Matthew Barney: The Cremaster Cycle

Rating:
Summary: Top Notch(s)
Review: A truly wonderful book for anyone minorly interested in mr. barney's work. I could not have asked for a better printed compilation of these films. The price is extremely reasonable, and for anyone that has attempted to see the films/books of the first 3 films made, it is a treat to see these rarely seen images. cremasters 1,4,and 5 are out of print and the films are only available to art collectors in limited edition laserdiscs, or to view upon there original release. The essays are comprehensive of barney's earlier work and the cremaster cycle, and offer explanations and information that links together this mysterious series of films. Also included in this edition are many interesting interviews with collaborators/crew of the 5 films. the book is divided as follows: two very nice essays on barney's work and the films, each film is then given it's own section which are divided by arc-like cut outs, much like a dictionary or bible, but larger. there is a glossary of terms and concepts that the films deal with, and then the interviews. All of the images are printed very well and the over all presentation (white cloth book mark included) is top notch. this allows for the average joe with not much dough to have access to these films.

Rating:
Summary: A Fresh and Violent Happiness for Your Nerve System
Review: For us, victims of the 21st century there isn't a great deal of what we haven't seen, so we reserve to seeking out the new, the different, and the unexpected. In my opinion Matthew Barney capitalizes on starving and aspiring intellects begging to be stimulated through art. Overall his work projects as intriguing, as its intention is to combine physical and metaphysical via vast variety of media. So stimulated you will be, which is in a way an essential role of art. But in that stimulation, prepare to be disappointed and shamed. Disappointment is due to the fact that artist's expression is masqueraded shallowness. And shame is the reaction brought on to the fact that this work is promoted as controversial and brilliant complimented with lack of challenge from public opinion.

Rating:
Summary: The human tragedy - unity and the endless cycle
Review: I suggest you experience Barney's work and then purchase this book. Barney's universe is no Finnegan's Wake - but the biological subtext of pure potential and secret societies are obscure enough to warrant a companion.

Rating:
Summary: An Important Work
Review: I travelled from San Diego to New York to see all five of the films in sequence, and picked up this book while there. The Cremaster cycle is pregnant with ambiguous meaning (the point of art, nowadays) so this book is, in my opinion, the only way to gain a comprehensive perspective on the work. Other useful features of this book is an illustrated essay of Barney's work, a "Cremaster Glossary"(less useful) and an essay on the meaning of Cremaster. I won't discuss the substance of that essay, but it is useful, if only to orient yourself to the imagery.
Perhaps because I got to see all five films in sequence and then had an opportunity to review the book afterwards, I don't think Cremaster is all that difficult to understand. Part of the problem is that he is engaged in fomenting ambiguity. I do believe that is possible to extract signifgant meanings from the Cremaster cycle. Might be a good idea to buy this in paperback if you actually want to paw through it with your dirty mitts.

Rating:
Summary: An Important Work
Review: I travelled from San Diego to New York to see all five of the films in sequence, and picked up this book while there. The Cremaster cycle is pregnant with ambiguous meaning (the point of art, nowadays) so this book is, in my opinion, the only way to gain a comprehensive perspective on the work. Other useful features of this book is an illustrated essay of Barney's work, a "Cremaster Glossary"(less useful) and an essay on the meaning of Cremaster. I won't discuss the substance of that essay, but it is useful, if only to orient yourself to the imagery.
Perhaps because I got to see all five films in sequence and then had an opportunity to review the book afterwards, I don't think Cremaster is all that difficult to understand. Part of the problem is that he is engaged in fomenting ambiguity. I do believe that is possible to extract signifgant meanings from the Cremaster cycle. Might be a good idea to buy this in paperback if you actually want to paw through it with your dirty mitts.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Tome about Artistic Creation
Review: People complain about Matthew Barney - "He is a gratuitous, self indulged artist"...well maybe, but as an individual in the art and design community I can say "Aren't we all.., stop whining and look at yourself in the mirror" Most of us would gladly be in his position with the opportunity to forward our aesthetic agendas. This book is a great document of the process and theory prior to (the evolution) and behind 5 great pieces of art. Is it indulgent?...Perhaps...but so are most artists, plus I wish I could have that energy and production to realize my aesthetic ideals.

Rating:
Summary: Cremasterbation
Review: Tapioca, vaseline, muscle bound women, dead horses, giants, serial killers, and Harry Houdini. Welcome to the universe of the Cremaster Cycle. Don't try to decode it all. Just take in the visual puzzle. Still, if you wish to take on the cryptic challenge of Matthew Barney, this book will be of use. It's full of lush images, sketches, and photographs. Although this 7lb book is a nice of insight into Barney's oeuvre, you may get mauled carrying it from cafe to cafe. If not, you're sure to get a cramped arm from lugging it around. It's huge and heavy!

Rating:
Summary: some like it, some don't - that's art
Review: The best single source for information [a wonderful "glossary" of influences], explication [Guggenheim curator Nancy Spector's superb essay is adroitly and intelligently done, referencing both high- and low-brow stuff] and stimulation [hundreds of production stills, drawings, sculpture, etc.] regarding Matthew Barney's lovely and unsettling five-film CREMASTER cycle. A massive volume personally supervised by the inventive, fearless, visionary artist; one of the most gorgeous art catalogues I've ever seen. It's better, and far more comprehensive, than the individual companion books released with the films, and it serves as a treasured memento of the exhibition in honor of the cycle's completion. No wonder this guy is the rock star of fine art. A visual -- and verbal -- feast.

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful vibrant images
Review: This book is full of beautiful vibrant images that seem to come alive in a hypnotic state with each page you turn. I was simply enthralled while viewing this book. I had purchased it as a gift for my significant other and couldn't believe my eyes. This is a must for any person that is interested in photography that will captivate you and make you think. It is endless pages that will hold your attention and make you pick up the book over and over again. I can not wait to see the films and watch this weirdness come alive.

Rating:
Summary: a question, really
Review: Why would anyone pay hundreds for the H/C version, if a shiny, new paperback is only $40? Please enlighten this fool? Thanks!