Informed by a deep interest in sociopolitical theory and in the relationship between human beings and objects, American artist Lawrence Weiner used language as his primary artistic material. To Weiner, words were simple, unimposing, and malleable. By creating sculptural works out of language, Weiner offered what he described as “a universal common possibility of availability.” Evoking the utilitarian ethos of Minimalism, his sculptures are nonprescriptive, becoming specific depending on context, installation, and reception. Creative and interpretive decisions are left to the exhibitor and the viewer. Weiner’s MATTER SO SHAKEN TO ITS CORE TO LEAD TO A CHANGE IN INHERENT FORM TO THE EXTENT OF BRINGING ABOUT A CHANGE IN THE DESTINY OF THE MATERIAL PRIMARY SECONDARY TERTIARY, 2002, on view in the Entry Pavilion, is one of the first works visitors encounter at the Pavilions.

–Emily Benoff, from the Glenstone Field Guide