Finding Aid to the Dan Flavin Records 1964 - 2012 (Bulk 1998 - 2000), in the Chinati Foundation Archives

A Finding Aid to the Dan Flavin Records 1964 - 2012 (Bulk 1998 - 2000), in the Chinati Foundation Archives

Created by Hannah Yetwin, Archives Research Fellow April 6, 2020 Last Updated: March 12, 2021

The Chinati Foundation 1 Cavalry Row / P.O. Box 1135 Marfa, TX 79843 www.chinati.org

Collection Overview

Repository: The Chinati Foundation Archives, Marfa, Texas Creator: Staff of the Chinati Foundation Title: Dan Flavin Records Dates: 1964 - 2012 (Bulk 1998-2000) Extent: 2.5 linear feet; 6 boxes Author: Finding Aid created by Hannah Yetwin Abstract: The Dan Flavin records measure 2.5 linear feet and date from to 1964 – 2012. The records include evidence of project planning and building, transcriptions of talks given by and about Flavin’s work, architecture field reports, funding efforts, and various types of press about Flavin, his work, and the Chinati project.

Administrative Information

Acquisition information: These records are the property of the Chinati Foundation, created by staff and relevant consultants between 1964 and 2012. Separated materials: Storage media formats are currently housed in original order with their corresponding physical materials - to be pulled for future digitization. Related materials: the Publications Records; print photographs Processing information: These records are a mixture of materials that were housed in Apartment 14 prior to it becoming the archive. Original order is not accounted for; intellectual arrangement has been applied according to naturally existing topics within the series. Preferred citation notes: [Title of item], (date), Box [number], Folder [number], the Dan Flavin Records, the Chinati Foundation Archives. Restrictions on access: Access to the original archival materials requires an appointment. Some materials are restricted for privacy and legal protections.

Historical Note

Dan Flavin (April 1, 1933 – November 29, 1996) was born in Jamaica, New York. He studied for priesthood at the Immaculate Conception Preparatory Seminary in Brooklyn between 1947 and 1952 before leaving to join his fraternal twin brother, David Flavin, and enlist in the US Air Force. During military service from 1954-55, Flavin was trained as an air weather meteorological technician and studied art through the adult extension program of the University of Maryland in Korea. Upon his return to New York in 1956, Flavin studied art history, painting and drawing at the New School for

Social Research and Columbia University, respectively. From 1959, Flavin was employed as a mailroom clerk at the Guggenheim Museum and later as a guard and elevator operator at the Museum of Modern Art, where he met Sol LeWitt, Lucy Lippard and Robert Ryman. He married his first wife Sonjia Severdija, an art student at New York University and assistant office manager at the Museum of Modern Art. Flavin married his second wife, artist Tracy Harris, in a ceremony at the Guggenheim Museum, in 1992. He died in Riverhead, New York, of complications from diabetes. A memorial for him was held at the Dia Center for the Arts on January 23, 1997. His estate is represented by David Zwirner.

Dan Flavin was one of the three artists whose work Donald Judd always planned to include at Chinati and the project was provisioned for in Judd’s May 1979 contracts with Dia. In June 1979 Flavin signed his own contract with Dia and renovation began on the barracks earmarked for his project starting in 1981. Renovation was paused due to logistical and financial issues with the renovation and it was further delayed while Chinati legally separated from Dia and began independent operation in 1986. Work began again on the project in 1996 when Flavin finalized the plans for the piece and Chinati collaborated with the architectural firm Ford, Powell & Carson to realize the design. The work was inaugurated in October 2000, realizing Donald Judd’s original plan for Chinati: to display in Marfa extensive complexes of works by the three artists Judd, Flavin and Chamberlain on a permanent basis. Neither Donald Judd nor Dan Flavin saw the work realized.

