Art21 Extended Play

Teaching Bruce Nauman

Bruce Nauman riding horseback on his New Mexico ranch in August, 2000. Production still from the series Exclusive. © Art21, Inc. 2013. Cinematography by Bob Elfstrom.

Bruce Nauman riding horseback on his New Mexico ranch in August, 2000.
Production still from the series Exclusive. © Art21, Inc. 2013. Cinematography by Bob Elfstrom.

“A good teacher is like a good artist. They go right to the most difficult part of whatever’s going on…” —Bruce Nauman

In today’s Exclusive, filmed in August 2000, Bruce Nauman discusses two teachers who influenced his approach to horseback riding and art making: master horse trainer Ray Hunt and painter Wayne Thiebaud. Nauman explains how both men taught him “how to pay attention.” Nauman is shown on horseback at his New Mexico ranch, and walking up his outdoor installation Model (1998), a stairway embedded in the landscape of his property. Read more about Model in the Art21 interview “Bruce Nauman: Stairways.” Watch the video below.

Exclusive is supported, in part, by 21c Museum Hotel and individual contributors.