A beautiful presentation of Bosch's eccentric art
588390
To celebrate the 500th anniversary of the death of its famous home-town artist, the Noordbrabants Museum in Den Bosch, Netherlands put on what has been called "one of the most important exhibitions of our century," from February to May 2016.  Though they have no works of Bosch themselves, they were able to bring to Den Bosch 17 of Boschs 24 extant paintings and 19 of his 20 drawings, and the resulting gathering has given art experts opportunities for new insights of connoisseurship as well as a chance to use the new technologies of the local Bosch Research and Conservation Project to look beneath the surface of Hieronymus's gorgeous paint. Talk about a critical mass!

With such a small oeuvre this 90 minute film, shown in theatres around the world last year, can give us a pretty good overview of this eccentric art. It's done in beautiful HD video, with more complex camera pans than we're used to from Ken Burns' documentaries. I was impressed with the context that the film-makers provide: clear explanatory text (with subtitles in English, French, Spanish, German & Dutch), location shots and music from Bosch's time. The latter especially adds value, since music of the time in the low countries was as sophisticated and inspired as the visual arts. The only fly in the ointment was the Prado's reneging on sending their Bosch works after the de-attribution of two of their "Bosch's" by the Den Bosch experts.  That was a shame in terms of the physical exhibit, though for the purposes of our film we still had a chance to see the Prado's famous Garden of Earthly Delights in a very high definition digital file.

The talking heads in the film provide some interesting insights into Bosch's paintings, most especially film-maker Peter Greenaway, whose own art owes a lot to Bosch and his contemporaries. The only caveat about these pronouncements is that Bosch's sense of humour was almost completely ignored, which I find quite scandalous. When it was finally mentioned, an hour in, I had lost some good humour of my own. But on the whole this is a successful project, most beautifully presented.
1054289
Imagine you have placed a psychic filter on your senses and traveled thru the world taking in the minutia of daily life. What you would see is a world where every landscape, every situation, every fragment of life exists in a web of previously unrealized interconnections. The Mothman's Photographer is a glimpse of such a world. This collection is really quite admirable in its relentless, single-mindedly driven unearthing of the psychic underbelly of the world we live in. Taken as a whole (and reading the notes and descriptions provided by the artist) the collected images meld into a collage emoting one man's quest for meaning in the seeming detritus of our world.

Considering the natural limitations of the book format (size), the images evocatively weave together a chronicle of related artifacts and observances from the artist's life and travels. I look forward to seeing these images presented in a gallery setting where I can imagine the power of the works would be even further enhanced by larger image formats and room to relate the images in smaller and intimately evocative groupings. I'm sure such an on site treatment would take the strength of the book's presentation and render the artist's vision in an even more oblique and involving meditation on our world of shadows.

This book sneaks up on you and encircles you in the potent evocations of this singular artist's vision. We can all look forward to enveloping ourselves in these images in the future.
1451790
This book on deKooning is beautifully laid out and the reproductions of his work are of good quality. The show at the Museum of Modern Art is represented well between the pages of the book.
3718951
I first ran into the paintings of Saenredam on a visit to the Netherlands five years ago, and was fascinated by his work.  The brilliant use of perspective and the draughtsman-like quality of his work really appealed to me.  In it's painstaking quality, it reminded me somewhat of Northern Rennaisance painters.  Yet the subject of these works was quite different.  Saeredam's church interiors and exteriors have a serenity to them quite different from anything else.
I was very disappointed upon my return to the states because I could find little if anything about this great painter.  If you've done a search here, you've seen that the only other books on Saenredam are out of print and hideously expensive.
I was overjoyed when I heard the Getty was bringing in the first major show of Saenredam's works in 40 years.  I ordered this catalogue as soon as it was available.  I was not disappointed.
This book features excellent reproductions of preparatory drawings and finished works, along with commentary that is interesting to the both the lay audience and those with more expertise.  I heartily recommend it.
4449032
Even though I live in Portland OR, I just recently got turned on to our homeboy's art. I was an instant convert. Jesse's art is so new and fresh, a little bit reminiscent of Basquiat but his primitive subjects are all his own and his layering techniques are more intense. This book is a beautiful primer of Jesse's work. There is no commentary, except for a brief message from JR in the beginning, which I dare you to decipher. After that, you get page after page of full color, wonderfully photographed work. If you are an artist and you are looking for an inspiration book, buy this one. You will be going back to the art again and again for its originality.
36387
William Henry shares a collection of art and icons that inspire aspirants in all faiths whether they wish to attain enlightenment, ascend to higher realms, or to understand the technical dynamics for accessing Star Gates and Worm Holes. Metaphysics and quantum physics are finally coming together.  William is a swift guide connecting the ancients who knew these secrets and used the tools that he brings to our attention now.

