Anne Truitt's 'Waterleaf' Exhibition at Matthew Marks Gallery Criticized for Poor Curation
The 'Anne Truitt: Waterleaf' exhibition at Matthew Marks Gallery in Chelsea showcases the work of the Minimalist sculptor and will be open until April 18, 2026. This display includes late-career paper works from 2003 alongside three totemic sculptures created between 1983 and 2003. Truitt (1921-2004) is celebrated for her intricate acrylic paintings on wooden structures. However, the exhibition has drawn criticism for inadequate lighting, poorly positioned lights, and a minimalistic setup that undermines the artworks. An unnecessary dividing wall and permanent poles distract from the sculptures. A reviewer, who previously appreciated Truitt's work at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's 'Epic Abstraction' exhibition, finds this presentation lacking in comparison.
Key facts
- Anne Truitt: Waterleaf exhibition runs through April 18, 2026 at Matthew Marks Gallery, Chelsea
- Exhibition focuses on Truitt's 2003 'Waterleaf' series of works on paper exploring grid structures
- Includes three sculptures: 'Oak' (2003), 'Australian Solstice' (1983), and 'Tribute' (1997)
- Anne Truitt was an American Minimalist sculptor (1921-2004) known for hand-applied acrylic paintings on wood
- Reviewer criticizes gallery lighting as yellow-tinged and poorly positioned
- Installation described as sparse, with only three sculptures making them appear diminutive
- Dividing wall in gallery space deemed unnecessary and disruptive to the exhibition
- Contrasted with better-curated 2025 Thomas Demand exhibition at same gallery
Entities
Artists
- Anne Truitt
- Thomas Demand
- Ron Nagle
Institutions
Locations
- Chelsea
- New York
- United States
- Washington, D.C.