Scope and Contents

The Flavin Records were created by staff of the Chinati Foundation as well as external consultants, engineers, legal advisors, writers and charitable foundations etc. between 1964 and 2012, with the bulk of the materials created between 1998 and 2000. The materials include strategies and plans for the completion of the Flavin works, press about Flavin’s exhibitions, correspondence, financial information, and writings about and by Flavin.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged as 9 series:

Series 1: Financial, 1979 - 2000 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.001, I.9 Flavin | Box I.002) Series 2: Development, 1997 - 2000 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.002) Series 3: Press, 1997 - 2004 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.003) Series 4: Writings, 1964 - 2004 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.003, I.9 Flavin | Box I.004) Series 5: Correspondence, 2001 - 2005 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.004) Series 6: Dia-Era Plans, 1975 - 2005 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.004) Series 7: Conservation, 1999 - 2012 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.004)

Series 8: Building Plans, 1999 - 2000 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.005) Series 9: Events, 1997 - 2000 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.006)

Series Descriptions / Container List

Series 1: Financial, 1979 - 2000 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.001, I.9 Flavin | Box I.002) 0.6 linear feet; Box I.001 & I.002 (partial)

This series contains receipts and invoices for supplies and services, construction bids, timesheets, work summaries, and budget information for the Flavin project at Chinati.

Dossier of charitable foundations and Flavin_Financial_Found 1995 - dates of funding applications from I.9.1.001 ation Dossier untitled 2008 1995-2008 Non- Flavin_Financial_Non- Residential I.9.1.002 Residential Barracks_01 Barracks 1982 Receipts and invoices

Flavin_Financial_Non- One Cavalry I.9.1.003 Residential Barracks_02 Row: BB 1979 Receipts and invoices

Flavin_Financial_Non- Barracks/No Photocopies of ledgers, receipts, I.9.1.004 Residential Barracks_03 n-Residential 1980 invoices

Flavin Payroll (Timesheets/ Timesheets and summaries of work I.9.1.005 Flavin_Financial_Payroll Summaries) 1999 done on the Flavin barracks Flavin_Financial_Project Flavin Project Trial balance, budget, and I.9.1.006 Costs Costs 2010 QuickReport sheets Flavin_Financial_Project I.9.1.007 Costs Flavin 2000 Bills, invoices and receipts 07 Flavin Building Financial statements: balance sheets Flavin_Financial_Statem Financial including materials, supplies, payroll, I.9.1.008 ents Statements 1987 benefits. Flavin_Financial_Accoun Cook Cost Cost estimates and planning for I.9.1.009 ting Accounting 1999-2000 Flavin project

Estimates and bids for various construction tasks related to the Flavin project (doors, windows, Flavin_Financial_Estimat Estimates/Bi plaster, electrical installation, pest I.9.1.010 es dds PO's 1999-2000 control) Flavin_Financial_Insuran Insurance for equipment related to I.9.1.011 ce Insurance 1999-2000 Flavin construction Flavin Flavin_Financial_Payabl Payables Receipts and cost summaries for the I.9.1.012 es Due 2001-2002 Flavin buildings Flavin Flavin_Financial_Budget Budgets & Budget, project summary, donation I.9.1.013 s Funding 1999-2000 summaries Flavin Project Flavin_Financial_Invoice 1/1 - I.9.1.014 s_01 3/31/2000 1999-2000 Receipts and Invoices Flavin Project Flavin_Financial_Invoice 10/1 - I.9.1.015 s_02 12/31/2000 1999-2000 Receipts and Invoices Flavin Project Flavin_Financial_Invoice 7/1 - I.9.1.016 s_03 9/30/2000 1999-2000 Receipts and Invoices Flavin Project Flavin_Financial_Invoice 4/1 - I.9.1.017 s_04 6/30/2000 1999-2000 Receipts and Invoices Flavin Project James Cook - Cook Flavin_Financial_Constr Construction I.9.1.018 uction Co. 1999-2000 Receipts and Invoices Flavin Project Flavin_Financial_Lights_ - Light Piece I.9.1.019 01 Only 1999-2000 Receipts and Invoices Flavin Project / Ford, Powell & I.9.1.020 Flavin_Financial_FPC Carson 1999 1999-2000 Receipts and Invoices

