Nancy Spero (Contemporary Artists (Phaidon)) [Paperback]

Jon Bird (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 13, 1996 | Series: Contemporary Artists (Phaidon)

This text examines three decades of work by the artist, Nancy Spero. Her subject matter, the depiction of women, has ranged from the writings of Artaud to the Vietnam war. She collages and imprints her images of contemporary goddesses onto long papyrus-like friezes that scroll around walls, combining totemic figures with mythological and historical chronicles. This book also includes Spero's own writings many of which are published for the first time. The book is part of a series of studies of important artists of the late-20th century. Each title offers a comprehensive survey of the artist's work, providing analyses and multiple perspectives on contemporary art and its inspiration.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

There are a number of living artists whose reputations are solid but whose work is sadly unknown outside the art world. Fortunately, the "Contemporary Artists" series will go far to correct that. Affordable, thoroughly illustrated in color, these books provide maximum exposure for the price. Although this is enough to make the series worthy of consideration, it is important to point out what makes it unique. Each volume includes writings by the artists whenever possible. Of the two considered here, painter/printmaker Spero and photographer Wall, the latter is the more verbally prolific. In addition, a piece of literature was preselected by the artist to use as a tool for discussion. Put this together with essays by curators and critics, interviews from throughout the artist's career, and a handy chronology and you get an interesting, overall view of the artist. This multifaceted approach is rewarding not only for its comprehensive view of each individual artist but also because it allows each book in the series to vary according to its subject's strengths. A work in progress?these are the fifth and sixth titles, respectively?this series is a practical buy for most libraries but is especially recommended for academic and large public libraries.?Susan M. Olcott, Columbus Metropolitan Lib., Ohio
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Phaidon Press (June 13, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0714833401
• ISBN-13: 978-0714833408
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #333,956 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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This review is from: Nancy Spero (Contemporary Artists (Phaidon)) (Paperback)

The most vibrant piece is the cover.

Inside the scenario changes dramatically. Much of the work is too small, frequently monochromatic

variations that are described as "hand printed." Whatever that means. Woodcut? Etching? Litho? Silkscreen? Gum Arabic?

An interviewer mentions how "Mother and Child" seems lit from within. But in the small photo, it just looks dull and murky.

Because so many works are crammed in a page where TEXT is given the main emphasis, you can't get the full impact of the work. Screw the text! Pieces like Frieze II deserve its own page. One of the best pieces is actually a zinc plate, "Mother and Child.: Spero's oils are also quite beautiful, and should be larger than 1" by 1" with better color. Oddly, less interesting scribbles are given full pages.

At times, Spero's work is random, almost whimsical not quite cohering into a unified art piece - but then again, not being in perfect completion gives the work an intriguing, light quality.

Despite inexcusable limitations of the editor, Spero's quirky POV comes through. Her feminist figures based in mythology are fresh and inspiring, even if they don't always pull together. She is a force of our times.