Synopses & Reviews
Edited and designed by Frank Olinsky, founding art director of Tricycle magazine, Buddha Book presents over ninety sacred images of the Buddha -- both Eastern and Western, ancient and modern -- in the form of paintings, carvings, sculptures, photographs, and drawings. From rare museum pieces and exquisite temple art to striking modern interpretations by such artists as David Byrne, Henri Matisse, Bernardo Bertolucci, and Nam June Paik, Buddha Bookinvites readers to contemplate the many faces of enlightenment.
Review
From: NAPRA ReView
Over 90 images are gathered here, ranging from immense Buddha-as-building to whimsical ink drawings, from gargantuan feet to woodchip figurines, emaciated fasting Buddhas to Alec Fray's "Cyber Buddha"--Olinsky has masterfully juxtaposed impressions of the great teacher as seen by artists all over the world. An authoritative introduction by Robert A.F. Thurman provides a lucid summary of how Buddha worship developed, and explains the significance of representational images to devotees. This wonderful book can be enjoyed on many levels, not least as a compendium of artistic expression and religious fervor.
About the Author
Frank Olinsky is a graphic designer, art director, and illustrator, as well as founding art director and cover designer of Tricycle magazine. He teaches at Parsons School of Design in New York.
Robert A. F. Thurman is the author of Essential Tibetan Buddhism, and he is Jey Tsong Khapa professor of Indo-Tibetan Studies and chair of the religion department at Columbia University.