"This book is an incomplete and imprecise inventory of Paul Ruscha's collection, a collection that also includes significant paintings, sculpture and objects accumulated over the years. It also includes texts by Ruscha explicating the nature of his attachment to the various elements of his collection, as well as reminiscences on the artists whose work he has been collecting."--Publisher.
A captivating tour of the bookshelves of ten leading artists, exploring the intricate connections between reading, artistic practice, and identity Taking its inspiration from Walter Benjamin's seminal 1931 essay, the Unpacking My Library series charts a spirited exploration of the reading and book collecting practices of today's leading thinkers. Artists and Their Books showcases the personal libraries of ten important contemporary artists based in the United States (Mark Dion, Theaster Gates, Wangechi Mutu, Ed Ruscha, and Carrie Mae Weems), Canada (Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller), and the United Kingdom (Billy Childish, Tracey Emin, and Martin Parr). Through engaging interviews, the artists discuss the necessity of reading and the meaning of books in their lives and careers. This is a book about books, but it even more importantly highlights the role of literature in shaping an artist's self-presentation and persona. Photographs of each artist's bookshelves present an evocative glimpse of personal taste, of well-loved and rare volumes, and of the individual touches that make a bookshelf one's own. The interviews are accompanied by "top ten" reading lists assembled by each artist, an introduction by Jo Steffens, and Marcel Proust's seminal essay "On Reading."
An immense contribution to scholarship on Ed Ruscha and his pioneering artistic practice, offering thorough documentation of his works on paper This highly anticipated book—the first in a series of three—comprehensively chronicles the first two decades of Ed Ruscha’s (b. 1937) work on paper, which comprises the largest component of his production of original works. Over 1,000 works on paper are documented, all created between 1956 and 1976, and they encompass a wide range of formats, materials, themes, and styles. Included are collages, ephemeral sketches, preparatory studies for paintings, oil on paper works, and drawings executed in a variety of inventive materials, including gunpowder and organic substances. Ruscha came to prominence in the early 1960s as part of the Pop art movement, although his work equally engages the legacies of Dada, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism as well as the Conceptual art that emerged later in the decade. He has long enjoyed international standing and admiration, and his work is widely known. Despite this recognition, this volume contains hundreds of works that have infrequently, or never, been exhibited or published. Each work is catalogued with a color reproduction, collection details, full chronological provenance, exhibition history, and bibliographic references. Essays by Lisa Turvey and Harry Cooper complete this extraordinary survey, which expands and enriches our understanding of Ruscha’s pioneering exploration of the written word as a subject for visual art and his witty assessment of the iconography of Los Angeles, both real and imagined.
Powerfully phrased, elegantly structured and uniquely presented. This book constitutes a new era in the evolution of poetry. It is a great contribution to the global recognition of Canadian literature. A reference against which poetry will be measured. - K. Cohien, Editor The depth of the exceptionally rich imagery in this book, and the stunning use of the language promise a very successful and enjoyable book. Though no great poet in history was fully and truly appreciated in his days, if not sooner - it may only take the next generations library to crown the author the unsurpassed poet of all times. It is an honor to introduce this book. - W. S. Martin, M.A. Author. Having dazzled the imagination of poetry with his previous book Intoxicated Emotions Paul Gouda in The scent of the full moon has written his name in history with the very few elite giants of recorded literature. Having taught advanced literature at graduate level for 18 years, I believe I am qualified to make this very bold statement: This book has confidently earned its place within the unique category of the greatest literature ever written.. This is not a statement anyone would make lightly. I am confident that history will prove this testimonial to be true. Brilliant material. - Timothy Bucha, Ph.D. Th.D.
In 2002, Gee’s Bend burst into international prominence through the success of Tinwood’s Quilts of Gee’s Bend exhibition and book, which revealed an important and previously invisible art tradition from the African American South. Critics and popular audiences alike marveled at these quilts that combined the best of contemporary design with a deeply rooted ethnic heritage and compelling human stories about the women. Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt is a major book and museum exhibition that will premiere at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), in June 2006 before traveling to seven American museums through 2008. The book's 330 color illustrations and insightful text bring home the exciting experience to readers while displaying all the cultural heritage and craftsmanship that have gone into these remarkable quilts.
Schwartz examines Ruscha's diverse body of work, including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, books, and films, and discusses his relationship with other artists with whom he sparked the movement known as West Coast pop.
Full Moon Secrets - Unveiling Nocturnal Mysteries In the tranquil embrace of the night sky, when the world sleeps under the watchful gaze of celestial bodies, the full moon emerges as a luminous sentinel, casting an ethereal glow upon the Earth. Amidst its radiant beauty lies a world of enigmatic allure, a realm known only to those who seek the whispered secrets of the Full Moon. Mystical Illumination: As the sun dips below the horizon, the full moon takes center stage, bathing the landscape in its silvery luminescence. This celestial phenomenon has captured human imagination for millennia, inspiring tales of magic, transformation, and hidden truths. The full moon's brilliance is more than just a cosmic spectacle; it's a gateway to the mysteries that stir within the night. Nocturnal Whispers: Under the full moon's radiant embrace, the night seems alive with whispered secrets. Ancient legends speak of this time as when barriers between the ordinary and the supernatural thin, allowing glimpses into the hidden realms that exist beyond our perception. Whispers carried on the night breeze tell stories of forgotten wisdom, untold histories, and the connection between humanity and the cosmos. Moonlit Reflections: The full moon's reflective glow casts a spellbinding dance upon bodies of water, turning lakes and rivers into shimmering mirrors of the night sky. It is in these moments of reflection that seekers may catch a fleeting glimpse of their own inner worlds, pondering the depths of their desires, fears, and aspirations illuminated by the moon's enchanting radiance. Shrouded Transformations: Throughout cultures and mythologies, the full moon has been associated with transformation. From werewolves to mystical creatures, the moon's influence is believed to awaken hidden powers and desires within individuals. It is a time when the human spirit melds with the mysteries of the universe, fostering personal growth and awakening the dormant facets of the soul. Celebration of Lunacy: In many cultures, the full moon is celebrated through vibrant rituals and gatherings. Whether it's a midnight soiree, a moonlit meditation, or a bonfire beneath the celestial expanse, these celebrations serve as a way for communities to connect with the mystical energy that emanates from the moon's radiant face. Unveiling the Unseen: "Full Moon Secrets" is an invitation to delve into the unseen tapestry of the night, to venture beyond the confines of the mundane and embrace the magic woven into the fabric of the universe. It is a reminder that there is more to the world than meets the eye, and the full moon serves as a celestial guide to those who dare to seek the hidden truths that shimmer in its resplendent glow.