- 2000

Flavin Project / Steve Morse / Dan Flavin Ltd. I.9.1.021 Flavin_Financial_Morse Studio 1999-2000 Receipts and Invoices Dan Flavin Miscellaneou I.9.1.022 Flavin_Financial_Misc. s 1999-2000 Receipts and Invoices Memos, correspondence, drawings, Light Piece procedural notes (step-by-step Flavin_Financial_Lights_ Materials instructions for installing Flavin I.9.1.023 02 PO's 1999-2000 fixtures)

Flavin_Financial_Reside Residential I.9.1.024 ntial Barracks_01 Barracks 1982 1099s, receipts, invoices

Flavin_Financial_Reside Residential I.9.1.025 ntial Barracks_02 Barracks 1981 Bills, invoices, checks (photocopies)

Flavin_Financial_Reside One Cavalry Purchaser's Statement and I.9.1.026 ntial Barracks_03 Road: AB 1979 Photocopied bills and receipts

Series 2: Development, 1997 - 2000 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.002) 0.3 linear feet; Box I.002

This series contains materials relating to the solicitation of funding, donations, and correspondence to/from foundations for the Flavin project at Chinati.

Correspondence to and from the Brown Foundation regarding funding 1998 Flavin for the Flavin project; also memos, Flavin_Development_Br Project - project outlines, and operating I.9.2.001 own Brown 1998 budgets Flavin - Correspondence to and from Flavin_Development_Sol Individual individual potential donors for I.9.2.002 icitations_01 Solicitations 1999 funding the Flavin project

Individual Solicitations Correspondence to and from Flavin_Development_Sol Dan Flavin individual potential donors for I.9.2.003 icitations_02 Project 1999 1999 funding the Flavin project Flavin_Development_Th Flavin Donor Thank you notes to individuals who I.9.2.004 anks - Thank You 2000 donated to the Flavin project Flavin Project Flavin_Development_Gr Grant Correspondence regarding grants for I.9.2.005 ants Application 1998 the Flavin project Correspondence to and from the Flavin_Development_Wr Wray Flavin Wray Charitable Trust inquiring I.9.2.006 ay Prop. 2000 2000 about funding the Flavin project Correspondence to and from the Flavin_Development_Kr Kresge Foundation inquiring about I.9.2.007 esge Flavin 1999 1999 funding the Flavin project

Correspondence to and from the Flavin_Development_La Lannan Lannan Foundation inquiring about I.9.2.008 nnan Flavin Project 1998-2000 funding the Flavin project

Correspondence to and from the Flavin_Development_M Dan Flavin Mabee Foundation inquiring about I.9.2.009 abee Project 1999 1999 funding the Flavin project 1998 Flavin Correspondence to and from the Flavin_Development_Th Project Thaw Trust inquiring about funding I.9.2.010 aw Application 1998 the Flavin project Correspondence to and from the Fifth Floor Foundation regarding funding Flavin_Development_Dr 1997 Flavin the 1997 exhibition of Flavin I.9.2.011 awings Drawings 1997 drawings at Chinati 1998 Flavin Correspondence to and from Flavin_Development_Ho Project Houston Endowment Inc. regarding I.9.2.012 uston Application 1998 funding the Flavin project Engelhard Foundation 1999 Proposal Correspondence to and from the Flavin_Development_En (Flavin/Publi Engelhard Foundation regarding I.9.2.013 gelhard cation) 1999 funding the Flavin project

Correspondence to and from Lea Flavin_Development_Si Dan Flavin and Richard Simonds regarding I.9.2.014 monds Project 1999 1999 funding the Flavin project Correspondence to and from the Flavin_Development_M 1997 Flavin Meadows Foundation regarding I.9.2.015 eadows Application 1997-1999 funding the Flavin project

Series 3: Press, 1997 - 2004 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.003) 0.1 linear feet, Box I.003

This series contains press materials relating to the Flavin project at Chinati, as well as the temporary drawing exhibition at Chinati in 1997-1998.

