Jack D. Flam

Published on the 100th anniversary of Robert Motherwell’s birth, this book presents a comprehensive view of his artistic achievement and historical importance. Each chapter focuses on an important aspect or phase of the artist’s life in relation to his art and explores the many ways in which his activities as an artist, writer, and theorist helped to shape American culture during the second half of the twentieth century. The book contains many unpublished documentary photographs and writings, as well as vivid color illustrations of many of Motherwell’s most significant works.… (more)

Alas, this another unfinished book that I hope to complete before too long. It was also a selection for the book club at the museum. This is a book for people who are really interested in the details of paintings and the thoughts of artists about their craft. I think I am, but six pages of description of one painting is a little much. I loved reading about Paris during this time and enjoyed reading about the personal lives of the artists, but found the detailed information on the philosophies and the techniques of the artists tedious at times, although the book was well-written… (more)