Christian Boltanski - Hardcover

Gumpert, Lynn

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 2080135597 ISBN 13: 9782080135599

Publisher: Flammarion, 1994

Synopsis

Christian Boltanski, born in Paris in 1944 and one of France's best-known artists of the postwar generation, has developed a highly personal and often disconcerting œuvre that challenges basic assumptions of what constitutes an artwork. Using media as diverse as newspaper clippings, used clothes, amateur snapshots, and flickering shadows, Boltanski forges an original universe in which he is frequently the central protagonist.

One of Boltanski's favorite themes is his own life story, both actual and reinvented, which he evokes through startling collections of photographs and objects. In other pieces, he assembles seemingly mundane elements to address some of the most fundamental and disturbing contradictions of twentieth-century life.

In a beautifully written and erudite essay, art historian Lynn Gumpert analyzes and provides a context for these haunting works that have the unsettling ability to be merry and morbid at the same time. With over 150 black-and-white and 50 color illustrations that span the entire range of Boltanski's production, materials, and influences, this insightful monograph--the first to be published in English--is essential reading for collectors, art historians, students, and anyone interested in contemporary art.

About this title

Review:

"These pictures convey the haunting theatricals of Boltanski's work, while the expansive interview and autobiographical writings make for interesting reading. One for the coffee table."―Attitude

On the Contemporary Artists Series

"The boldest, best executed, and most far-reaching publishing project devoted to contemporary art. These books will revolutionize the way contemporary art is presented and written about."―Artforum

"The combination of intelligent analysis, personal insight, useful facts and plentiful pictures is a superb format invaluable for specialists but also interesting for casual readers, it makes these books a must for the library of anyone who cares about contemporary art."―Time Out

"A unique series of informative monographs on individual artists."―The Sunday Times

"Gives the reader the impression of a personal encounter with the artists. Apart from the writing which is lucid and illuminating, it is undoubtedly the wealth of lavish illustrations which makes looking at these books a satisfying entertainment."―The Art Book

About the Author:

Lynn Gumpert is an art historian, critic, and independent curator based in New York and Paris. She contributes frequently to art periodicals and is the author of numerous exhibition catalogues of contemporary art.

About this edition

• Publisher: Flammarion
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 2080135597
• ISBN 13: 9782080135599
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 192