There are some grammatical errors, or typos, but you will be reading so fast you won't hardly notice.  The art illustrates so brilliantly and the larger the screen and best resolution you have will bring it all alive.
3608677
This is a really well-made book - it will be a nice collectible I think.  The artwork is really good, and the story is interesting.  The art is in full color, and it does contain graphic nudity and violence.  Those things aren't just gratuitously thrown in though, they are vital to the story when they appear. It's a serial killer murder mystery and also a bit of a ghost mystery.  The Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi is central to the story in both the plot and the settings.  The artwork in the book inspired me to look him up and check out the places that looked so fantastic in the drawings in the book. Jesus Iglesias really captured my imagination with his drawings of the locations designed by Gaudi.

The artwork captures characters quite well too. I kept noticing that. They aren't photo-realistic at all, but they feature attention to detail that makes the characters seem so highly individual and life-like.

The hardback book is wonderfully made.  It's large format and the covers wrap just  and are carefully tucked, just so, around the book, giving it a very special look that's durable too.  In the back of the book there are notes about the making of the book and the story, with some initial sketches of the characters and places.
1364284
Some will look at this work as a scrapbook of sorts, complete with cutout cartoons, comic book pages, photographs, drawings, newspaper clippings and post cards, interwoven with captions and related anecdotes.  Technically, they would be correct.  But what I see is both coffee table book, as unique, visually pleasing and interesting as any I have seen, and autobiography of a true comics entrepreneur whose life in comics is just as diverse, interesting and compelling as his work.
1121172
This volume demonstrates in dramatic fashion that reports of the death of the printed book are somewhat premature. First the contents - anyone interested in William Blake and/or painted art in general would be foolish not to acquire this magnificent volume. Some of Blake's most accomplished work is beautifully reproduced here and intelligently annotated in detail. The book itself is an incredible production for a commercial press (or any other kind of press, for that matter). The binding is canvas, and both the illustrations and the text are printed on textured art paper (no easy task, technically). Both the text and the reproductions are exquisite. View the pictures under natural light - it's like having the originals in front of you. DON'T MISS THIS BOOK.
4157427
I was pleased to be a featured artist. Beyond that, I am impressed with this gorgeous, high-quality book. It will thrill anyone who appreciates the artistry of distinct, well-crafted, one-of-a-kind apparel and accessories. This is a book of ideas--not how-to instructions--but it will not disappoint viewers for its eclectic and imaginative use of materials and inspiration.
4701862
The Encyclopedia of Fernal Affairs is easily one of the most beautiful art books I have ever seen, and I've seen many of them. Better almost than the craftsmanship of those whose artwork adorns these pages, is the subversive, political, erotic, and just plain magical material displayed. I could sit for hours looking and wondering at the works in this book.
1033110
Frank De Mulder's work cannot be praised enough in terms of artistic value and beauty. His shots capture the essence of sex appeal, ranging the coy shyness to bold assertion of sexual prowess. This is his third collection of work, following 'Senses' and 'Pure,' both of which were extravagantly gorgeous in print. 'Glorious' is a large book sparing no detail of De Mulder's work, and teNeues does not disappoint with the quality of the paper and the accuracy of film-to-print representation. This is an excellent purchase for anybody who appreciates the artistic appeal of erotic photography, and for those who would like to peruse a book filled with beauty with a cup of coffee. The pictures are depicted in black and white as well as carefully saturated colors, making it an exquisite collection. Even if you do not have any exposure to erotic photography, this would be an excellent introduction -- A must buy!
749111
Christopher Beane's collection of flower photography is a breathtakingly beautiful feast for the eyes. Anthony Janson has written insightful text that accompanies the images and masterfully analyzes and explains Beane's artistic perspective. Janson places Beane firmly into the lineage of the history of art through his discussion of the history of painters and photographers who have focused their artistic talents on flowers. A remarkable comparison is the similarity of one of Beane's images to the Greek Nike statue. Janson  discusses how Beane has overcome the historic treatment of flowers as a traditionally static still life subject, and given his flowers a dynamic quality that relates more to figurative art than traditional still life compositions. Beane's use of light, his physical manipulation of flowers, and his placement of them against exciting and unexpected backgrounds all contribute to the vibrancy of his compositions. Janson's analysis of how Beane has broken through the boundaries of his traditional art education is an interesting read for any classically trained artist who, through their maturation, manages to develop his or her own unique, signature style. The history of Beane's relationship with flowers through his work in New York City's incredible flower market, his love for and knowledge of flowers, and his development into one of the most remarkable flowers photographers of our time is compelling. This is a beautiful book which serves as a coffee table decoration, while the text raises the book to a level of compelling reading about the nature of an artist who has transcended the ordinary to create something both radically new and classically inspired. Janson challenges the notion that oil painting is a more effective art form than photography because, as the gorgeous reproductions in this book exhibit, Beane has managed time and time again to create extraordinary images that rival some of history's most revered examples of fine art.
3173602
How could I have lived for over 50 years before ever hearing of Maria Helena Vieira da Silva? Such events provide much evidence to support the theory that malign spirits guide our destinies.
This Portugese-French expressionist (actually closer to Tachisme and Surrealism) has created some wonderful paintings that would, to my mind, qualify her to be the official painter of libraries everywhere. Take a look at this, entitled "Bibliotheque" 1949, one of many paintings depicting the infinite universes contained in libraries.

