Artist: Felix Gonzalez-Torres

This is an artist I really like. He was Cuban born and is best known for his minimalist installations. Gonzalez-Torres was gay and a lot of his work relates to the loss of his lover Ross and his own experience with AIDS. I think 'loss' and 'disappearance' are really apparent in his work. For example, the strand of light bulbs that will eventually go out or the disappearing pile of candy on the floor (he invites the viewer to take a piece) or the screen of gold beads that you pass through and leave behind. It was difficult to capture the ethereal gleam of the strands of beads hanging from the ceiling at the Art Institute in Chicago, but I thought it had a real effect. I really enjoy this participatory element and the quiet sensibility of his work. Let me know what you think!