“Diagonal of Personal Ecstasy (the Diagonal of May 25, 1963, to Constantin Brancusi),” created by artist Dan Flavin in 1963, stands as an emblematic piece within the Minimalist art movement. This work belongs to the genre of installation art.
The artwork comprises an illuminated fluorescent light tube, positioned diagonally on the wall, emitting a radiant, yellow light. The simplicity of the composition aligns with Minimalist principles, emphasizing purity of form and material. Through this subtle yet striking presentation, Flavin transforms a mundane object into an evocative visual experience, invoking a sense of ethereal beauty and contemplation. The dedication to Constantin Brancusi links Flavin’s exploration of form and light with the celebrated modernist sculptor’s emphasis on simplicity and transcendence.