Variations on a theme - Charles Gaines

02/09/21 • 15 min

“A lot of people think that I was influenced to do conceptual art by looking at conceptual art, and that really wasn't the case. It was really a search for a certain sort of understanding of the self,” Charles Gaines says of his creative process. In this episode of Variations on a theme, host Dessane Lopez Cassell speaks to the pioneering visual artist about his radical approach to using systems and formulas as a critical language. We also learn how Gaines builds on Sol LeWitt’s foundations to tackle social constructs like racism and segregation.

For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

Previous Episode

Variations on a theme

In a new podcast series, Variations on a theme, we explore the life and legacy of Sol LeWitt with host Dessane Lopez Cassell. Meet some of the creative pioneers channeling his influence and pushing it forward in their own work.

For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast

Next Episode

Variations on a theme - Julianna Barwick

“So many things can influence how the songs will just shift a little bit in each place, and I found that really interesting when I read that about his philosophy behind his wall drawings,” Julianna Barwick says of the influence of Sol LeWitt’s artistic process. In this episode of Variations on a theme, host Dessane Lopez Cassell speaks to the composer and performer about how she creates a choir of one — “loop by loop by loop, and shape by shape by shape.” We also take a closer look at the relationship between conceptual art and experimental music.

For more information about Microsoft's In Culture podcast and to read the transcript, please visit: microsoft.com/inculture/podcast