This week, I went to see the two-part exhibition Five Points Make a Man by the American performance artist and sculptor James Lee Byars (1932-1997) at Michael Werner Gallery.
The gallery, located in a residential building, isn’t a typical sterile white box. I thought this helped make the performance more powerful. The floor is painted black. A barefoot woman wearing a silk black dress sits on a gondola chair (Byars lived in Venice), holding a small golden bowl filled with water. She slowly begins to stand up and walk to the center of the room where she places five drops of water on the floor. The five drops represent the human figure: a head, two arms and two legs. She then walks back to the chair. She sits and waits until the drops of water evaporate. She repeats the action again and again.
Although Byars made object-oriented works, his performances are my most favorite. He studied philosophy and I find he was one of those artists who made work that transcends the traditional understanding of art. This is the first time this specific performance was realized. It was also the first time I saw one of his performances. I was the only person in the gallery and the experience of going from a chaotic (the weather was crazy in New York yesterday) to a minimal and silent environment was magical.
By using limited and ephemeral materials (five drops of water), and subtle details (a woman tracing a man), Byars says a lot with very little. Eleven years after his death, his work is still relevant. It made me think of my legacy as an artist and a person. Do we physically have to be in a place to be present? How do we make art for all times? How do we connect what we make to who we are?
This reminds me of what good cooks often say: simple and fresh ingredients make the best meals. Byars main course was exquisite. I left the gallery feeling thoroughly satisfied. It was an everlasting experience…and I look forward to dessert.
James Lee Byars
Five Points Make a Man
On view at Michael Werner Gallery from February 7 thru March 29. This is a two-part exhibition featuring a performance through March 1, and an installation from March 3-29.
Photo: James Lee Byars
The Death of James Lee Byars, 1994-2004
Gold leaf covered room and box
Collection of Walter Vanhaerents
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