Recent Forgeries (Book & CD-ROM) (Paperback)

~ Viggo Mortensen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 110 pages
• Publisher: Smart Art Pr (December 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889195324
• ISBN-13: 978-1889195322
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #187,385 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Convincing "Forgeries", April 21, 2004

By	E. A Solinas "ea_solinas" (MD USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Viggo is an original person, September 22, 2001

By	celine marie jaime (menifee, ca United States) - See all my reviews

Getting past the photography (simple yet complex) the poetry is what I truly love about this book. The CD that is included is nicely put together, and the meaning of the poetry comes to life when you hear his voice. My favorite poem in the book, and on the CD is "Cuttings" everytime I'm outside my own home (in the garden)I seem to resite it to myself.

If I had one sugguestion, it would be that the CD came with more of a protective case to prevent possible damage.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just any guy!, April 11, 2003

By	Neko "nekokyt" (Havertown, PA United States) - See all my reviews

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.