Latin American art in the twentieth century [Anglais] [Relié]

The belated onset of modernism might be the leitmotif of this compendium of brief histories of painting and sculpture in 20th-century Latin America, edited by the chair of New York University's fine arts department. While students of varied "isms" of our century will not be surprised by the imagery and attitudes of Latin American artists, they will be struck by the originality and regional shadings that reverberate throughout this volume. The work embraces every Hispanic tradition from that of North American Chicanos to work from the Argentine tip of South America, and each national tradition is independently surveyed, from usually desiccated academic beginnings to the postmodern present. As the quality of the national traditions varies, so do the individual considerations. Several of the essays are little more than recitations of basic art historical data, while others attempt a more subtle exploration of style, content, and context. Although it is lavishly illustrated, many of the cited artists' works are not reproduced. Nevertheless, the trove of some 300 fine color reproductions and compilation of otherwise hard-to-find information make this essential for collections concerned with the culture of Latin America.?Robert Cahn, Fashion Inst. of Technology, New York
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Latin American art of the twentieth century is exceptionally rich and varied. The twenty countries that make up the vast cultural area have each evolved a unique artistic heritage from a blend of European, African or indigenous influences, combined with the unpredictability of individual genius. This book is the first comprehensive survey of the whole field to be published in English; and because each of the contributors is an expert on his or her own national art, it is the first to present a genuinely Latin American viewpoint. The seventeen scholars, critics and curators (see back flap) provide an exciting and challenging new assessment of this important and increasingly popular field. Major figures such as Wifredo Lam, Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Fernando Botero are seen in a wider context, and the less well-known artistic heritage of countries such as Ecuador, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay and Bolivia will be a revelation to many readers. The range and quality of the work produced in the course of the century is represented by over 300 outstanding images, many previously unpublished or little known. Combined with texts by authors who speak with the authentic voice of their own culture, this volume presents a comprehensive and ground-breaking overview of some of the most exciting art of the twentieth century.

The first to present a genuinely Latin American viewpoint, this book is also the first comprehensive survey of an important and increasingly popular field, and because each of the contributors is an expert on his or her own national art. These 17 scholars, critics, and curators provide an exciting and challenging new assessment of 20th-century Latin American art. 310 illustrations, 300 in color.