Matthew Marks is pleased to announce an exhibition of three early sculptures by Charles Ray at 523 West 24th Street. Ink Line, Moving Wire, and Spinning Spot were made in 1987 and 1988 and are exhibited here for the first time in over twenty years.

Ink Line, 1987, is a continuous stream of black ink traveling from a dime-size opening in the ceiling into a similar hole in the floor. At first glance, the narrow stream appears static, but when carefully observed, the viewer is able to detect subtle fluctuations in the ink’s flow. Ink Line relates to the artist’s iconic Ink Box from the previous year, in which a steel cube is precipitously filled to the brim with black ink. Although Ink Line has been widely reproduced, this is the first time it has been exhibited publicly.

Spinning Spot was made in 1987. In this work, a section of the floor measuring 24 inches in diameter is set spinning at 33 RPM. The third work in the exhibition is Moving Wire from 1988, consisting of a single 8.5 foot length of wire. Both ends of the wire protrude from the wall and are set 14 inches apart. As one end of the wire extends out from the wall at random intervals, the other retracts.

Charles Ray is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of his generation. Ray has been included in two Venice Biennale (1993, 2003), Documenta IX (1992), and four Whitney Biennials. His monumental sculpture, Hinoki, 2007, will be exhibited in the new wing of the Art Institute of Chicago this May. In June, Ray’s first commissioned outdoor work will be permanently installed at the edge of the Grand Canal at the Punta della Dogana in Venice. The artist currently lives and works in Los Angeles.

Charles Ray remains on view through July 10, 2009, at 523 West 24th Street (between 10th & 11th Avenues). Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

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