The 1970's were a point of intersection for a varied group of young artists who had been spoon-fed three dimensions, and were digesting Minimalism, Anti-Illusionism, and Conceptualism. At the time, all were relatively new to the gallery scene. Even the senior members of the five, Artschwager and LeWitt (born 1923 and 1928 respectively) did not manage a one-person show until 1965. Within a few years, all the rest followed suit.

This exhibition proposes the 1970's as a decisive moment for sculptor's drawings, and a viewing platform for the present. Artschwager, Le Va, LeWitt, Saret and Tuttle had each become fully established in New York. Sculpture had temporarily eclipsed painting, and legendary galleries such as Bykert, Greene, Dwan, and Castelli warehouse were flourishing. The 1980's hadn't yet happened. The art world was small, vital, and cohesive in a way it would never be again.