- - The original note follows - -
From: sbrock@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Steve Brock)
Subject: Reviews of new books on art and architecture
Date: Fri, 6 May 1994 02:58:41 GMT
Here are several short reviews of new books on art and architec-
ture:
THE GUILD 9: THE ARCHITECT'S SOURCE OF ARTISTS AND ARTISANS,
published by Kraus Sikes, Inc., 228 State St., Madison, WI 53703,
(800) 969-1556, (608) 256-1938 FAX. Illustrated, indexes,
glossary, list of selected publications. 310 pp., $30.00 (plus
$4.00 shipping/handling) cloth. 1-880140-06-3
REVIEW
North America's leading architectural artists and artisans, 198 in
all, are profiled in this guide for those seeking to commission
their custom designs in glass, metal, ceramics, mosaics, wall
reliefs, murals, sculptures, and landscapes. "The Guild 9" begins
with an essay on the importance of the artist's overall design
ideas and an outline of the commissioning process. These are
followed by listings of artists, divided by motif, each with
several color photographs of representative works. Also included
are lists of resources, such as the register of public art, art
consultants, and national organizations and associations. The
listed artists are selected on the basis of experience, quality of
work, and their reputation of working with designers. For both
professionals and individuals collectors, "The Guild 9" is an
indispensable guide to the best and brightest architectural
artists.
DALI'S MUSTACHE by Salvador Dali and Philippe Halsman. Librarie
Ernest Flammarion, Distributed in the U.S. by Abbeville Press,
Inc., 488 Madison Ave., N.Y., NY 10022, (800) 227-7210, (212) 644-
5085 FAX. Illustrated, publisher's notes. 128 pp., $12.00 cloth.
2-08013-560-0
REVIEW
Previously published in 1954, now coveted as a cult collector's
item, "Dali's Mustache" will be reissued by Flammarion next month.
With noted photographer Phillipe Halsman (101 Life magazine
covers), Dali illustrates the answers to irreverent questions about
himself and his art with his eminent implement. He paints with it,
ties it in knots, and uses it as the source of essential truth
(when he is asked why he paints, he says "Because I love art," but
his moustache makes a dollar sign). Lovers of Dali's irrepressible
wit will welcome "Dali's Mustache." New York's Metropolitan Museum
of Art will be hosting "Dali: The Early Years" (50 paintings and 50
drawings) from June 28 to Sept 18, 1994.
INSTALLATION ART by Nicholas de Oliveira, Nicola Oxley, and Michael
Petry, with texts by Michael Archer. Smithsonian Institution
Press, 470 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 7100, Washington, D.C., 20560,
(800) 927-7377, (202) 287-3184 FAX. Illustrated, index, notes,
bibliography, chronology. 208 pp., $49.95 cloth. 1-56098-347-7
REVIEW
The authors, co-founders of the Museum of Installation in London,
provide a rambling survey of a movement that many believe is still
in its infancy. Over 200 works are documented in four chapters
("Site," "Media," "Museum," and "Architecture"). From Christo's
unfettered yellow umbrellas in the southern California foothills to
Site Project's haunting freeway during an earthquake, these large-
scale explorations defy classification (notwithstanding the
Smithsonian's ten points of difference between Sites and Non-
sites), but "Installation Art" is a helpful place to attempt
discernment.
CALIFORNIA GARDENS: CREATING A NEW EDEN by David C. Streatfield.
Abbeville Press, Inc., 488 Madison Ave., N.Y., NY 10022, (800)
227-7210, (212) 644-5085 FAX. Illustrated, index, selected
bibliography, notes, list of public gardens. 272 pp., $55.00
cloth. 1-55859-453-1
REVIEW
California's mediterranean climate has inspired landscapers,
designers, nurserymen, and architects to create public and private
gardens that are truly overwhelming, and Streatfield, with the
assistance of leading garden photographers, provides both a
historical retrospective and contemporary analysis of this
"fertile" topic. Beginning with Spanish and Victorian influences,
"California Gardens" branches out into the Arts and Crafts era, the
use of imports and exotics, the growth of estate gardens, the
adoption of drought-tolerant vegetation, and a special section on
indoor gardens. Just under 200 photographs and garden plans create
a feeling of timeless and tranquility. This is a radiant celebra-
tion that deserves a prominent place on the shelves of gardeners
and garden lovers.
