BAM

1960s

Travels in the Middle East

He visits circular-plan cities in the Middle East and is especially intrigued by the arches and decorative patterns he sees in the architecture and art of Iran; these cities will later give their names to works of the Protractor series.

1964

Radio discussion with Judd and Flavin

In a radio discussion of contemporary art with fellow artists Donald Judd and Dan Flavin, Stella sums up his approach: only what can be seen is there — “What you see is what you see.” The tautology later became known as the unofficial motto of minimalism.

mid-1960s

Begins working with master printer Kenneth Tyler

In the mid-1960s he begins his long involvement with printmaking, first working with the master printer Kenneth Tyler at Gemini G.E.L.

1965–1966

Guggenheim: “The Shaped Canvas” and “Systemic Painting”

His work is included in two exhibitions at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: The Shaped Canvas (1965) and Systemic Painting (1966).

1967

Sets and costumes for Merce Cunningham

Designs the set and costumes for Merce Cunningham's dance piece Scramble.