Synopsis:
Born in 1927 in Brooklyn, New York, Alex Katz is one of the most important and respected living American artists. He began exhibiting in the 1950s, at a time when Abstract Expressionism was still the dominant force in American art. Whilst he was heavily influenced by this generation, the work he himself created became a precursor to the Pop Art movement of the 1960s. Katz's paintings are defined by their flatness of colour and form, their economy of line, and their cool but seductive emotional detachment, evoking an everyday America of easy living, leisure and recreation. Featuring over 30 painted works, as well as collages and cut-outs, the catalogue will emphasise some of the key themes Katz has returned to throughout his career, specifically those which he developed whilst at his seaside retreat of Lincolnville in Maine (complimenting the sand and surf of St Ives). Through this, Katz's relationship with the 'plein-air' traditions of painting and it's exponent artists is explored, cementing his important position in the development of a new pictoral language which revealed the landscapes, people and social conventions of his time. With essays by leading authorities on his work, as well as a new '20 Questions' interview with the artist, this is a significant addition to our understanding and appreciation of this fascinating artist.
About the Author:
Martin Clark is Artistic Director at Tate St Ives. Sarah Martin is Exhibitions Curator at Turner Contemporary. With contributions from Alison Gingeras and Matthew Higgs.
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