Tony Robbin and the Pattern and Decoration Movement's 1970s Origins
In March 2010, artists Joyce Kozloff and Robert Kushner acknowledged Tony Robbin's significant contribution to the Pattern and Decoration movement, which emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a counter to minimalist design. Notable events included a 1974 panel led by Mario Yrisarry and a January 1975 gathering at Robert Zakanitch's studio, attended by Zakanitch, Miriam Schapiro, Robbin, Amy Goldin, and Kozloff. A subsequent meeting included Bob Kushner and Kim MacConnel. This group, inspired by feminist ideals and global decorative arts, focused on visual opulence. Robbin's artwork showcased vibrant, jewel-like hues and complex mathematical dimensions. The movement gained prominence through exhibitions such as "10 Approaches to the Decorative" in 1976 and a 1977 survey at P.S. 1, bolstered by support from Amy Goldin.
Key facts
- Joyce Kozloff and Robert Kushner wrote an appreciation of Tony Robbin in March 2010.
- The Pattern and Decoration movement formed in the 1970s as a reaction against Minimalism.
- A key early meeting occurred in Robert Zakanitch's studio in January 1975.
- Tony Robbin's work incorporated four-dimensional geometry and influences from Japan and Iran.
- The first exhibition, "10 Approaches to the Decorative," was held at Alessandra Gallery in 1976.
- Critic Holland Cotter described the movement as "the last genuine art movement of the 20th century" in 2008.
- Gallerists including Holly Solomon and Tibor de Nagy represented P&D artists.
- Tony Robbin studied with Al Held and collaborated with engineers and scientists.
Entities
Artists
- Joyce Kozloff
- Robert Kushner
- Tony Robbin
- Mario Yrisarry
- Valerie Jaudon
- Robert Zakanitch
- Miriam Schapiro
- Amy Goldin
- Kim MacConnel
- Jeff Perrone
- Carrie Rickey
- Carter Ratcliff
- April Kingsley
- John Perreault
- Jane Kaufman
- Ned Smyth
- Brad Davis
- Richard Kalina
- Cynthia Carlson
- Barbara Zucker
- Al Held
- Rena Kosersky
Institutions
- Hudson River Museum
- New York Times
- Artists Talk on Art
- Kunsthallen Brandts Klaedefabrik
- Asia Society
- Metropolitan Museum
- Smithsonian
- Cooper-Hewitt
- Kyoto National Museum
- Japan Society
- College Art Association
- Alessandra Gallery
- Artforum
- P.S. 1
- Holly Solomon Gallery
- Tibor de Nagy Gallery
- Pam Adler Gallery
- Art Sources Inc.
- artcritical
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Soho
- California
- Los Angeles
- Japan
- Okinawa
- Iran
- Mexico
- Mitla
- Nara
- Odense
- Denmark
- Jacksonville
- Florida