Stella's "Agbatana III," 1968, (fluorescent acrylic on canvas) measures 10 feet by 15 feet and is a consummate example of the movement's goal of keeping the viewers' eyes riveted to the brightly colored, protractoresque designed canvas.

With Olitski's large "Pearlescent Flood," 1970, (acrylic on canvas, 93 inches by 125 inches), viewers can't help but investigate every square inch of its deceptively simple surface.

Minimalists challenged the principles and practices of late-abstraction artists, eliminating their distinctive hand. Minimalists made solid geometric forms that could be industrially produced from glass, steel, zinc, lead, clay or plastic.

Donald Judd's 1969 installation piece, "Untitled" (four aluminum and Plexiglas cubes in series), illustrates this movement perfectly. Look for it on the floor upon entering the show.

Conceptual artists focused on the mind, elevating the thought process to the role of creator. The actual art object was not intended to be the work of art, only a stimulus for the mind to construct the artwork in the imagination.

Sol LeWitt's "49 Three-Part Variations on Three Different Kinds of Cubes," 1967-71, consists of 49 enamel-on-steel-box constructions clumped randomly, or so it seems, on the floor. Viewers can make of it what they will.

Jenny Holzer's "Truisms 2 (English)," 1977-79, (mini LED sign) measures 4 inches by 5 inches and is an excellent example of contemporary art, wherein artists use a wide range of materials to challenge, enlighten and excite viewers, searching for a dialogue to explore cultural, social and personal issues.

"Turning Point" will irritate some viewers, those who simply want to gaze upon a resplendent, recognizable image. Others will ridicule the exhibit: taunting patrons under their breath for wasting time with the art. Fortunately, there will also be those who will thoroughly enjoy the exhibit and see it for what it is — an opportunity to experience art history through the eyes of some of America's most important artists.

---

If you go ...

What: Turning Point: The Demise of Modernism and the Rebirth of Meaning in American Art

Where: BYU Museum of Art, 404 N. Campus Drive, BYU, Provo

When: Through Jan. 3

Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.;

Saturday, noon-5 p.m.;

Sunday, closed

How much: Free

Phone: 422-8287

Web: www.byu.edu/moa

Also: Tours conducted during regular museum hours must be scheduled a week in advance (422-1140)

---

E-mail: gag@desnews.com