On Kawara’s Date Paintings

Japanese conceptual artist On Kawara began creating his "date paintings" on January 4, 1966. These were paintings of that day's date, done in plain lettering against a solid background. If he couldn't finish the painting on the day he started it, he would destroy it.

Kawara continued creating date paintings until he died in 2014, creating over 3000 of them. Several of these date paintings have now sold for over $1 million.

I like the concept, and I admire his commitment to his routine. But $1 million sure seems like a lot to pay for a painting of a date, especially when there's 3000 similar paintings out there.

More info: OnKawara.co.uk

An example of a date painting