Robert Morris Untitled (Mirrored Cubes) 1965

Both an influential writer and artist, Robert Morris was a central figure in developing what is now known as Minimalism. Morris sought to activate the perceptive capabilities of viewers, creating situations that encouraged them to become aware of their bodies interacting with the works, and to observe the spatial relationships created within the gallery in which the works were placed. These interests were further developed in this iconic cube piece through the use of mirrors, which directly reflects the environment surrounding it. 
Identification
Title
Untitled (Mirrored Cubes)
Production Date
1965
Object Number
2014.172a-d
Credit Line
Collection Pérez Art Museum Miami, museum purchase with funds provided by the Helena Rubinstein Philanthropic Fund at The Miami Foundation
Copyright
© The Estate of Robert Morris / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
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Physical Qualities
Medium
Mirrored glass on wood
Dimensions
24 x 24 x 24 inches, each
Visual Description
Untitled (Mirrored Cubes) is composed of four large cubes with mirrored surfaces. The cubes are presented on the ground level and aligned in a grid formation. Each cube measures twenty-four inches tall, wide and deep, or around two square feet. They are positioned roughly two feet apart yet the placement of the cubes can vary depending on the exhibition or space. This is a site-specific work that can be rearranged every time it is displayed. The cubes are constructed of wood and covered with glass mirrors that reflect their surroundings. The mirrored cubes can easily blend into the space as they are below eye level. Lighting in the gallery will reflect from the top of each cube. This work is an optical illusion that creates a void in the gallery as there are no edges to the cubes. Each cube blends into the space seamlessly reflecting the visitors and other art pieces, if any. Often times this work is presented in an empty room and reflects only the walls and other cubes creating an ‘infinity’ effect, like a visual echo through physical space. The edges of the cubes are sharp and should be avoided. Though it is not encouraged to walk through the cubes, there is a two-foot gap between the four objects, creating a cross shaped void between the pieces.
Robert Morris
Robert Morris — b. 1931, Kansas City, Missouri; d. 2018, Kingston, New York
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