Hans Hofmann [Paperback]

Cynthia Goodman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1990

With more than 100 illustrations -- approximately 48 in full color -- this innovative series offers a fresh look at the most creative and influential artists of the postwar era. Modern Masters form a perfect reference set for home, school, or library. Each handsomely designed volume presents:

- A thorough survey of the artist's life and work

- Statements by the artist

- An illustrated chapter on technique

- Chronology

- Lists of exhibitions and public collections

- Annotated bibliography

- Index

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Goodman's book, with essays by Clement Greenberg and Irving Sandler and the artist's own statements, provides an excellent introduction to the life and work of the man frequently called the dean of the New York School of Abstract Expressionism. However, most of the information is available elsewhere. Greenberg's essay is a reprint (see his Hans Hofmann , Editions George Fall, 1961). The views of both Sandler and Goodman are already well represented in their numerous books, catalogs, and articles (e.g., Goodman's Hans Hofmann , LJ 9/1/86). Thus, this catalog--compiled for an exhibit organized by the Whitney Museum--offers information admirably suited to its function but no significant new insight into either Hofmann or his work.
- Douglas G. Campbell, George Fox Coll., New berg, Ore.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Whitney Museum of Art; First edition (June 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874270707
• ISBN-13: 978-0874270709
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,993,669 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hans Hofmann's rectangles and powerful colors, March 8, 2006

By 

Eric Dillemuth "booklover" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hans Hofmann (Modern Master Series,) (Paperback)

This convenient volume explores Hans Hofmann's abstract canvases--especially during the 1950's and the 1960's. The reproductions are printed in glorious colors with easy-to-read text alongside. Plenty of visual surprises are found in many of Hofmann's paintings. Interesting note here: many of the illustrated paintings in this book are in the collection of the University of Berkeley Museum of Art in California. Hofmann's paintings turned triumphant in the late 1950's and his work even got better towards the end of his life at age 85.

29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding the Two- Dimensional Picture Plane, February 22, 2000

By 

"artful" (Jackson, Tenn. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hans Hofmann (Art & Design) (Hardcover)

This work helps to clarify the importance of Hans Hofmann's works and why he is considered one of the most important art teachers of the 20th century. This work is especially important to any artist wanting to become the best they can become in their field. The ideas presented by Hofmann can take a lifetime to "master", but well worth the effort. His ideas are more than just "theory", they are a basic understanding of how to enliven a flat pictorial space and how to infuse oneself in one's work.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HOFFMAN FOR STARTERS, October 23, 2011

By 

Blanche - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hans Hofmann (Modern Master Series,) (Paperback)

If you are a painter and want to add to your knowledge of American Abstract Expressionism, this is a good read and appropriately illustrated. Hoffman was never a big name for me as a Brit. art student in the 60's. Now, nearly 50 years later I'm interested in what he said and did. Here is fodder for those of us who have ditched style, approval, reward and all that jazz. Read and learn and colour it Hoffman.