Paper
Name Class Date

Carl Andre, ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff (1963), THAT'S CONTEMPORARY. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Carl Andre wahooart.com/en/artists/carl-andre/
Artist’s dates
1935 –
Painted
1963
Original size
36 x 29 cm
Held at
THAT'S CONTEMPORARY wahooart.com/en/museums/that-s-contemporary-milan/

In context

ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff — Carl Andre

How big is it?

The original measures 36 × 29 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1930
  2. 1940
  3. 1950
  4. 1960
  5. 1970
  6. 1980
  7. 1990
  8. 2000
  9. 2010

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span, counting 0 from birth.

Painted when the artist was 28. 5 of the 42 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

▲ this work, 1963 every dated painting, decade by decade

First works: up to 1964 Main working years: 1964–2009 Late works: from 2009

Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: wahooart.com/en/art/similar/carl-andre-ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff-D73U6M-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    White #eeefeb

    Catalogued palette

    • #EEEFEB
    • #E5E5D9
    • #979693
    • #CCCCC5

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Monochrome The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    White
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Muted How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Carl Andre over the last twelve months — 9 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 36.4%800 visits
    2. 2 Italy 13.6%300 visits
    3. 3 United States of America 13.6%300 visits
    4. 4 France 9.1%200 visits
    5. 5 Iran 9.1%200 visits
    6. 6 Brazil 4.5%100 visits
    7. 7 United Kingdom 4.5%100 visits
    8. 8 Georgia 4.5%100 visits
    9. 9 Japan 4.5%100 visits

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 17 most looked-at works by Carl Andre

    1. 1 Cedar Piece, 1964 20.6%700 visits
    2. 2 Equivalent VIII, 1966 20.6%700 visits
    3. 3 37th Piece of Work, 1969 8.8%300 visits
    4. 4 Spill (Scatter Piece), 1966 8.8%300 visits
    5. 5 Chain Well (Element Series), 1964 5.9%200 visits
    6. 6 Am Am Not Am Not Willing, 1972 5.9%200 visits
    7. 7 Untitled, 1963 2.9%100 visits
    8. 8 Magnesium-Zinc Plain, 1969 2.9%100 visits
    9. 9 THREE SACHEM, 1963 2.9%100 visits
    10. 10 hydrogenheliumlithiumberyliumboroncarbon, 1959 2.9%100 visits
    11. 11 Carl Andre, Fall, 1968 2.9%100 visits
    12. 12 8 cortes, 1967 2.9%100 visits
    13. 13 Belgica Blue Field, 1989 2.9%100 visits
    14. 14 Douglas Fir Rank, 2009 2.9%100 visits
    15. 15 From Map of Poetry 2.9%100 visits
    16. 16 Concrete Poem 2.9%100 visits
    17. — ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff, 1963 this painting 0.0%0 visits

    Together these works take 99.6% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 48 works by this artist, of which 16 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Carl Andre

    Born in Quincy, United States of America

    Carl Andre: A Biography

    Born: Quincy, Massachusetts (1935)

    Died: January 24, 2024, New York City

    Nationality: American

    Early Life and Education

    Carl Andre was born in Quincy, Massachusetts, on September 16, 1935. His father was a master designer of freshwater plumbing for ships.

    He attended the Quincy public school system and later Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts (1951-1953).

    During his time at Phillips Academy, he formed a significant friendship with Hollis Frampton, who profoundly influenced Andre's artistic trajectory through discussions about art and introductions to other artists.

    Andre served in the U.S. Army in North Carolina from 1955 to 1956.

    He moved to New York City in 1956, where Frampton introduced him to Constantin Brâncuși and Frank Stella, leading to a shared studio space with Stella from 1958 to 1960.

    Artistic Development and Minimalism

    Early Influences: Andre's early work in wood was initially inspired by Brâncuși. Conversations with Frank Stella regarding space and form shifted his artistic direction.

    "Cut" Sculptures: While sharing a studio with Stella, Andre developed a series of wooden "cut" sculptures like Radial Arm Saw Cut Sculpture (1959) and Maple Spindle Exercise (1959). Stella famously remarked that the removed pieces were also sculpture.

    Blue-Collar Experience: From 1960 to 1964, Andre worked as a freight brakeman and conductor for the Pennsylvania Railroad in New Jersey. This experience with manual labor and the ordered nature of rail work significantly influenced his later sculptures and personal style (often dressing in overalls).

    Poetry and Writing: A period between 1960 and 1965 saw Andre focus primarily on writing, culminating in 12 Dialogues (published 1980), a collaborative book of poetry and essays with Hollis Frampton.

    Emergence as a Minimalist: In 1965, he had his first public exhibition at the Tibor de Nagy Gallery. Andre's work became associated with Minimalism, characterized by its emphasis on industrial materials, geometric forms, and spatial relationships. His controversial "Lever" was included in the seminal 1966 show Primary Structures at the Jewish Museum.

    Major Works and Controversies

    Notable Sculptures: Andre is recognized for works like 144 Lead Square (1969), Twenty-Fifth Steel Cardinal (1974), Stone Field Sculpture (1977, Hartford, CT), and Lament for the Children (1976, Long Island City, NY).

    "Bricks Controversy": In 1972, Britain's Tate Gallery acquired *Equivalent VIII*, an arrangement of firebricks. The piece gained notoriety in 1976 when it was defaced with blue food dye after being featured in the Sunday Times, sparking a major public debate about contemporary art and its accessibility.

    Representation: Andre was represented by Paula Cooper Gallery (New York), Konrad Fischer Galerie (Düsseldorf & Berlin), Sadie Coles HQ (London), and Yvon Lambert Gallery (Paris).

