Bio
Mel Bochner (1940 – ) is an American artist widely regarded as one of the pioneers of conceptual art. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and studied art at the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), graduating in 1962.
In the 1960s, Bochner moved to New York City, where he became part of the emerging avant-garde art scene. His work focuses on the conceptual and intellectual dimensions of art, often using language and mathematical structures. He is best known for his “Measurement” series, which documents the dimensions of physical spaces and objects, and his “Thesaurus Paintings,” where words and synonyms are employed as visual elements.
Bochner’s art emphasizes the role of language in perception and interpretation, exploring the boundary between text and image. His use of words is often humorous and critical, raising questions about how meaning is constructed.
Throughout his career, Bochner has exhibited in prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. His contributions to contemporary art remain influential, particularly in the realms of conceptual art and the interplay between art and language.