Kazimir Malevich, 1878-1935 (Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center)

Univ of Washington Pr, 1990. hardcover. Like New/Like New. 9x1x11. 1990 Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center in association with the University of Washington Press (Los Angeles, California), 9 3/8 x 11 5/8 inches tall hardcover in publisher's dust jacket, copiously illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs and reproductions of artwork, xvi, 230 pp. A new copy, still sealed in publisher's clear wrap, which is a bit soiled and torn. Note that this is a heavy and oversized book, so additional postage will be required for international or priority orders. ~JJJ~ [5.0P] This catalog, which accompanied a Malevich exhibition at the Armand Hammer Museum of Art and Cultural Center in Los Angeles, is an excellent introduction to the artist. Paintings, drawings, watercolors, stage design, costume design, and experimental architectural models are on display. The technical quality of the reproductions is fine, allowing the luminous nature of the art to present itself. A helpful chronology is included, and questions of provenance, technique, and dating are discussed. Various essays complete the work. The excerpts from Malevich's writings are fascinating, and John E. Bowit's essay on Malevich and the nature of language as a sign and meaning is especially noteworthy. Malevich was one of the most influential forces during the beginnings of 20th-century European art, making this an important addition to any serious art library. Contents: The Amsterdam perspective / W.A.L. Beeren; Chronology / Joop M. Joosten; Malevich and his art, 1900-1930 / Dmitrii Sarabianov; From 1/42 : autobiographical notes, 1923-1925; Fragments from 'Chapters from an artist's autobiography,' 1933; Futurism-suprematism, 1921 : an excerpt / Kazimir Malevich; Malevich and the energy of language / John E. Bowlt; A study of technique : ten paintings by Malevich in the Tretiakov Gallery / Milda Vikturina and Alla Lukanova; Acquisition of thirty-four Malevich paintings by Soviet museums, 1919-21 / Natalia Avtonomova; Selected bibliography / John E. Bowlt.