Page 9 - David Bermant Foundation

DAviD williAm bermAnt 1919–2000Lou ZonaExecutive DirectorButler Institute of American ArtDavid Bermant was a visionary. How else would you describe a man who saw great and significant art dwelling within the world of technology?Before anyone considered technologically based artistic expression as serious art—there was David Bermant. Not only did he come to recognize that art created with light or digital electronics was indeed on the same level as painting or sculpture, he took the unprecedented step of actually acquiring such work and encouraging artists to stay with their vision and to continue to explore new realms.I was introduced to David Bermant by the renowned art dealer Ivan Karp, who described David Bermant as one of the truly great collectors of our time. Ivan knew of my affection for art based on technology and of my interest in one of his artists Clyde Lynds, who pioneered the use of fiber optics in sculpture.I eventually met David at Ivan’s OK Harris Gallery in New York, and we immediately were heading toward Lynds’ studio on Long Island. Walking into that space-age artist’s studio with David was an amazing experience. David’s excitement in sharing this experience was only topped by his enormous admiration for what Clyde Lynds had achieved. He could not have been more enthusiastic for the work had Clyde been his son. That visit with David and Clyde, and the subsequent drive to David’s homein Rye to see part of his collection there, was an8ABOUT DAVID