[...]

Vieira da Silva has said: "When I paint a landscape or a seascape, I'm not very sure it's a landscape or a seascape. It's a thought form rather than a realistic form."
I give this volume only 4 stars simply because, although Taschen has done an admirable job in its production, and Gisela Rosenthal certainly does no worse than many in providing commentary, I can imagine a much more splendid book that would truly do justice to this creator of masterpieces. I will make it my quest to seek out and find.
598795
The last couple of years have seen a number of definitive books on 20th century comic book and strip art greats such as Daniel Clowes, Jaime Hernandez, Jack Davis. The practice of having the art newly photographed directly from the originals is thankfully becoming more common, as it puts the reader much closer to the experience of viewing the actual art (a rare opportunity, needless to say). But whereas the afore-mentioned books convey the experience of being at a gallery showing of one artist, this book celebrating the collection of Glenn Bray has the distinction of making you feel like you're strolling through the Louvre of Underground, Outsider and Counter Culture comic art!  There are generous helpings of great examples by the likes of alternative press giants like Crumb, Panter, Wolverton, Clowes, Rory Hayes, Robert Williams, Drew Friedman, alongside greats from strips, EC comics, and funny animal art like Harvey Kurtzman and Carl Barks -- ALL UNDER ONE ROOF!  (not to mention dozens of artists I was otherwise unfamiliar with, who now deserve further investigation; even Freddie Blassie gets page space devoted to him!).  It may seem like it shouldn't work, but it does: the book is over 400 pages so manages to give everyone their due.  It's smartly organized, and the reproduction of the art is top notch as mentioned. If you're interested in alternative press or underground art or comic book art in general, I think you'll find the book to be an achievement as I have. Hats off to Fantagraphics Books for putting this together (and doing it right!), and their continued dedication to preserving this great art form in their various archival editions.
1948860
This travelogue represent a versatile book that not only offers descriptions of some masterpieces of art, but also provides their interpretation - refreshingly unorthodox for the most part. The author draws the reader in with her explanations of works of the masters, and even some modern artists, through demonstrating communion and continuity in art, confirming the Latin expression "eadem sed aliter", i.e.the same but different way. Also deserving of attention are the very pithy discussions between the aothor/guide and her companions. Finally, of great interest are some personal memories. Perusing them enables one to immerse in the sort of very proper upbringing and education that the author had received, which enables her to wtite this unusual and interesting book.
343909
What a bargain and what a joy. This art book gives you a detailed and thoughtful walk through the evolution of the cover artistry of CEREBUS, a powerful reminder of how good comics can be. It is so rare to find a comic that is both well-written AND so beautifully and intelligently drawn. This treasury is really a testament to how Dave Sim and Gerhard kept pushing themselves in pushing the limits of the comics medium. These pages make clear that they sit next to Will Eisner in that regard.

I'm really delighted by the physical dimensions of the book; it's about an inch wider across and two inches taller than the phonebooks of Cerebus, so you really get to enjoy the covers in all of their detailed glory. The witty commentary throughout is the icing on the cake. Here's to IDW taking up the mission of publishing a follow-up, perhaps a hardcover book that collects material from Following Cerebus or the Cerebus Archives.