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A Short Life of Trouble: Forty Years in the New York Art World Hardcover – October 22, 2008

4.0 out of 5 stars 31 ratings
4.2 on Goodreads
364 ratings

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. In this insightful and well-crafted memoir, long-time contemporary art curator Tucker (1945-2006) gives readers a backstage account of forty years on the New York and national art scene. A passionate art student, Tucker's career began when she put down the paint brush and dedicated herself to tracking down contemporary art; before long, she would become the first woman curator of The Whitney Museum, before founding and directing The New Museum. Her curatorial history is both humble and sophisticated ("it's one thing to want to create something, another to spend your life interpreting what someone else has made"), as well as vivid, charming and honest, revealing in direct language her reasons for exhibiting Bill Bollinger's giant boulder, pulled whole from the WTC excavation site, or storming out of a class-and her PhD program-after a professor referred to Nancy Graves's realistic, life-size camel sculptures as "novelty art." Aside from meeting some of the most famous artists of our time, from Marcel Duchamp to Bob Dylan, Tucker's personal story involves a tragic family life and years as a starving artist, related poignantly but without pandering. Deftly edited by close friend and artist Lou, this is an arresting tour of a life devoted to new art, with a perfectly charming guide.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

“Offers some much-needed inspiration [and] ample evidence of Tucker’s take-no-prisoners attitude and passion for “difficult” art.” ― New York Times Book Review Published On: 2008-11-28

“A remarkable piece of writing. . . . [Tucker] has composed a literary monument to her heroic life in art, as moving as it is entertaining.” ―
Artforum Published On: 2008-12-01

“A candid, entertaining, and illuminating account of the 1960s art world. . . . A perfect antidote to this bloated, spectacle-heavy moment.” -- Martha Schwendener ―
Bookforum Published On: 2008-12-01

Marcia Tucker’s courage, conviction and chutzpah are inspiration for those of us who seek to lead meaningful professional lives.” ―
Museum Published On: 2009-08-01

“A vivid, candid, self-critical and moving account of Tucker’s life. . . . Novice curators should find it inspiring.” -- John A. Walker ―
The Art Book Published On: 2010-06-30

“An unassuming, humbled, even self-effacing metaphor for the art that is life in the art milieu.” ―
Migill Book Reviews Published On: 2009-12-11

“Tucker’s book is conventional, accessible, even chatty. But this modest volume, in concert with the shiny playful building on the Bowery, denotes a remarkable legacy.” ―
Village Voice Published On: 2008-10-28

“A good book about a good person.” ―
Art + Auction Published On: 2008-10-16

“A great read [and] a page turner. . . . In less than 200 pages she encapsulates her life, sharing her triumphs and insecurities.” ―
Pelican Press Published On: 2008-10-15

“A joyful exploration of all things art-related. . . . Tucker’s balanced assessment of her work and personal life is commendable.” ―
Bust Published On: 2008-12-01
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ University of California Press; First edition (October 22, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0520257006
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0520257009
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 31 ratings

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