David Diao: On Barnett Newman, 1991-2023 at GREENE NAFTALI

James Kalm is an art history nerd, but his efforts pale in comparison to the long-term commitment of David Diao. Stating “One of the high points of my early years in New York was helping to install Barnett Newman’s ‘Stations of the Cross’ at the Guggenheim in 1966. I go see his work whenever it is on view. I also probably have collected every catalogue and book pertaining to his work that I can lay my hands on.” With these sentiments, and the artists masterly reductive/minimal painting methods, Diao has created Newmanesque scale works with extensive notations recording dimensions, and dates of every painting, drawing, print and sculpture from Newman’s brief career. Spanning thirty-two years Diao’s memorial project has actually lasted longer than Newman’s own exhibition career. This program was recorded January 12, 2024 #jameskalmreport #jameskalmroughcut #lorenmunk