Acknowledged as one of the major sculptors and avant-garde artists of the twentieth century; Constantin Brancusi (1876-1957) also remained one of the most elusive. His mysterious nature was not only due to his upbringing in Romania ndash; which; at the time; was still regarded by much of Europe as a backward country haunted by vampires and werewolves ndash; but also because Brancusi was aware that myth and an lsquo;aura of othernessrsquo; appealed to the public. This self-mythology is embodied in his white atelier in Montparnasse; Paris.In Constantin Brancusi Sanda Miller looks beyond the mythology of the artist to show us Constantin the Romanian student; as well as Brancusi the celebrated artist. Using new material; including private correspondence from Brancusirsquo;s archive in Paris; works from Romania; and Brancusirsquo;s own photos of his studio; the author weaves together and interprets a wealth of information; bringing to life his early years in Romania; his move to Paris and his years at his studio. She relates how his art scandalized the Paris salon; yet at the same time explores how his work connects with the folk art of his homeland. She also provides colourful evocations of Brancusirsquo;s relationships with colleagues; dealers; friends and lovers.An innovative reassessment of Brancusirsquo;s life and work; Sanda Millerrsquo;s perceptive book allows Brancusi to take his rightful place among the most important of the intellectual personalities who shaped twentieth-century modernism.
#1124926 in eBooks 2012-07-09 2012-07-09File Name: B008EM89XQ
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Visually stunningBy JamesThis is an awesome collection of some very striking architecture-- very picturesque and inspiring. A lot of imagination went into these buildings. and if you have a read through this book. it can do a lot for your imagination as well.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A better editionBy M. ArduzIm finding more and more kindle books that need editing. it seems that the digital editions are not carefully designed for comprehensive reading along the illustrations1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Fantastic Book on Modern Architecture in JapanBy Mary KerrWhat a wonderful surprise to find New Japan Architecture: Recent Works by the Worlds Leading Architects at a bookstore as I was getting ready for my trip to Japan! The book contains beautiful photos and informative explanation of 48 recent projects in Japan designed by Japanese and international architects including Fumihiko Maki. Tadao Ando. Hiroshi Hara. SOM. and SANAA. While the book has technical details that may be interesting to architects. I as a layman who enjoys architecture have found it very readable and interesting. The preface by Cesar Pelli (former Dean of School of Architecture at Yale University) and the foreword by Fumihiko Maki (a world famous Japanese architect) provide excellent perspectives to understand modern Japanese architecture in the context of cultural change. technological innovation and sustainability.I travel to Japan often for business and pleasure. but am getting tired of museums. gardens. temples and shrines. I am glad to know from the book that Japanese architectural design is leading the cutting edge of architecture worldwide. I will definitely visit those buildings illustrated in the volume in my future trips. It should add much to my enjoyment of the country. This is a must-have book for those interested in culture and architecture in Japan.
