Felix Gonzalez-Torres
by Julie Ault
Felix Gonzalez-Torres, one of the most influential artists of his generation, lived and worked resolutely according to his won idealistic principles, determined to "make this a better place for everyone." He combined elements of Conceptual art, Minimalism, political activism, and poetic beauty in an ever-expanding arsenal of media, including pubic billboards, give-away piles of candy and posters, and ordinary objects—clocks, mirrors, light fixtures—used to startling effect. His work challenged the notions of public and private space, originality, authorship and—most significantly—the authoritative structures in which he and his viewers functioned. Editor Julie Ault has amassed the first comprehensive monograph to span Gonzalez-Torres's career. In the spirit of his method, she rethinks the very idea of what a monograph should be. The book, which place strong emphasis on the written word, contains newly commissioned texts by Robert Storr and Miwon Kwon among other notables, as well as significant critical essays, exhibition statements, transcripts from lectures, personal correspondence, and writings that influenced Gonzalez-Torres and his work. Ample visual documentation adds another important layer of content. We see works not just in their completed state, but often in process, which for Gonzalez-Torres could mean the process of disappearing as viewers interacted with them. A crucial reference.
Hardcover
English
Brand New
Publisher Description
This is the first comprehensive monograph of this important artist. Gonzales-Torres combined principles of conceptual art, minimalism, political activism, and poetic beauty. His ever-changing arsenal included public billboards, give-away piles of candy or posters, and ordinary objects. This book is a critical reference for the history of contemporary art.
Author Biography
Felix Gonzalez-Torres (1957-1996) was born in Cuba and grew up in Puerto Rico before moving to New York City. His work has been the subject of several major solo exhibitions both during his life and after his death.
Long Description
Felix Gonzalez-Torres, one of the most influential artists of his generation, lived and worked resolutely according to his won idealistic principles, determined to "make this a better place for everyone." He combined elements of Conceptual art, Minimalism, political activism, and poetic beauty in an ever-expanding arsenal of media, including pubic billboards, give-away piles of candy and posters, and ordinary objects--clocks, mirrors, light fixtures--used to startling effect. His work challenged the notions of public and private space, originality, authorship and--most significantly--the authoritative structures in which he and his viewers functioned. Editor Julie Ault has amassed the first comprehensive monograph to span Gonzalez-Torres's career. In the spirit of his method, she rethinks the very idea of what a monograph should be. The book, which place strong emphasis on the written word, contains newly commissioned texts by Robert Storr and Miwon Kwon among other notables, as well as significant critical essays, exhibition statements, transcripts from lectures, personal correspondence, and writings that influenced Gonzalez-Torres and his work. Ample visual documentation adds another important layer of content. We see works not just in their completed state, but often in process, which for Gonzalez-Torres could mean the process of disappearing as viewers interacted with them. A crucial reference.
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