Description
Book Synopsis: Accompanying a major exhibition at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris—Exploring the life and work of renowned feminist artist Alice Neel, 1900-1984
Essays and an extensive anthology provide an academic insight into Neel's work
“I have always believed that women should resent and refuse to accept all the gratuitous insults that men impose upon them.” – Alice Neel, 1971
One of the greatest portrait artists of the 20th century, Alice Neel's vibrant, expressionistic paintings revealed a breath-taking depth of emotion within her subjects. From works exploring loss and grief, to communist political art, Neel's work pushed boundaries of social justice throughout the 1900s. Her dedication to capturing the truth of humanity is evident: she painted those rejected by society, the victims of social or gendered oppression. Latin American and Puerto Rican immigrants, African-American writers excluded from the intellectual elite, single mothers struggling to raise their children, homosexual couples – all were presented with equal candidness by Neel's brush. Her unflinching approach to the female body took a ground-breaking step towards reclaiming the nude from the male gaze, and the activism inherent to her art resonates with viewers to this day. This book highlights Neel's political and social commitment to her art, as a figurative painter at odds with the artistic styles of the avant-gardes of her time. Structured in two thematic parts – social injustice and gender inequality – this retrospective includes some 60 paintings and drawings as well as numerous documents. Following the artist from her first works in the 1920s to her final evocative self-portrait, made shortly before her death, this is the defining treatise on Alice Neel.
Details
Alice Neel: An Engaged Eye is more than just a book - it is a gateway into the visionary mind of one of the greatest portrait artists of the 20th century. Dive into the world of Alice Neel and discover the captivating depth of emotion that fills her vibrant, expressionistic paintings. With essays and an extensive anthology, this book provides an academic insight into Neel's work, allowing you to explore the stories behind each brushstroke.
Neel's dedication to capturing the truth of humanity is unparalleled. She fearlessly painted those rejected by society, giving voice to the victims of social and gendered oppression. In her art, Neel challenged the status quo and pushed the boundaries of social justice. Through her brush, she showcased Latin American and Puerto Rican immigrants, African-American writers, single mothers, and homosexual couples with equal candidness. Her remarkable ability to capture the essence of each subject is evident in every stroke.
Not only did Neel revolutionize the portrayal of marginalized individuals, but she also broke new ground in challenging the male gaze. Her unflinching approach to representing the female body was groundbreaking, reclaiming the nude from the objectifying lens of men. Neel's activism shines through her art, resonating with viewers to this day.
This retrospective book is structured in two thematic parts, addressing social injustice and gender inequality. It encompasses approximately 60 paintings and drawings, along with numerous documents that provide a comprehensive overview of Neel's artistic journey. From her early works in the 1920s to her final self-portrait, just before her passing, this book is the definitive tribute to Alice Neel's powerful legacy.
To truly understand the artistry of Alice Neel and experience her unparalleled vision, this book is a must-have for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone seeking inspiration. Discover the world through Alice Neel's eyes and join us on this extraordinary journey.
Get your copy of Alice Neel: An Engaged Eye today and step into the captivating world of one of the most influential artists of our time.
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