Customer Reviews

Kienholz: A Retrospective

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I own about a thousand books,and I have been asked which one I value most,or would snatch up in a fire, on my way to safety. I would give up every book I own, if necessary, but would not relinquish this book under any imaginable circumstances.I traveled from Indiana to the Whitney for the Retrospective, and stayed all day. I purchased my copy before leaving.
In our current climate,the Kienholz' work ("Portable War Memorial" comes immediately to mind)speaks with ferocity and immediacy and is a stark critic of hypocrisy and cultural gluttony.
This book is an eternal flame.

Published at the time of the Kienholz Retrospective Show at the Whitney Museum in 1996, this book not only documents that show with over 400 illustrations (many in color), it is also a tribute to Ed Kienholz, who died in 1994. Contributions by art historians, artists, friends and most importantly, Nancy Reddin Kienholz, make up a history that spans 4 decades. It begins with Ed's solo work in the Beat Era of the 1950s and continues with the collaborative work done by Ed and wife Nancy from 1972 to 1994. Even those who are not artists cannot help but be moved by this book. The stories are interesting, often funny and always personal. From collages to life-size environments, the work is not afraid to confront issues of cruelty or to embrace the forgotten in society. Unique vision, artistry and the materials of everyday life (collected at flea markets and junk shops) combine to make art that can be quiet with despair, cry out in anguish, or even make us laugh. Considered by some as ugly, this work is never dull or without compassion. As art historian and curator Walter Hopps says on the book jacket, "The work of Edward and Nancy Reddin Kienholz has had an enormous impact on the development of contemporary sculpture." I recommend this book to anyone interested in contemporary art or social science -- or who just appreciates a beautiful book and fascinating story.