Richard Serra Philip Glass Meeting City

Richard Serra, renowned for his large-scale, site-specific sculptures that challenge the viewer's perception of space and materiality, had been exploring the relationship between sound and sculpture in his work. Philip Glass, a pioneering composer and musician, was known for his minimalist compositions that seemed to reverberate through the very fabric of the city. When the two visionaries crossed paths, the spark of creativity was inevitable.

The two spent evenings at the famous café La Coupole , observing artists like Alberto Giacometti and reading John Cage’s Silence to one another. Forging Minimalism in New York City

"You know," Glass said, the rhythm of the conversation shifting, "I’m starting to think music should be like that." richard serra philip glass meeting city

"Practice later," Serra said. "This is the work."

"Maybe I will," Glass said.

"Yeah," Glass said. "That’s the downbeat."

Serra smiled, a rare, toothy grin that made him look slightly feral. He put a heavy hand on Glass’s shoulder. "Then stop writing for the concert hall. Write for the space. Write for the walls." The two spent evenings at the famous café

Serra didn't move. He pointed a grease-stained finger at the hole in the street. "Look at the scale, Phil. Look at the weight."