ANDREA PALLADIO: THE ARCHITECT IN HIS TIME by Bruce Boucher,
principal photography by Paolo Marton. Abbeville Press, Inc., 488
Madison Ave., N.Y., NY 10022, (800) 227-7210, (212) 644-5085 FAX.
Illustrated, index, bibliography, notes, glossary, chronology. 336
pp., $95.00 cloth. 1-55859-381-0
REVIEW
Boucher has written an extensive investigation of Palladio's
development from a stonemason, through his first commissions of
villas in and around Vincenza, to larger works (churches and public
buildings), his writing of the Quattro Libri (studied by Thomas
Jefferson), and his use of classical motifs. Included are lengthy
examinations of his seminal works: The Bascilica, the Palazzo
Chiericati, the Teatro Olimpico, the Villa Valmarana ai Nani, the
Malcontenta, and probably his most famous building - La Rotunda.
While the price of this volume may be out of the reach of the
average Palladio admirer, it is a cornerstone in understanding a
legacy that has lasted for four hundred years. "Andrea Palladio"
is a major addition to college art and architecture libraries.
MIND FIELDS, art by Jacek Yerka, fiction by Harlan Ellison.
Morpheus International, 200 N. Robertson Bl., Suite #326, Beverly
Hills, CA 90212, (310) 839-2557. Illustrated. 71 pp., $24.95
paper. 0-9623447-9-6
REVIEW
You can tell what is ahead by looking at the black-and-white
photograph of Harlan and Jacek sitting across from each other,
working like crazy. When publisher James Cowan asked Ellison to do
an introduction for a book of Jacek's paintings, Ellison, after
looking at a few of the examples, was "knocked out." He offered to
write thirty-three stories using the pictures as inspiration. The
result is a surreal landscape with literary depth. Ellison doesn't
take the illustrations literally, he immerses himself into them and
springs forth with intensity. "Mind Fields" is highly recommended
as a gift for lovers of science fiction, fantasy, and surreal art.
AMERICAN JUNK by Mary Randolph Carter. Viking Studio Books, 375
Hudson St., N.Y., NY 10014, (212) 366-2000, (212) 366-2666 FAX.
Illustrated, list of sources. 240 pp., $29.95 cloth.
0-670-84400-4
REVIEW
"This car stops at all garage sales"
-- bumper sticker
According to Carter, you can't have a house beautiful unless it is
furnished with the appropriate junk; one-of-a-kind and tacky to the
point of being one step above kitsch. Where to get it? Flea
markets, garage sales, and second-hand and thrift stores with names
like "Such-A-Deal" and "The Watnot Shop." Vice-president of
advertising for Polo Ralph Lauren, Inc., Carter doesn't seem the
type to be poring over fish decoys, old books, or collectors
swizzle sticks, but she has done so for years and shares her
secrets, as well as a multitude of possible arrangements and a very
selective list of sources. Packed with ideas for instinctual
bargain hunters, with chapter titles such as "Western Junk," and
"Shady Business," this book is also a rare find.
HUGH NEWELL JACOBSEN ARCHITECT: RECENT WORK 1988-1993, edited by
Rosalie Grattaroti. Rockport Publishers, Inc., 146 Granite Street,
Rockport, MA 01966, (508) 546-9590, (508) 546-7141 FAX, distributed
by American Institute of Architects Press, 1735 New York Ave. NW,
Washington, D.C. 20006, (800) 365-ARCH, (410) 626-7012 FAX.
Illustrated, bibliography, chronology. 239 pp., $49.95 cloth.
1-55835-119-1
REVIEW
In this second monograph on Jacobsen, who feels that in this phase
of his life he has done his "best stuff," the crowning work has to
be the addition he designed for the west terraces of the U.S.
Capitol Building, which includes a glass ceiling over the corridor
separating the Bulfinch block from the underground office space.
Other major recent works are St. Peter's Catholic Church in Olney,
Maryland; St. John's University Art School and Gallery in
Collegeville, Minnesota; Casa Miralejos in the Dominican Republic;
and several other residences. While the photography is outstand-
ing, I recommend the book only to those particularly interested in
Jacobsen, as well as architectural libraries.
