The True Artist Helps the World by Revealing Mystic Truths (Window or Wall Sign)

Mediums: neon tubing with clear glass tubing suspension supports.
Location: the Philadelphia Museum of Art (the USA).

The work was created in a studio organized by an artist in an abandoned storehouse in San Francisco. The composition is modeled as an original advertisement: a bright, circular text proclaims a specific credo of the author. The idea is characteristic of this period of his work – at the same time, it reflects the author’s thoughts that any activity of an artist can be art, and, on the other hand, it must be active. Besides, this creation shows Nauman’s tendency toward a special “dry” satire inherent in most of his works in the future. Speaking of high art, he uses materials of “low” culture and advertising as a form. This creates a paradox that encourages the viewer to question the old values ​​that speak of the purpose of art and the tasks of the artist.