Born in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Donald Judd initially studied philosophy and art history at Columbia University before transitioning to a career as an artist and critic. He began his practice as a painter in the 1950s, but by the early 1960s, he moved toward three-dimensional work, seeking to eliminate the illusionism of traditional painting.

Judd is best known for his stacks—series of identical, industrially fabricated units mounted vertically on walls—and his use of materials such as galvanized iron, stainless steel, plexiglass, and plywood. His work emphasizes the physical presence of the object and its relationship to the surrounding architectural space, intentionally avoiding metaphorical or symbolic meaning.

His influence remains a cornerstone of contemporary art discourse, with his former studio and living spaces in Marfa, Texas, serving as a permanent site for his large-scale installations. His rigorous approach to form and space continues to be a primary reference point for discussions regarding the evolution of modern sculpture.