Synopses & Reviews
This handsome volume, the third of the John Baldessari (b. 1931) catalogue raisonnandeacute; project, compiles 400-plus unique works of art made by the influential conceptual artist from 1987 through 1993. Here we see the artistandrsquo;s large-scale photo-based works, many of which employed his signature colored discs painted over the faces of people in the photos, accompanied by entries that trace the shifts and developments in Baldessariandrsquo;s work as his collaged photo narratives achieved maturity and mastery.
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A critical essay by Briony Fer provides a close reading of selected works, giving historical context for Baldessariandrsquo;s art from this period. In addition to a detailed chronology, complete exhibition history, and bibliography, this volume notably features a previously unpublished conversation between Baldessari and the artist Ed Ruscha, which was undertaken specifically for this publication. In the conversation, the artists discuss their early careers in Southern California and the shared thematic concerns in their work.
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The artworks in this volume demonstrate Baldessariandrsquo;s ability to expressandmdash;and, in many cases, combineandmdash;the narrative potential of images and the associative power of language within the boundaries of a single piece.and#160;
Synopsis
This landmark book offers a radical reinterpretation of the innovative art of the late 1950s and 1960s. Examining the work of major artists of the periodand#151;including Mark Rothko, Piero Manzoni, Agnes Martin, Dan Flavin, Eva Hesse, Blinky Palermo, and Louise Bourgeoisand#151;Briony Fer focuses on the overriding tendency toward repetition and seriality that occurred at the moment of modernismand#8217;s decline, gained ground in its aftermath, and continues to shape much of the art seen today.
Although seriality is mainly associated with American artists and with Minimalism, Fer broadens our understanding of it, looking at Minimalist seriality as one crucially important strategy among several. She argues that repetition becomes generative of new modes and habits of making and looking; at stake is how we think about the artwork in relation to both temporality and subjectivity. Paying close attention to specific artworks, this timely critical reassessment offers a fresh perspective on a wide range of familiar and less familiar art.
Synopsis
A comprehensive look at works made by Baldessari between the years 1987 and 1993
Synopsis
This volume, the third of the John Baldessari catalogue raisonnandeacute; project, documents unique works from 1987 to 1993 and features multi-paneled photo-based works that demonstrate the artistandrsquo;s maturity and mastery.
About the Author
Robert Dean is editorial director and
Patrick Pardo is research editor of the
John Baldessari Catalogue Raisonnandeacute;.
Briony Fer is an art historian, writer, and professor at University College, London.
Ed Ruscha is an internationally acclaimed artist based in Los Angeles.