Flavin Project Correspondence regarding press Press Log and writings about the Flavin project I.9.3.001 Flavin_Press_Log 2000/01 2000-2001 at Chinati Dan Flavin: Drawing Exhibition 1997-1998 [Flavin Press clippings for Flavin exhibitions I.9.3.002 Flavin_Press_Exhibitions Exhibitions] 1997-1998 in other galleries, museums et. al.

Dan Flavin: Drawing Exhibition 1997-1998 Text from Dave Hickey's article on [Hickey Text Flavin's Chinati project in Vanity Fair I.9.3.003 Flavin_Press_Hickey - Vanity Fair] 2000 7/00 Dan Flavin: Drawing Exhibition Press and newspaper clippings about 1997-1998 Flavin's exhibitions (from NYT, Art in I.9.3.004 Flavin_Press_Misc. [Flavin Press] 2000-2004 America et al)

Series 4: Writings, 1964 - 2004 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.003, I.9 Flavin | Box I.004) 0.12 linear feet, Box I.003 & I.004

This series contains drafts of lectures given by Marianne Stockebrand, remarks given by Flavin at the opening of various solo exhibitions, transcriptions of addresses, and a draft of an essay on the Flavin Retrospective in Chinati’s Newsletter vol.9.

Dia brochures, Flavin's remarks from opening at the National Gallery of Canada Ottawa, exhibition list from Guggenheim solo exhibition 1995, various articles, drawings and Dan Flavin: diagrams, St. Louis Art Museum, Flavin_Writings_Literatu Dan Flavin 1974, Kunsthalle Koln installation & I.9.4.001 re Literature 1995 catalogue supplement Writings Brochures from exhibition openings, I.9.4.002 Flavin_Writings_MIsc. about Flavin 1998 proposal for conservation study Notes, drafts and correspondence pertaining to lecture given by Flavin_Writings_Stockeb MS Flavin Marianne Stockebrand on Dan I.9.4.003 rand_01 Lecture 1996 1996 Flavin at Chinati in 1996 Notes, drafts and correspondence pertaining to lecture given by Flavin_Writings_Stockeb MS Flavin Marianne Stockebrand at the Lannan I.9.4.004 rand_02 Lecture 1998 1998 Foundation in 1998 Brochures, articles, letter from Bill Flavin_Writings_Misc_0 Flavin 1969, Benton including poem about the I.9.4.005 2 Writings 2001 Flavin pieces, biography from Pace Notes, drafts and correspondence pertaining to lecture given by Flavin_Writings_Stockeb MS Flavin Marianne Stockebrand on Dan I.9.4.006 rand_03 Lecture 1996 1996 Flavin at Chinati in 1996 Transcription of address delivered by D. Flavin: Flavin at the National Gallery of Flavin_Writings_Misc_0 writings, Canada, Ottawa May 23, 1975 as I.9.4.007 3 letters etc. 1964-1975 reproduced in Studio International

