, his influence, and his role within a broader context of sculpture in the US in the 1970s and 1980s.
Even if you are not planning to travel there anytime soon, it is enjoyable for the lavish photography that captures the desert light of West Texas. This book will give you a solid understanding of Judd, his influence, and his role within a broader context of sculpture in the US in the 1970s and 1980s.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews