Product Description

In 1906 tribal sculpture was "discovered" by 20th century artists; these objects had suddenly become relevant because of changes in the nature of modern art itself. These two volumes comprise the first comprehensive scholarly treatment in half a century of the crucial influence of the tribal arts--particularly those of Africa and Oceania--on modern painters and sculptors. In this visually stunning and intellectually provocative work, 19 essays confront complex aesthetic, art-historical, and sociological problems posed by this dramatic chapter in the history of modern art. The main body of the book contains a series of essays on primitivism in the works of Gauguin, the Fauves, Picasso, Brancusi, the German Expressionists, Lipchitz, Modigliani, Klee, Giacometti, Moore, the Surrealists, and the Abstract Expressionists. It concludes with a discussion of primitivist contemporary artists, including those involved in earthworks, shamanism, and ritual-inspired performances.

Edited by William Rubin.
Essays by Kirk Varnedoe, Philippe Peltier, Jean-Louis Paudrat, Christian F. Feest, Jack Flam, Sidney Geist, Donald E. Gordon, Ezio Bassani, Alan G. Wilkinson, Gail Levin, Laura Rosenstock, Jean Laude, Rosalind E. Krauss and Evan M. Maurer.
Foreword by Richard E. Oldenburg.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #779107 in Books
• Published on: 2002-07-15
• Released on: 2002-07-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 706 pages

Customer Reviews

Outstanding work!
If you feel any kinship with 20th century modern art, and are unaware of how deeply influential tribal artifacts have been, this two-volume set will be both a delight and a revelation. Suitable as an introduction to both, and useful for novices or connoisseurs.

Should you discover an interest in tribal art as a result, and would like to view the remarkable aesthetic range available through dozens of ethnic groups, I suggest you visit this site(I have no affiliation):
http://www.hamillgallery.com/index.html