Sept. 1975 p. 156; photocopy "Nationwide Reports: Hartford" Arts Magazine, March 1964 review of exhibition Black, White and Gray at Wadsworth Atheneum; photocopied excerpt Artforum Oct 1971; photocopied excerpt Artforum December 1966; photocopied excerpt Artforum December 1967; photocopied excerpt Artforum March 1968; photocopied statement December 6, 1967 from alternating pink and gold, 1967, MCA Chicago; photocopied statement from Dan Flavin installations in fluorescent light part 2, The Scottish Arts Council (brochure); statement from "three installations in fluorescent light" 1973 Cologne (?); transcription of "In the Galleries" as appeared in Arts Magazine April 1964; transcription "fluorescent lights, etc." from National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, Oct. 1969; transcription of "Barnett Newman" as published in Studio International, Feb 1970; photocopied excerpt Artnews April 1963; photocopied excerpt Artforum September 1974; photocopied excerpt Artforum April 1968; photocopied excerpt South Hampton Press 9/6/84, 9/13/84, 10/4/84; photocopied excerpt NY Times 7/24/1983; transcription of piece from catalogue "Donald Judd" from the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, 1975 pp. 1-2; photocopied excerpt from Studio International April 1969, December 1972; "Statement" in American Sculpture of

the Sixties from LACMA 1967; photocopied excerpt from East Hampton Star 3/22/1984, 8/30/84, 9/12/85, 3/28/85, 2/21/85; photocopied excerpt from Arts Canada October 1969 "Fluorescent light, etc. from Dan Flavin: a supplement" Flavin Draft of writing about Flavin Flavin_Writings_Newslet Retrospective Retrospective in volume 9 of I.9.4.008 ter v9 2004 newsletter written by Rob Weiner

Series 5: Correspondence, 2001 - 2005 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.004) 1 folder, Box I.004

This series contains correspondence between Marianne Stockebrand and Stephen Flavin/the Flavin estate between 2001 and 2005.

Correspondence between MS and Stephen Flavin between 2001 and I.9.5.001 Flavin_Correspondence Flavin Corr. 2001-2005 2005

Series 6: Dia-Era Plans, 1975 - 2005 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.004) 2 folders, Box I.004

This series contains evidence of plans for the Flavin installation dating from the period of Dia’s sponsorship for the Marfa Project. There are also copies of writings about Flavin by Donald Judd as well as by MIchael Govan and Tiffany Bell.

Correspondence regarding the agreement between Flavin and Dia for the Marfa project; copies of excerpts from Donald Judd Complete Dia Files - Writings [about Flavin] and Dan Flavin Marfa Flavin: A Retrospective by Michael I.9.6.001 Flavin_Dia_Contract Contract 1975-2005 Govan and TIffany Bell

correspondence about plans for Flavin installations; request for Non- payment from Lauretta Vinciarelli Flavin_Dia_Non- Residential regarding survey of barracks I.9.6.002 Residential Barracks Barracks 1981 buildings; Bills and invoices

Series 7: Conservation, 1999 - 2012 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.004) 2 folders, Box I.004

This series contains information for the maintenance of the control boards that operate the light elements of the Flavin works, as well as a report by Steven Morse regarding the condition of the bulbs in 2012.

Flavin Control Diagrams, schematics, instructions; Flavin_Conservation_M Boards component lists and documentation; I.9.7.001 aintenance Maintenance 1999-2001 correspondence Report on Steve Morse's visit to Flavin_Conservation_Bul Chinati regarding condition of bulbs I.9.7.002 bs Flavin Bulbs 2012 and tests in 2012

Series 8: Building Plans, 1999 - 2000 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.005) 0.4 linear feet, Box I.005

This series contains building plans, drawings, correspondence, diagrams, safety rules, photos, invoices and contracts relating to the construction of the Flavin barracks.

Correspondence, diagrams, computer drawings related to Flavin_Building Drawings/D windows, doors, and handrails for 1.9.8.001 Plans_Drawings etails 1999-2000 the Flavin buildings Flavin_Building Correspondence, cost estimates, 1.9.8.002 Plans_Morse Steve Morse 1999-2000 sketches, shipping receipts Dan Flavin Handwritten notes and price lists, Flavin_Building Marfa correspondence, and drawings for 1.9.8.003 Plans_Misc. Project Misc. 1999-2000 the Flavin project Flavin_Building Subcontracto Proposals and contracts for 1.9.8.004 Plans_Contracts rs Contracts 1999-2000 subcontractors working on Flavin

project

Asbestos guidance, general safety rules, accident prevention plan, Flavin_Building accident investigation form template, 1.9.8.005 Plans_Safety Safety 1999-2000 public notice guidelines Drawings and photos Flavin_Building of Flavin Drawings and photos of Flavin 1.9.8.006 Plans_Photos buildings 1999-2000 buildings Flavin Project Foreman Flavin_Building Electric - 1.9.8.007 Plans_Electric 2000 1999-2000 Invoices

