Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A small-format book: but Twombly is not Klee..., May 30, 2009
This review is from: Cy Twombly: The Natural World: Selected Works, 2000-2007 (Art Institute of Chicago) (Hardcover)
The catalogue for the current exhibition held at the Art Institute in Chicago, this book is a small survey of Cy Twombly's recent output, from the year 2000 onwards (paintings, sculptures). Being a fan of Twombly's paintings of the late 50's and early 60's, I will refrain from giving my opinion on this late phase of his prolific career and concentrate on reviewing the book: it starts with an essay by curator James Rondeau (the author of the acclaimed "Jasper Johns: Gray" exhibition in 2008) who analyses the artist's late works in depth, showing how he has developed various series instead of producing independent unrelated paintings (such series as the Peony Blossoms paintings or III Notes from Salalah, a variation on his so-called "Blackboard paintings" of the late 60's)and endeavours to debunk the moot and oft-expressed point that brands them as being too "decorative" and "elegant". I was not entirely convinced by this somewhat pedantic essay, but it does shed new light on the works and helps the reader to form his own judgment in an unbiased way. Then come the illustrations of the works and this is where the main drawback of the book lies: they are simply too small and do not do justice to the large-scale paintings that the exhibition covers. Nor do they give a good idea of the subtlety of the sculptures which could have been photographed from different angles. Moreover, there are no close-ups, therefore the reader does not get a chance to distinguish Twombly's brushstrokes (a real disappoinment to any Twombly aficionado...). All this is due to the inexplicably small format of the book which would suit a Klee exhibition more...Only 3 stars then.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
A nice companion to the exhibit, but does not stand alone., June 19, 2009
This review is from: Cy Twombly: The Natural World: Selected Works, 2000-2007 (Art Institute of Chicago) (Hardcover)
I agree with the first reviewer. I am lucky enough to live in Chicago, and have viewed the exhibit a number of times. The large panels (the seascapes, peonies, and Notes from Salalah) are amazing in person. This does not come across in this catalog; partly due to the size of the plates, but I also feel the actual production is lacking. The essay, although insightful, is limited in scope and length, and left me wanting more depth of analysis. In the end, I am glad that I have this catalog because it will trigger wonderful memories of seeing these pieces, but without that experience this book would be very disappointing.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Cy Twombly is a Poet!, July 9, 2009
This review is from: Cy Twombly: The Natural World: Selected Works, 2000-2007 (Art Institute of Chicago) (Hardcover)
A book filled with some of the most ecstatic, poetic work of Cy Twombly! I had to fly to Chicago to see this exhibit after receiving this book! Standing in rooms at Art Institute of Chicago, surrounded by Twombly's ethereal, drippy florals, his Salallah series, his breathing, pulsing Peonies---nothing like it! This book captures that brilliant exhibit, and the text will help enlighten you further. Highly recommended.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
