Book Description

Fred Tomaselli's surreal, hallucinatory and highly detailed paintings are gorgeously reproduced in this companion volume to the artist's retrospective exhibition. Originally from the West Coast and its psychedelic scene in the 70s, Tomaselli is based in Brooklyn. Complex explosions of colour and line, swirling patterns, and collages made of natural objects are signature elements of Tomaselli's work. His large-scale assemblage paintings, often built onto wooden surfaces and later varnished, are rich creations laced with historic and cultural references. They invite close viewing and this beautiful large-format volume allows readers to study in brilliant detail the intricacies of each piece. In addition to full reproductions, there are also illustrations of details magnified to reveal the paintings' texture that is so critical to Tomaselli's technique. An interview with the artist provides enriching background while essays by prominent art historians, curators, and critics offer insight into the context and themes of this fascinating American artist. An excerpt from an unpublished work by bestselling writer David Shields, who is an ardent fan of Fred Tomaselli, rounds off this volume. AUTHOR: Ian Berry is Associate Director and The Susan Rabinowitz Malloy Curator of The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College. Heidi Zuckerman Jacobsen is the Director and Chief Curator of the Aspen Art Museum. ILLUSTRATIONS 250 colour illustrations