Book Description
In the 1980s, composer and pianist Edvard Lieber became the friend and confidant of Willem and Elaine de Kooning. Now, drawing on the stories they shared with him, Lieber has created an intimate anecdotal portrait of Willem de Kooning (1904-1997) over the decades. From the rise of Action Painting in New York City to raucous parties in East Hampton, Long Island, this lively chronicle is packed with telling details that shed new light on Abstract Expressionism-and debunk many de Kooning myths. We get a fresh look at Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, Arshile Gorky, and other celebrated de Kooning friends. And we get a firsthand portrait of Willem near the end of his life-and see a still vital artist working with undiminished power. Illustrated throughout with Lieber's candid photographs, this book offers a unique look at an enigmatic artist. 98 illustrations, 71 in full color, 9 x 9" EDVARD LIEBER, a composer, concert pianist, painter, and filmmaker, teaches at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. He was Willem de Kooning's secretary and curator from 1987 to 1989, and the co-executor of Elaine de Kooning's estate.
Willem de Kooning: Reflections in the Studio FROM THE PUBLISHER
In the 1980s, composer and pianist Edvard Lieber became the friend and confidant of Willem and Elaine de Kooning. Now, drawing on the stories they shared with him, Lieber has created an intimate anecdotal portrait of Willem de Kooning (1904-1997) over the decades.
From the rise of Action Painting in New York City to raucous parties in East Hampton, Long Island, this lively chronicle is packed with telling details that shed new light on Abstract Expressionism-and debunk many de Kooning myths. We get a fresh look at Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, Arshile Gorky, and other celebrated de Kooning friends. And we get a firsthand portrait of Willem near the end of his life-and see a still vital artist working with undiminished power.
Illustrated throughout with Lieber's candid photographs, this book offers a unique look at an enigmatic artist.
95 illustrations, 70 in full color, 9 x 9"
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
Lieber (School of Visual Arts in N.Y.) provides a rare opportunity to visit the de Koonings in their own environment and to read anecdotes about their lives. Arranged chronologically, the stories enrich and correct the published biographies of both artists, who were among the most important figures of their generation and an integral part of the New York art scene. Intimate photographs of Bill de Kooning in his studio offer a visual counterpart to the text by showing him at work on the last great paintings of his career, demonstrating the extent of his creative genius even to the end. Contains 98 illustrations, including 71 color plates. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Art & Photography
Book Info
