Thornton Dial (1928-2016); one of the most important artists in the American South; came to prominence in the late 1980s and was celebrated internationally for his large construction pieces and mixed-media paintings. It was only later; in response to a reviewers negative comment on his artistic ability; that he began to work on paper. And it was not until recently that these drawings have received the acclaim they deserve. This volume; edited by Bernard L. Herman; offers the first sustained critical attention to Dials works on paper. Concentrating on Dials early drawings; the contributors examine Dials use of line and color and his recurrent themes of love; lust; and faith. They also discuss the artists sense of place and history; relate his drawings to his larger works; and explore how his drawing has evolved since its emergence in the early 1990s. Together; the essays investigate questions of creativity and commentary in the work of African American artists and contextualize Dials works on paper in the body of American art. The contributors are Cara Zimmerman; Bernard Herman; Glenn Hinson; Juan Logan; and Colin Rhodes.
#1701846 in eBooks 2011-12-20 2011-12-20File Name: B006OO37GA
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The elusive brilliance of Donald RichieBy DavalonAs I have complained to . and will continue to until they change their policy. three stars does not equal "okay." Neither does it mean "average." or any other words associated with it. It means it is not great and it is not bad. It means it has flashes of brilliance and other times doesnt quite get there. So. I start my review off with this caveat. I wanted to give it 3 stars. but I would never insult the memory of Donald Richie by choosing such a pedestrian rating.But 4 stars is pushing it. This little book of "portraits" of people Donald Richie met while he spent his life in Japan is mostly fascinating. sometimes highly erotic. and other times (not often) the writer is a bit too full of himself. Some of the portraits feel like he had a word count he had to reach for an article in a newspaper. and. by God. he reached it. Some of the people he "portrayed" were not worth the time. But others. mainly the troubled son of a woman that asked Donald Richie to be his father. were erotically charged and almost poetically written. Then there is story of the twin sisters. the neighbor and the geisha. all of them expertly portrayed. Richie has this unique style where you are right there with him... when hes willing to let his guard down and stop being so clever. Other times you do marvel at the way he has with a word. but some of the subjects just werent worth covering.I would say that if you have an interest or knowledge about the Japan that once was (oh. how beautiful. harsh. strange and fantastic it must have been). specifically the people. this will be an interesting read. I was sorry when it was over. because. by the time Richie had interacted with the Empress of Japan. I felt he was finally getting his footing... but then the book ended soon after. So. there are hidden gems here and you will quickly determine what they are.That said. . please give me the respect I deserve by not telling me that 3 stars is "okay" -- why do you have to qualify what the stars "mean"? Arent people on intelligent enough to figure out that 1 star doesnt have the power of 5?0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. and paint a beautiful picture of the country as many of us will ...By Masya S.Richie got below the surface of Japan. and writes with compassion about the various people he met. from the ordinary to the imperial. They all came alive to me. and paint a beautiful picture of the country as many of us will never get to see it. I first borrowed this book from the library. but then decided this had to be on my (virtual) shelf. so bought it and re-read it with joy.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Pretty nice collection of insights into various Japanese personalitiesBy Mr AxolotlPretty nice collection of insights into various Japanese personalities. some famous. most are not. I plan to read more of Richie.
