Customer Reviews

Sculpture of Louise Nevelson Constructing a Legend

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Just when I was interested in learning more about Louise Nevelson this very fine book appears in publication. The quality photographs show all facets of her career and the writings reflect in-depth scholarship. Some more detail views of the sculptures would have been nice also, like those on the front and back cover. This fresh and thorough book is the kind that gives great artists the continuing attention they deserve. Like her contemporary Georgia O'Keeffe, Nevelson was a truly unique American woman artist.

The review from "Publishers Weekly" is not just hype but rather an excellent summation of this gem. Though another reviewer wished for more close-ups of Nevelson's sculptures, I was pleased with their number and really don't think more would have added much. I was also pleasantly surprised to find good coverage of Nevelson's etchings and metal sculptures. And it is always an added bonus when the text is well-written and insightful. All in all, THE SCULPTURE OF LOUISE NEVELSON: CONSTRUCTING A LEGEND is a must-have book for those interested in both the person and her oevre. --B. Evans, 7/19/07

Nevelson's work, as I had seen it in books and other photos, never really impressed me. Then I saw a show of her work, for which this book is catalog - what a difference.

Size matters - I knew that intellectually, but standing in front of these imposing works creates a subjective experience that no photo can capture. Walking around them changes perspective, too, giving a sense like one of those Zen gardens where no point of view presents all of the work's features. Then, at least in the "black" works, there's an odd paradox. If the works had been perfectly, 100% black and non-reflective, then there would have been nothing to see. Only the fact that they're not truly black exposes their mystery.

The static museum display, even more than the book's photos, left me knowing that I had missed at least two aspects of these majestic works. First, their depth and structure only half-defines the shadows deep inside these works. The other half of the shadow's definition comes from the light - a constant in the museum gallery, freezing the shadows like insects in amber, whereas natural lighting would change throughout the day and let the shifting shadows come to life. Second, some of the installations seemed incomplete. Oh, the pieces of Dawn's Wedding Chapel were all there and presented well, but I felt that there must have been some original placement of the pieces that would define the interior of the chapel - the pieces' placement in the display that I saw lacked the consistent logic that I expected of Nevelson.

More than just a catalog of the Nevelson show, this book provides insight into her origins, life, and career. Almost as much as Salvador Dali, Nevelson might well have been Nevelson's greatest creation - once success allowed it, her extravagant clothes, mask-like makeup, and signature scarf on her head worked together to create a unique persona. Beneath that, we still see the remarkable person and her groundbreaking work.

-- wiredweird

A wonderful collection. Full, beautifully presented, with interesting narrative incorporating Nevelson's personal history with that of her creations. Prints - some color as well as black and white - are lusciously entwined with the essays.
A MUST HAVE volume for all art lovers.

An excellent book on an extrordinary artist. There are not many books available on Louise Nevelson so this one is the most important. It has extensive examples of her work over her whole career. It is beautifully printed and finely bound.

There is not a lot of information out about Nevelson. I was pleased to find and become owner of this item of information. Very enjoyable and worth the investment. A fascinating personality and life.

This review relates to the Yale University Press hardcover.

An excellent production: cloth over hardback boards in dustjacket with a sewn binding. Large format book, 238 pp on heavy paper, almost 4 pounds, color and some b&w illustrations throughout.

Prose: "Louise Nevelson: A Story in Sculpture," "Louise Nevelson's Self-Fashioning: The Author of Her Own Life," "Black, White, Gold: Monochrome and Meaning in the Art of Louise Nevelson, "Three Artists Reflect on Louise Nevelson: Chakaia Booker, Mark di Suvero, and Ursula von Rydingsvard," and "Louise Nevelson's Public Art."

15 page chronology of her life, 5 page Bibliography, Notes, Index.

This review relates to the Yale University Press hardcover.

An excellent production: cloth over hardback boards in dustjacket with a sewn binding. Large format book, 238 pp on heavy paper, almost 4 pounds, color and some b&w illustrations throughout.

Prose: "Louise Nevelson: A Story in Sculpture," "Louise Nevelson's Self-Fashioning: The Author of Her Own Life," "Black, White, Gold: Monochrome and Meaning in the Art of Louise Nevelson, "Three Artists Reflect on Louise Nevelson: Chakaia Booker, Mark di Suvero, and Ursula von Rydingsvard," and "Louise Nevelson's Public Art."

15 page chronology of her life, 5 page Bibliography, Notes, Index.

As a life-long Louise Nevelson fan this is an amazing review of her work. The photos are really wonderful to look through & represent her career very well. It's a great tribute to her and all that she accomplished. This book is really a treasure for any fan of her pieces.

This review relates to the Yale University Press hardcover.

An excellent production: cloth over hardback boards in dustjacket with a sewn binding. Large format book, 238 pp on heavy paper, almost 4 pounds, color and some b&w illustrations throughout.

Prose: "Louise Nevelson: A Story in Sculpture," "Louise Nevelson's Self-Fashioning: The Author of Her Own Life," "Black, White, Gold: Monochrome and Meaning in the Art of Louise Nevelson, "Three Artists Reflect on Louise Nevelson: Chakaia Booker, Mark di Suvero, and Ursula von Rydingsvard," and "Louise Nevelson's Public Art."

15 page chronology of her life, 5 page Bibliography, Notes, Index.