Robert Ryman: 1976 is certain to provoke discussion. Known as the guy who does the all-white paintings, Ryman has experimented with self-imposed restraint. He chose to use mostly different shades and types of white paint. By limiting himself to a minimalist language, much in the way monks adopt a lifestyle deprived of complications and distractions, Ryman distills the act of painting to a kind of purity, which some critics have dismissed as ostentatious and gimmicky. But Rymans emphasis, especially emblematic of the pieces displayed in the Menil exhibit, is on process all the way down to the hardware used to install the works. Its the kind of contemporary art that has stirred some to ask, Is it art? and has irritated others to declare, My kid could paint that. Regardless of what you might think of Ryman, his work continues to inspire important and lively conversations. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays. Menil Collection, 1515 Sul Ross. Through February 17, 2008. For information, call 713-525-9400 or visit www.menil.org. Free.
Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Starts: Nov. 9. Continues through Feb. 17, 2007
This article appears in Nov 15-21, 2007.