Art21 Extended Play

Exclusive | Bruce Nauman’s Studio Routine

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Artist Bruce Nauman in his New Mexico studio. Production still from the series Exclusive. © Art21, Inc. 2013. Cinematography by Bob Elfstrom.

“Sometimes you have to do that—you just have to make work for yourself.” —Bruce Nauman

In today’s Exclusive, filmed in 2000 at Bruce Nauman’s New Mexico studio, the artist explains his need to experiment with new materials and forms on a daily basis. Nauman relies on experimentation to keep his creative process moving forward, even though it may lead to artwork that no one, including he himself, will appreciate. As Nauman walks around his cavernous studio, he points out examples such as taxidermy forms that he transformed into a bronze fountain for his front yard. Watch the film below: