Juan Munoz

Rating:
Summary: A lavish display of art
Review: Juan Munoz is not only a catalog accompanying the first major survey of Munoz's work in this country, but the most comprehensive study of his work in print. Color illustrations of all the works in the exhibition accompany essays and an interview with the late artist; all of which reveal facets of his techniques and intentions. The lavish display of his art introduces readers to the range of his abilities.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent document of an important artist's life
Review: Sadly, Juan Munoz, the uniquely gifted artist from Spain, died far too early. His gifts as a sculptor and a draughtsman and a sage were most impressive. This catalogue which accompanies a travelling exhibition now in Los Angeles is in every way a fitting tribute to Munoz. Not only are the essays included insightful, they also heighten the excitement engendered by walking in and around and through the works of the clever and tender Munoz. No easy task this, as Munoz himself said 'much of the art is dependent on the interaction between the viewer and the pieces.' The caliber of photography is uniformly excellent with as much sensitivity to the various arrangements of Munoz' "Everyman" figurative sculptures as to the "Raincoat" drawings. When the catalogue was first published Munoz was very much alive and part of the exhibition at the Tate Modern in London. Now we have only his notes, some videos of his installations which include conversations with the artist, and this elegant catalogue to document a meaningful life and body of work. A Highly Recommended book on just about every level.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent document of an important artist's life
Review: Sadly, Juan Munoz, the uniquely gifted artist from Spain, died far too early. His gifts as a sculptor and a draughtsman and a sage were most impressive. This catalogue which accompanies a travelling exhibition now in Los Angeles is in every way a fitting tribute to Munoz. Not only are the essays included insightful, they also heighten the excitement engendered by walking in and around and through the works of the clever and tender Munoz. No easy task this, as Munoz himself said 'much of the art is dependent on the interaction between the viewer and the pieces.' The caliber of photography is uniformly excellent with as much sensitivity to the various arrangements of Munoz' "Everyman" figurative sculptures as to the "Raincoat" drawings. When the catalogue was first published Munoz was very much alive and part of the exhibition at the Tate Modern in London. Now we have only his notes, some videos of his installations which include conversations with the artist, and this elegant catalogue to document a meaningful life and body of work. A Highly Recommended book on just about every level.