The artwork titled “One Thing, 1965, Viet-Nam,” created in 1965 by On Kawara, is a notable piece within the Conceptual Art movement. This figurative work features a triptych of three distinct panels with bold, white text against a solid, red-burgundy background, displaying the words “ONE THING,” “1965,” and “VIET-NAM” respectively.
The artwork’s visual presentation is both stark and impactful, using minimalistic elements to convey significance. The choice of words and date alludes to the socio-political context of the Vietnam War, encapsulating a sense of urgency and gravity. The use of a uniform color background in each panel focuses the viewer’s attention on the textual message, aligning with the principles of Conceptual Art, where the idea presented by the work takes precedence over its aesthetic execution. This piece exemplifies On Kawara’s approach to merging art with larger existential and historical themes.
