Jackson Pollock (1912–1956)

This slim, but richly illustrated, biography of Jackson Pollock has stood the test of time since its first publication in 1959. Still a sound, but laudatory, study of all of Pollock’s periods; which are weighed and appreciated in chronological order. Frank O’Hara was a well-known and universally respected poet who was an integral part of the New York artistic scene until his death in 1966.
'The Great American Artists Series'.

Great primer for a quick lesson on the significance, and a brief synopsis, of Pollock's reign as an artists and some very fine criticism written eloquently, delicately, and fascinatingly. This is a book to behold for all of those interested in art. I really liked the way that this was done. Viewing all the paintings, in sequence with how they are mentioned, allows your brain to soak up the artistic theory and articulation like a sponge.

A great read, recommended!4.5 stars!

Seeing Pollock in the Peggy Guggenheim in Venice a couple of days ago - well, it's like going home to an Australian.

Our Labour government in the early seventies - the one that was sacked a bit later - spent over $2M buying Blue Poles. It was the most ever paid in the world for 'modern' art at the time. It was a National Scandal, of course. Well, I mean, who couldn't bang a bit of paint on a canvas like that? Especially if drunk and Pollock and his mates were when they whacked this show more together.

It inspired a great cleaning product ad on TV in Australia - I rather think Australia must be the only country in the world where Pollock was a household name - Pollock 'does a painting' on his loungeroom floor, goes out, cleaning lady comes in, rolls eyes in exasperated fashion, he's made one of those messes again, but she cleans it all up in no time with - Sorry, can't remember the end.

I digress.

What I wanted to point out, having been a complete narrow minded philistine in the museum is that I discover there is a fantastic connection between Pollock and physics and an observation that art is often ahead of science. For more read the Pollock The Closet Physicist here: http://www.science20.com/news_articles/jackson_pollock_closet_physicist-80424 and this on Chaos Theory and Pollock: http://pages.uoregon.edu/msiuo/taylor/art/scientificamerican.pdf

Can I take it all back? Please, sir, I don't want to be a philistine. show less

Seeing Pollock in the Peggy Guggenheim in Venice a couple of days ago - well, it's like going home to an Australian.

Our Labour government in the early seventies - the one that was sacked a bit later - spent over $2M buying Blue Poles. It was the most ever paid in the world for 'modern' art at the time. It was a National Scandal, of course. Well, I mean, who couldn't bang a bit of paint on a canvas like that? Especially if drunk and Pollock and his mates were when they whacked this show more together.

It inspired a great cleaning product ad on TV in Australia - I rather think Australia must be the only country in the world where Pollock was a household name - Pollock 'does a painting' on his loungeroom floor, goes out, cleaning lady comes in, rolls eyes in exasperated fashion, he's made one of those messes again, but she cleans it all up in no time with - Sorry, can't remember the end.

I digress.

What I wanted to point out, having been a complete narrow minded philistine in the museum is that I discover there is a fantastic connection between Pollock and physics and an observation that art is often ahead of science. For more read the Pollock The Closet Physicist here: http://www.science20.com/news_articles/jackson_pollock_closet_physicist-80424 and this on Chaos Theory and Pollock: http://pages.uoregon.edu/msiuo/taylor/art/scientificamerican.pdf

Can I take it all back? Please, sir, I don't want to be a philistine. show less