The artwork “Untitled” (Beginning) by Felix Gonzalez-Torres, created in 1994, is representative of Conceptual Art and Minimalism. This genre of art typically features installations that can involve the viewer in the concept and experience of the artwork. As an installation, Gonzalez-Torres’s work is an immersive environment which commands the physical space and engages the viewer’s senses.
“Untitled” (Beginning) presents a curtain-like installation comprising strands of beads that create a shimmering, cascading wall. These strands hang from the ceiling to the floor, covering a substantial area which transforms the room into an interactive space. Viewers are invited to move through the beaded curtain, experiencing the tactile sensation of the beads, and the auditory response as they clink together. The interaction is personal and individual, as each person’s passage through the curtain generates a unique sound and visual pattern.
The silvery beads catch the light, creating reflections and subtle shifts in luminance as they move. Minimalist in its use of materials and colors, the installation nonetheless generates a complex sensory experience. By choosing to make the artwork untitled, Gonzalez-Torres emphasizes the universality and open interpretation of the piece, inviting participants to ascribe their own meanings and emotional responses to their engagement with the work.
The presence of a figure in the artwork provides a sense of scale and shows the intended interactive aspect of the piece. The figure, whose identity remains anonymous, also underscores the universality of the installation; it is a work meant for the public, accessible to all individuals regardless of their background. In summary, “Untitled” (Beginning) is an experiential installation that embodies the principles of Conceptual Art and Minimalism, created to evoke individual reflection and engagement.
