Existing comment:
On Kawara
born Kariya, Japan 1932–died New York City 2014
Title1965
acrylic and collage on canvas
National Gallery of Art, Washington, Patrons' Permanent Fund, 2006.40.1.1
The year 1965 marked a turning point in the war in Vietnam. President Lyndon Johnson set a new course of open war, sending ground troops to South Vietnam and beginning a bombing campaign against the North. Kawara's Title alludes to this escalation in three succinct phrases. Its central canvas records the date of its creation, while the words "ONE THING" predict the overwhelming presence the Vietnam War would soon have in the public consciousness. Kawara's restrained reference to a time and place beset with conflict lend the work its unusual emotive power. |