Book Description

In the history of art, only a handful of great artists have been able to articulate the nature of the creative process. Robert Motherwell was one such artist. Not only a seminal painter in the movement eventually referred to as abstract expressionism, he was also a primary theorist and spokesperson for the avant-garde art that developed mainly in New York City during the Second World War. Throughout the formative years of abstract expressionism, Motherwell's presence as artist, editor of a series of pioneering books on modern art, lecturer, and teacher was influential in both illuminating and shaping the development of what he termed "The Enterprise" of abstract art. Bringing together a representative selection of Motherwell's writing about art, dating from 1941 to 1988, The Collective Writings of Robert Motherwell offers more than sixteen essays, a number of pieces from exhibition catalogs, over a dozen public lectures, and all the artist's vanguard editorial work. Definitive and illuminating, this collection of nearly eighty pieces brings to light the prominence of Motherwell, whom The New York Times memorialized as the "eloquent and articulate champion of the entire Abstract Expressionist movement." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

BRILLIANCE
Robert Motherwell, is one of the great geniuses of American art. His Paintings are broad and powerful images; more "pure" than many other of the abstract painters of his day. This is a superlative book, which lets you into Motherwells mind. Any reader will see his sharp criticism and poignant observations, those who are open will take them to heart.

Abstract Art's Virgil
Motherwell was a superb writer in addition to being a painter. This anthology spans 1941-1988. It's a great read, not only for it's insights into art but also for capturing the flavour of the time. In a sense it let's you stand behind Motherwell's shoulder and peer into his thoughts and see how he viewed modern art both from a philosophical view point as well as aesthetic.

A lot of it is drawn from his public writings and speeches but a lot is fairly personal in nature, taken from his journals.

It's well annotated and useful if you're interested in the abstract movement. ... Read more

Book Description

Robert Motherwell was by far the most intellectual and articulate of the Abstract Expressionists. This book, written by the renowned writer and critic Mary Ann Caws, a friend of the artist, examines how Motherwell's way of writing and thinking illuminated his paintings. American by birth, yet European in his literary and philosophical perspectives, he straddled two traditions. He was drawn to France and French literature, to the idea of elegy and the Spanish Civil War, to the Surrealists, yet his spirit was singularly American -- a tension that gave his oeuvre a particular intensity. Drawing on conversations with the artist as well as on his writings, Robert Motherwell with Pen and Brush brings his distinctive approach, unique among the Abstract Expressionists, into focus.

Book Description

Caws discusses the artist's paintings, drawings, and collages in relation to the wide variety of American and European literature, philosophy, and art which influenced Motherwell. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A total travesty!
I feel so bad for the author, but not bad enough to keep this book. It's being returned. Although the written content is excellent, 10 of the meager 18 photos of Motherwell's work are problematic -- nine have been inadvertently cropped during the printing, and one is both cropped and printed upside down. These books should have been withdrawn and reprinted, but instead, Columbia University Press tucked a little sheet into the dust jacket explaining their regret. It's hard to believe they proceeded with the distribution of this book, and retail it for $46. This is unconscionable in any book, but especially an art book on a noted figure like Motherwell. Please note that Amazon says the other reviewer's comments are based on a different edition.

At Five in The Afternoon
Motherwell was an articulate voice in this period of American non-objective painting...Motherwell was more literate than most of the artist of the New York School and therefore he went much further in bring out influence, inspiration and what he calls "Psychic Automotism". This is the automatic writing/drawing that the surrealist introduced as a means to tap into the subconcious wealth of material in the artist. This book is very good at exploring the mind of the artist. Of particular value are the comments made by Motherwell that are found throughout the book next to the beautiful reproductions. I also found the interveiw at the end of the book with Motherwell very interesting. Dore Ashton provides an informed reflection on the artist and Arnason's extended text goes far to follow the major themes and subjects of the painters life- The Elegies, Open Paintings, Wall paintings ,collages and Works on paper. Even attention to the Je'tem Paintings and his Ocher peices. I recommend this grand book to anyone who loves Motherwell's work. His was a sublime acheivement in the important mid century of American painting. Buy the book new- it is far and away cheaper than any of the used copies... ... Read more

Reviews (1)

sharing
The entire work of Joyce has the same caracteristic of "finnegans wake" it begins where it ends. No one understood it as Motherwell did. The most amazing thing is that he translated his understanding of joyce's world not by verbal ways but by visual ways - drawing. In the Dedalus sketchboks we found these wonderful drawings showing the Joycian's characters as true as they were built by their autor. And still those drawings are not illustrations. Their are very particular. I can say ,with no doubt, that they are witnesses of a meeting played by two great artists. Both man tried to share with us their views of something , I believe that this something is the human experience. If you believe what I said is true them Motherwell has been well succeded in sharing with us his own experience in Joyce's work. ... Read more

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Epoca, published by Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA) on November 18, 1996. The length of the article is 659 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: La visita de un pintor inteligente. (Roberto Motherwell, FundaciTapies, Barcelona, Espa a)(TT: The visit of an intelligent painter) (TA: Roberto Motherwell, FundaciTapies, Barcelona, Spain)
Publication: Epoca (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 18, 1996
Publisher: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
Issue: n612Page: p71(2)

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Siempre!, published by Edicional Siempre on October 9, 1997. The length of the article is 1491 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Teresa del Conde; sobre Bacon, Motherwell y Tamayo. (libro sobre Francis Bacon, Robert Motherwell, y Rufino Tamayo)(TT: Teresa del Conde; about Bacon, Motherwell, and Tamayo) (TA: book about Francis Bacon, Robert Motherwell, and Rufino Tamayo)(Interview)
Author: Miguel Angel Muoz
Publication: Siempre! (Refereed)
Date: October 9, 1997
Publisher: Edicional Siempre
Volume: v44Issue: n2312Page: p62(1)

Article Type: Interview

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