From: sbrock@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Steve Brock)
Subject: Reviews of new books on art and architecture
Date: Fri, 6 May 1994 02:58:41 GMT
Here are several short reviews of new books on art and architec-
ture:
THE GUILD 9: THE ARCHITECT'S SOURCE OF ARTISTS AND ARTISANS,
published by Kraus Sikes, Inc., 228 State St., Madison, WI 53703,
(800) 969-1556, (608) 256-1938 FAX. Illustrated, indexes,
glossary, list of selected publications. 310 pp., $30.00 (plus
$4.00 shipping/handling) cloth. 1-880140-06-3
REVIEW
North America's leading architectural artists and artisans, 198 in
all, are profiled in this guide for those seeking to commission
their custom designs in glass, metal, ceramics, mosaics, wall
reliefs, murals, sculptures, and landscapes. "The Guild 9" begins
with an essay on the importance of the artist's overall design
ideas and an outline of the commissioning process. These are
followed by listings of artists, divided by motif, each with
several color photographs of representative works. Also included
are lists of resources, such as the register of public art, art
consultants, and national organizations and associations. The
listed artists are selected on the basis of experience, quality of
work, and their reputation of working with designers. For both
professionals and individuals collectors, "The Guild 9" is an
indispensable guide to the best and brightest architectural
artists.
DALI'S MUSTACHE by Salvador Dali and Philippe Halsman. Librarie
Ernest Flammarion, Distributed in the U.S. by Abbeville Press,
Inc., 488 Madison Ave., N.Y., NY 10022, (800) 227-7210, (212) 644-
5085 FAX. Illustrated, publisher's notes. 128 pp., $12.00 cloth.
2-08013-560-0
REVIEW
Previously published in 1954, now coveted as a cult collector's
item, "Dali's Mustache" will be reissued by Flammarion next month.
With noted photographer Phillipe Halsman (101 Life magazine
covers), Dali illustrates the answers to irreverent questions about
himself and his art with his eminent implement. He paints with it,
ties it in knots, and uses it as the source of essential truth
(when he is asked why he paints, he says "Because I love art," but
his moustache makes a dollar sign). Lovers of Dali's irrepressible
wit will welcome "Dali's Mustache." New York's Metropolitan Museum
of Art will be hosting "Dali: The Early Years" (50 paintings and 50
drawings) from June 28 to Sept 18, 1994.
INSTALLATION ART by Nicholas de Oliveira, Nicola Oxley, and Michael
Petry, with texts by Michael Archer. Smithsonian Institution
Press, 470 L'Enfant Plaza, Suite 7100, Washington, D.C., 20560,
(800) 927-7377, (202) 287-3184 FAX. Illustrated, index, notes,
bibliography, chronology. 208 pp., $49.95 cloth. 1-56098-347-7
REVIEW
The authors, co-founders of the Museum of Installation in London,
provide a rambling survey of a movement that many believe is still
in its infancy. Over 200 works are documented in four chapters
("Site," "Media," "Museum," and "Architecture"). From Christo's
unfettered yellow umbrellas in the southern California foothills to
Site Project's haunting freeway during an earthquake, these large-
scale explorations defy classification (notwithstanding the
Smithsonian's ten points of difference between Sites and Non-
sites), but "Installation Art" is a helpful place to attempt
discernment.
CALIFORNIA GARDENS: CREATING A NEW EDEN by David C. Streatfield.
Abbeville Press, Inc., 488 Madison Ave., N.Y., NY 10022, (800)
227-7210, (212) 644-5085 FAX. Illustrated, index, selected
bibliography, notes, list of public gardens. 272 pp., $55.00
cloth. 1-55859-453-1
REVIEW
California's mediterranean climate has inspired landscapers,
designers, nurserymen, and architects to create public and private
gardens that are truly overwhelming, and Streatfield, with the
assistance of leading garden photographers, provides both a
historical retrospective and contemporary analysis of this
"fertile" topic. Beginning with Spanish and Victorian influences,
"California Gardens" branches out into the Arts and Crafts era, the
use of imports and exotics, the growth of estate gardens, the
adoption of drought-tolerant vegetation, and a special section on
indoor gardens. Just under 200 photographs and garden plans create
a feeling of timeless and tranquility. This is a radiant celebra-
tion that deserves a prominent place on the shelves of gardeners
and garden lovers.
