WASHINGTON, D.C.- Mel Bochner’s renowned innovations in conceptual art come to life in the words he paints on canvas. On view at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, from November 6, 2011, through April 8, 2012, In the Tower: Mel Bochner presents 43 thesaurus-inspired works from the last 45 years, including many new and unseen works from his studio. The exhibition provides a compelling view of Bochner’s early and recent work—of the young as well as the mature artist. In the Tower: Mel Bochner is the latest installment of the Gallery’s series of exhibitions devoted to contemporary art, and the first to be devoted to the work of a living artist. “Bochner’s thesaurus works force us to look at and think about the words we use; they are portraits of how we speak,” said Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art. “We are grateful to Mel for parting with so many drawings and paintings to make this exhibition possible