Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Bruce Nauman Biography
Bruce Nauman is an American artist whose innovative and provocative work has made him a central figure in contemporary art. Born on December 6, 1941, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Nauman's early life was characterized by frequent relocations due to his father's job as an engineer for General Electric. This nomadic childhood contributed to a sense of isolation and nonconformity that would later permeate his artistic practice.
Nauman's academic journey began with a focus on mathematics and physics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, reflecting an early interest in the systematic and the analytical. However, his passion for art soon took precedence, and he shifted his studies to concentrate on art, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in painting in 1964. During his time at the University of Wisconsin, Nauman was exposed to a range of artistic influences and began to develop his own unique approach to art-making.
In 1966, Nauman completed his Master of Fine Arts at the University of California, Davis, where he was influenced by instructors such as William T. Wiley, Robert Arneson, and Manuel Neri. These mentors encouraged him to challenge conventional artistic methods and styles, which had a profound impact on his desire to push boundaries and explore new forms of expression.
Nauman's early work was marked by a departure from painting and an embrace of sculpture, performance, and cinema collaborations with fellow artists William Allan and Robert Nelson. He also worked as an assistant to painter Wayne Thiebaud, further expanding his artistic horizons. After graduating, Nauman taught at the San Francisco Art Institute and the University of California at Irvine, sharing his knowledge and continuing to refine his artistic vision.
In 1968, Nauman met singer and performance artist Meredith Monk and began a relationship with the dealer Leo Castelli, which helped to establish his career. He moved from Northern California to Pasadena in 1969 and later to Pecos, New Mexico, in 1979. By 1989, he had settled in Galisteo, New Mexico, where he continued to work and live with his second wife, painter Susan Rothenberg, until her death in 2020.
Nauman's approach to art is characterized by a deep skepticism of the notion of the artist as a creative genius. He often explores the activities, speech, and materials of everyday life, transforming them into art through a process that emphasizes the act of creation over the finished product. His work spans a broad range of media, including sculpture, photography, neon, video, drawing, printmaking, and performance.
One of Nauman's early realizations came when he pondered the question, "What to do?" in his studio. He concluded that "If I was an artist and I was in the studio, then whatever I was doing in the studio must be art." This epiphany led him to view art as more of an activity than a product, a concept that has informed much of his subsequent work.
Nauman's art often challenges viewers, making them aware of their own physical presence and beliefs. His neon pieces, for example, play with language and its semantic possibilities, creating visual puns and satirical meanings that provoke thought and reflection. His work also delves into extreme mental states, from despair to humor, and his style is marked by a refusal to adhere to a single medium or aesthetic, making his oeuvre diverse and challenging.
Throughout his career, Nauman has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Golden Lion at the 53rd Venice Biennale and the Larry Aldrich Award. His work has been featured in major exhibitions around the world, including retrospectives at the Walker Art Center, the Museum of Modern Art, and Tate Modern.
Nauman's influence extends beyond his own practice, as he has inspired generations of artists with his relentless invention and exploration of the human condition. His work continues to resonate, offering a profound commentary on the nature of art, communication, and existence.
Bruce Nauman Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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