Art Studio America: Contemporary Artist Spaces

Description

America is often thought of as the quintessential land of freedom, opportunity, far-flung frontiers and awe-inspiring open spaces. From Lewis and Clark's first transcontinental expedition in the nineteenth century to Jack Kerouac's iconic booze- and drug- fuelled road trip of the 1940s, America's distant horizons, multifarious landscapes (both urban and open), endless permutations of climate and tantalizing suggestion of unlimited possibilities for all have inspired some of history's greatest minds to embark on literal and imaginary journeys. Among the hearts and minds both captivated and critical, none have been more significant than the country's visual artists. The psychological, intellectual, spiritual and economic transformations proffered by America's national mythologies continue to drive its artists to achieve greatness notwithstanding an increasingly globalized world. Art Studio America: Contemporary Artist Spaces came into being because the story America tells about its endless energy and possibilities continues to be a viable theme. Contrasting intimate visits to artists' studios - intended to evoke the particular elements of their own interior landscapes - with explorations of the country's sweeping landscapes of light and form (whether wild or tamed) that have inspired artists since the Luminists and the Hudson River School, the book provides a privileged look at the dreams, ideas and thoughts of 115 artists active today. While the world may know their work well, they have rarely, if ever, allowed their studios to be explored in such an intimate way, and against the backdrop, both literal and figurative, of their country's larger environment. From such established figures as Marina Abramovic, John Baldessari, Francesco Clemente, Chuck Close, John Currin, Rachel Feinstein, Nancy Holt, Robert Irwin, Alex Katz, Joseph Kosuth, Brice Marden, Ed Moses, Kiki Smith and Bill Viola to members of the new guard, including Allora & Calzadilla, Tauba Auerbach, Hernan Bas, Walead Beshty, Theaster Gates, Rashid Johnson, Sterling Ruby, Dana Schutz, Taryn Simon, Mickalene Thomas and Leo Villareal, Art Studio America offers a fascinating glimpse into the workings of one of the world's largest artistic communities. Essays by renowned specialists Benjamin Genocchio, Mark Godfrey and Robert Storr augment the heavily illustrated artists' profiles. From New York to Southern California, Art Studio America offers a unique journey across the country via its artists and their places of work. Beautifully illustrated with custom photographs reproduced to the highest standards, the book offers a fresh take on the current scene for art lovers and a unique introduction to its players.

Hossein Amirsadeghi is a writer, publisher, editor and documentary film maker, and the driving force behind many books, including Sanctuary, Art Studio America, Nordic Contemporary and Contemporary Art Mexico. Maryam Eisler has held executive editorial roles for a number of Thames & Hudson titles, including Unleashed, Art and Patronage, Art Studio America and London Burning.

'This extraordinary book gives a rare insight into the thoughts, dreams and ideas of the artists in the landscapes in which they work' - Artdaily.com 'An impressive, large format tome ... its scope is breathtaking' - theglassmagazine.com 'An outstanding collection of candid portraits ... exceptional ... manufactured to the highest standards one expects from Thames & Hudson' - f22 Magazine 'At 600 pages, this book could easily break a bone if dropped, yet the size is indicative of the trouble it has taken Hossein Amirsadeghi to compile - and I for one am grateful for the commitment' - The Art Newspaper 'Encyclopaedic and photographic proof that contemporary artists still need their sanctuaries ... a worthwhile endeavour' - The World of Interiors