Flavin Project Flavin_Building - Harris 1.9.8.008 Plans_Acoustics Acoustics 1999-2000 Contracts and invoices Agreement between AIA and Chinati Flavin_Building AIA Contract for architectural services on the 1.9.8.009 Plans_AIA Final Version 1999-2000 Flavin project Diagrams, correspondence, memos, Flavin_Building invoices, catalogs, price lists for 1.9.8.010 Plans_Hardware Hardware 1999-2000 hardward used in the Flavin project

Brochures, price lists, memos, correspondence, and drawings relating to the windows and doors for the Flavin buildings; includes oversize construction plan for work Flavin_Building to be done to the buildings 1.9.8.011 Plans_Building 7 Building 7 1999-2000 (prepared by Ford Powell & Carson) Flavin_Building Correspondence, memos, drawings, 1.9.8.012 Plans_Misc_02 Untitled 1999-2000 and cost estimates for Flavin project Agreement between Chinati and Flavin_Building James Cook, Cook Construction; 1.9.8.013 Plans_AIA_02 AIA Contract 1999-2000 duplicate copies; instruction sheets Flavin_Building Memos, correspondence, meeting 1.9.8.014 Plans_Gutzler John Gutzler 1999-2000 minutes, transmittal memorandum

12/16/98

Flavin_Building Architect's field reports for the Flavin 1.9.8.015 Plans_Ray Dan Ray 1999-2000 buildings Flavin_Building Architect's field reports for the Flavin 1.9.8.016 Plans_Misc_03 Untitled 1999-2000 buildings Flavin_Building Flavin Project Correspondence, drawings, and 1.9.8.017 Plans_Misc_04 Plans 1996 photos of models for the Flavin works

Series 9: Events, 1997 - 2000 (I.9 Flavin | Box I.006) 0.4 linear feet, Box I.006

This series contains materials relating to events for the opening of exhibitions including the Drawings special exhibition in 1997-1998 and the 2000 Open House.

Flavin Poster Correspondence and notes relating 1.9.9.001 Flavin_Events_Poster 2000 2000 to poster for Flavin opening Dan Flavin: Dan Flavin Exhibition Flavin_Events_Exhibition (Notes by Flavin Drawing exhibition notes with 1.9.9.002 Notes MS) 1997-1998 handwritten notes by MS Dan Flavin: Flavin Drawing Exhibition Expenses, Expenses, insurance and shipping Insurance, documentation relating to the Flavin 1.9.9.003 Flavin_Events_Financial Shipping 1997-1998 drawing exhibition opening Handwritten notes and correspondence by MS for Flavin Drawing drawing exhibition; includes floppy Exhibition disk of Flavin drawings; loan 1.9.9.004 Flavin_Events_Notes 1997/98 1997-1998 agreement for drawings Open House Flavin Flavin_Events_Save the Opening 1.9.9.005 Date Save the 2000 Drafts and payment records

Date Card

Open House - Flavin Opening Correspondence relating to the Flavin_Events_Correspo Corresponde opening of the Flavin project at 1.9.9.006 ndence nce 2000 Chinati during the fall Open House Open House Flavin Opening Correspondence, and multiple copies Invitation of invitations; includes a CD from Design/Printi Rutger Fuchs and a zip disk from 1.9.9.007 Flavin_Events_Design ng 2000 Kaleidoscope Graphics, Inc.