ANDREA PALLADIO: THE ARCHITECT IN HIS TIME by Bruce Boucher,
principal photography by Paolo Marton. Abbeville Press, Inc., 488
Madison Ave., N.Y., NY 10022, (800) 227-7210, (212) 644-5085 FAX.
Illustrated, index, bibliography, notes, glossary, chronology. 336
pp., $95.00 cloth. 1-55859-381-0
REVIEW
Boucher has written an extensive investigation of Palladio's
development from a stonemason, through his first commissions of
villas in and around Vincenza, to larger works (churches and public
buildings), his writing of the Quattro Libri (studied by Thomas
Jefferson), and his use of classical motifs. Included are lengthy
examinations of his seminal works: The Bascilica, the Palazzo
Chiericati, the Teatro Olimpico, the Villa Valmarana ai Nani, the
Malcontenta, and probably his most famous building - La Rotunda.
While the price of this volume may be out of the reach of the
average Palladio admirer, it is a cornerstone in understanding a
legacy that has lasted for four hundred years. "Andrea Palladio"
is a major addition to college art and architecture libraries.
MIND FIELDS, art by Jacek Yerka, fiction by Harlan Ellison.
Morpheus International, 200 N. Robertson Bl., Suite #326, Beverly
Hills, CA 90212, (310) 839-2557. Illustrated. 71 pp., $24.95
paper. 0-9623447-9-6
REVIEW
You can tell what is ahead by looking at the black-and-white
photograph of Harlan and Jacek sitting across from each other,
working like crazy. When publisher James Cowan asked Ellison to do
an introduction for a book of Jacek's paintings, Ellison, after
looking at a few of the examples, was "knocked out." He offered to
write thirty-three stories using the pictures as inspiration. The
result is a surreal landscape with literary depth. Ellison doesn't
take the illustrations literally, he immerses himself into them and
springs forth with intensity. "Mind Fields" is highly recommended
as a gift for lovers of science fiction, fantasy, and surreal art.
AMERICAN JUNK by Mary Randolph Carter. Viking Studio Books, 375
Hudson St., N.Y., NY 10014, (212) 366-2000, (212) 366-2666 FAX.
Illustrated, list of sources. 240 pp., $29.95 cloth.
0-670-84400-4
REVIEW
"This car stops at all garage sales"
-- bumper sticker
According to Carter, you can't have a house beautiful unless it is
furnished with the appropriate junk; one-of-a-kind and tacky to the
point of being one step above kitsch. Where to get it? Flea
markets, garage sales, and second-hand and thrift stores with names
like "Such-A-Deal" and "The Watnot Shop." Vice-president of
advertising for Polo Ralph Lauren, Inc., Carter doesn't seem the
type to be poring over fish decoys, old books, or collectors
swizzle sticks, but she has done so for years and shares her
secrets, as well as a multitude of possible arrangements and a very
selective list of sources. Packed with ideas for instinctual
bargain hunters, with chapter titles such as "Western Junk," and
"Shady Business," this book is also a rare find.
HUGH NEWELL JACOBSEN ARCHITECT: RECENT WORK 1988-1993, edited by
Rosalie Grattaroti. Rockport Publishers, Inc., 146 Granite Street,
Rockport, MA 01966, (508) 546-9590, (508) 546-7141 FAX, distributed
by American Institute of Architects Press, 1735 New York Ave. NW,
Washington, D.C. 20006, (800) 365-ARCH, (410) 626-7012 FAX.
Illustrated, bibliography, chronology. 239 pp., $49.95 cloth.
1-55835-119-1
REVIEW
In this second monograph on Jacobsen, who feels that in this phase
of his life he has done his "best stuff," the crowning work has to
be the addition he designed for the west terraces of the U.S.
Capitol Building, which includes a glass ceiling over the corridor
separating the Bulfinch block from the underground office space.
Other major recent works are St. Peter's Catholic Church in Olney,
Maryland; St. John's University Art School and Gallery in
Collegeville, Minnesota; Casa Miralejos in the Dominican Republic;
and several other residences. While the photography is outstand-
ing, I recommend the book only to those particularly interested in
Jacobsen, as well as architectural libraries.