    Personal Life and Legacy

    Relationship with Ana Mendieta: Andre met artist Ana Mendieta in 1979. They married in 1985, but their relationship ended tragically when Mendieta died after falling from the balcony of Andre's apartment in 1985.

    Legal Proceedings: Andre was charged with second-degree murder in connection with Mendieta’s death but was acquitted in a bench trial in 1988, a verdict that generated considerable controversy within the art world.

    Critical Reception: The evolution of critical understanding of Carl Andre's work is documented in About Carl Andre: Critical Texts Since 1965, which compiles essays and reviews by influential art historians and critics like Clement Greenberg, Donald Kuspit, Lucy R. Lippard, Robert C. Morgan, Barbara Rose, and Roberta Smith.

    Death: Carl Andre died on January 24, 2024, in New York City at the age of 88.

    Museum

    THAT'S CONTEMPORARY

    On show in Milan, Italy

    THAT'S CONTEMPORARY: A Milanese Hub for Contemporary Art

    Milan, Italy – THAT’S CONTEMPORARY stands as a singular testament to the evolving landscape of Italian art. Founded in 2011, this innovative cultural platform isn’t merely documenting contemporary artistic endeavors; it actively cultivates an independent network connecting artists, galleries, and audiences—a deliberate departure from traditional museum models. Its mission is simple yet profound: to illuminate Milan's dynamic creative spirit and foster a deeper appreciation for modern art forms.

    Mapping the Scene:

    Launched as a response to the need for centralized artistic mapping, THAT’S CONTEMPORARY swiftly established itself as the go-to resource for discovering exhibitions and emerging talent within Milan.

    Bridging Connections:

    Unlike conventional institutions focused on preservation, THIS platform prioritizes engagement—facilitating dialogues between artists and collectors alike.

    Collection Highlights & Artistic Explorations

    While lacking a permanent collection in the traditional sense, THAT’S CONTEMPORARY offers visitors an immersive journey into Milanese contemporary art. The platform champions exhibitions showcasing diverse mediums—photography, sculpture, installation art—often featuring groundbreaking perspectives on societal issues and artistic experimentation. Notably, explorations of architectural spaces like Viafarini contribute to this experience, highlighting innovative approaches to gallery design and fostering stimulating conversations about artistic presentation.

    Featured Works:

    Among the showcased pieces are captivating artworks such as Gerhard Richter’s ‘Domplatz, Mailand,’ a masterful black & white photograph capturing Milanese grandeur—a testament to realism infused with aged aesthetic qualities.

    Fashion Forward Inspiration:

    Águeda Isabel Ruiz de la Prada’s ‘Dress with Synthetic-Suede Squares,’ presented during Milan Fashion Week, exemplifies the platform's commitment to showcasing artistic collaborations and pushing creative boundaries.

    Notable Artists & Creative Voices

    THAT’S CONTEMPORARY spotlights Italian artists who are shaping the future of art. Massimo Kaufmann, renowned for his expansive paintings, embodies the spirit of Milanese artistic tradition while simultaneously embracing innovation. Similarly, elisabetta gut's sculptures and installations delve into themes of confinement and fragility—reflecting a thoughtful engagement with contemporary concerns. Daniele Innamorato’s collaborative work as founder of Kings Collective underscores the platform’s dedication to fostering collective creativity and pushing artistic boundaries.

    Viafarini: An Architectural Canvas

    The Viafarini gallery complex serves as an integral part of THAT’S CONTEMPORARY's narrative. Designed by architect Marco Zanuso Jr., this building embodies Milanese architectural modernity—a space deliberately conceived to stimulate artistic dialogue and showcase experimental exhibitions. Its expansive layout encourages exploration and contemplation, mirroring the platform’s ethos of fostering engagement with cutting-edge art.

    A Unique Perspective on Contemporary Art

    THAT'S CONTEMPORARY distinguishes itself from conventional museums by prioritizing active participation and disseminating knowledge beyond physical walls. It operates as a dynamic online resource—a vibrant hub for artistic discovery—solidifying its position as an indispensable guide for anyone wishing to experience Milan’s flourishing contemporary art scene.

    Where to read more

    • The artist Carl Andre wahooart.com/en/artists/carl-andre/
    • The museum THAT'S CONTEMPORARY wahooart.com/en/museums/that-s-contemporary-milan/
    • Similar works More works to compare wahooart.com/en/art/similar/carl-andre-ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff-D73U6M-en/

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff

    wahooart.com/en/art/download/carl-andre-ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff-D73U6M-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Andre, Carl. ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff. 1963, THAT'S CONTEMPORARY. https://wahooart.com/en/art/carl-andre-ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff-D73U6M-en/
    APA
    Andre, Carl (1963). ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff [Painting]. THAT'S CONTEMPORARY. https://wahooart.com/en/art/carl-andre-ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff-D73U6M-en/
    Chicago
    Carl Andre. ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff. 1963. THAT'S CONTEMPORARY. https://wahooart.com/en/art/carl-andre-ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff-D73U6M-en/
    Harvard
    Andre, Carl (1963) ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff. THAT'S CONTEMPORARY. Available at: https://wahooart.com/en/art/carl-andre-ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff-D73U6M-en/

    Look closely

    ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff — Carl Andre

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Cedar Piece (1964), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. Carl Andre was about 28 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Questions & Answers

    Who created "ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff" and in what year?

    Carl Andre made "ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff" in 1963.

    What was Carl Andre's age when "ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff" was created?

    Carl Andre made "ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff" at the age of 28. The artist was born in 1935 and the work is dated 1963.

    Did "ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff" stay in its artist's homeland?

    No - the artwork is kept abroad. "ddddddddddddddddfffffffffffffffffffffffff" is held in Italy, while Carl Andre was born in United States of America.