Description

Watson-Guptill Publications, New York. Published date: 2000. Hardcover with dust jacket, 176 pp; 29 cm. Color illustrations throughout. Very good in very good dust jacket. Black cloth boards have very light shelf wear. Binding tight. Interior pages clean and unmarked. Dust jacket has light creasing to the front jacket flap, a few small nicks, light creasing to edges, and light overall scuffing. NOT price clipped. Now in an archival quality removable Brodart cover. [From front jacket flap] This book is an unprecedented survey of the most outstanding ceramics from all over the world produced in the last few years. Organized in nine thematic chapters - Materials Speak; Expression Through Fire; Color Versus Monochrome; Architecture and Installation; Objects and Non-Objects; Man and Beast; Symbolism and Narrative; Survival of Traditions; Walls, Tiles and Mosaics - the book gives a complete picture of the latest developments in ceramic art. The work of over 260 artists is presented, each with a full-color illustration; artistic statements and brief biographies are also included. Among the famous names are John Mason, Jun Kaneko, Peter Voulkos, Ralph Bacerra, and Rudy Autio from the USA, as well as numerous fine ceramicists from about thirty other countries. A special feature of this collection is the range of work from China, almost unknown outside the country until now. Its inclusion is the result of extensive field research by the author. Following an introductory essay that outlines the historical context of the pieces we see today, each chapter has a short, stimulating introduction that ties together the wide selection of work from the various artists and countries represented. Showing the huge variety and quality of contemporary ceramic art, this book will appeal to both ceramicists and collectors, as well as those with an interest in contemporary art. Contents include: Introduction: Art Is Vision, Past and Present; Materials Speak; Expression Through Fire; Color Versus Monochrome; Architecture and Installation; Objects and Non-Objects; Man and Beast; Symbolism and Narrative; Survival of Traditions; Walls, Tiles and Mosaics; The Artists; Picture Credits