Poems are layered in paintings-obscured, written over, then painted again. Found objects are treated lovingly and elevated above their humble throwaway status. Old and new rub against each other in textured works that suggest a fractured narrative composed of the artist's visual and emotional memories. This volume is an extraordinary look into the process and mind of an artist whose boundless creative output touches a myriad of media and modes of expression. Included in the book are writings, paintings, collages, assemblages, found objects, and photographs that point to the fluidity of meaning of a world in flux, as well as a special spoken-word and music CD by Mortensen. Mortensen is best known for his outstanding performances in films such as A Perfect Murder, GI Jane, and Portrait of A Lady, and Gus Van Sant's Psycho. He is also the author of several books of poetry and other writings.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Convincing "Forgeries",
This review is from: Recent Forgeries (Book & CD-ROM) (Paperback)
He's a poet, he's a painter, he's a photographer. Don't think Viggo Mortensen is just an actor, as talented as he is in that. "Recent Forgeries" is a collage of his works of all kinds, with poetry woven together with pictures and paintings... not to mention the CD. Pieced together but never patchy, this is a must-have.Mortensen offers a display of poetry, often melancholy and thoughtful ("I taste the blood/that shimmered/on your lips/Lingering, like guilt does"). There's also a selection of what seem like short stories woven in, like the slice-of-life "Relay" or the charming "Bedtime Story For Henry." And of course, paintings and photographs: the vivid "Sun Losing Its Yellow," soothingly surreal "Mute," and the quiet still photographs like "School." (A mildly decayed stone gate) Accompanying the "Recent Forgeries" book is a CD, in which Mortensen reads his poetry out loud, including "Bedtime Story For Henry," "Clear," and a handful that are not included in the book itself. Mortensen's smooth voice is accompanied by Buckethead, DJ Bonebrake and others. Most people who act don't have a lot of artistic dimension beyond that. Chalk one up for the eclectic bohemian: Mortensen has mastered self-expression in different ways, and shows it well in "Recent Forgeries." There's a little of everything -- everything, that is, that can be pressed between book covers. Along the way, the photos, paint and words seem to run together into a sweeping, colorful landscape. Mortensen's assorted artwork can evoke anything -- his poetry ranges from funny (like the quirky "Home") to poignant to ironic, and his artwork can be soft or angular, usually filled with great waves of color. At first some of them look random, but closer inspection shows just how careful and deliberate they are. His photographs are about the only thing that stay the same -- Mortensen focuses on little things that most people would miss, like signs, trees, empty stone gates with overgrown roads, and so on. A rich, well-rounded look into the mind of a talented artist. Viggo Mortensen's "Recent Forgeries" is a treat for anyone who appreciates art in all its forms. A rare creation, well worth having.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not just any guy!,
By Neko "nekokyt" (Havertown, PA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Recent Forgeries (Book & CD-ROM) (Paperback)
Viggo. Wow. Not only is he a wonderful actor, who brings his character to life. He's a painter and a poet with such amazing insight and passion. This man has the ability to pull you into his world when he writes. Not only is this a book of some of Viggo's work, it also comes with a CD with Viggo reading some of his work and it just adds to the wonder of this man. I highly suggest this book to those who have an open mind and who wish to experience something fresh and new.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth the search!,
By Ransom Mayfield (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Recent Forgeries (Book & CD-ROM) (Paperback)
This is by far my favorite Viggo book and I was delighted when I found out that the publisher (smart art press) still had copies for sale on their web site. Recent Forgeries documents Viggo's first solo exhibition as a painter. It is an extraordinary look into the mind of an artist whose boundless creative output touches a myriad of media, from photography to painting to poetry to acting. A minute gesture, an accidental encounter, a change of light-Mortensen uses his art to capture the simple moments of his life, to give them meaning, to satisfy his curiosity, and to express his wonder at the "suchness" of people and things in the passing world. The writings, paintings, collages, and photographs (color as well as black and white) in this book point to the fluidity of meaning in a world of flux. Illustrated within this publication are some of the painting Viggo did for the movie A Perfect Murder. It may be hard to find, but it is well worth the search.
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