Maurizio Cattelan

by Franklin Sirmans

Published 30 March 2010

The subversive, often jarringly direct sculptures of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan (b. 1960) are acclaimed for their seemingly absurd juxtapositions and uncanny photorealism. Reflecting deep suspicions of religious and political authorities, these constructions serve as sardonic critiques of existing power structures, forcing the viewer to challenge his or her understanding of symbols, both iconic and commonplace.

This publication features new works by Cattelan, as well as several of his large-scale pieces dating from 2003 to 2007, all of which are considered in the context of the Menil’s remarkable holdings, with a focus on contemporary art. To this end, we see how works by artists such as Lucio Fontana, Robert Morris, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Robert Rauschenberg, Cy Twombly, and Andy Warhol “converse” with Cattelan’s art. With commentary from Franklin Sirmans, this book presents the rare opportunity to appreciate Cattelan’s works amid the backdrop of the 20th century.



Distributed for The Menil Collection


Exhibition Schedule:

The Menil Collection (February 11 – August 15, 2010)


Vija Celmins

by Franklin Sirmans and Michelle White

Published 31 January 2011

American artist Vija Celmins (b. 1938) is widely admired and respected for her sublime images of night skies and ocean waves. Vija Celmins: Television and Disaster, 1964-1966 looks closely at Celmins's early work, which is deeply engaged with the Pop Art scene of 1960s Los Angeles. The authors argue convincingly for a better understanding of this body of work, which is not well known by contemporary audiences, both within Celmins's overall career, and as part of the complicated historical context in which she was working.

The book illustrates Celmins's work from the mid-1960s. These paintings and sculptures of war planes, smoking guns, and other representations of death and disaster were informed by images found in books and magazines. Also reflecting the moment when print began to give way to television, as well as the impact of the first televised war, they are creative interpretations of a world destabilized by the turmoil of war and domestic political conflicts.



Distributed for The Menil Collection


Exhibition Schedule:

The Menil Collection
(11/19/10-02/20/11)

Los Angeles County Museum of Art
(03/13/11-06/05/11)


Mona Hatoum

by Michelle White

Published 20 February 2018
A fresh and engaging look at the groundbreaking work of contemporary artist Mona Hatoum

The work of London-based artist Mona Hatoum (b. 1952) addresses the growing unease of an ever-expanding world that is as technologically networked as it is fractured by war and exile. Best known for sculptures that transform domestic objects such as kitchen utensils or cribs into things strange and threatening, Hatoum conducts multilayered investigations of the body, politics, and gender that express a powerful and pervasive sense of precariousness. Her works are never simple and often elicit conflicting emotions, such as fascination and fear, desire and revulsion. 
 
This copiously illustrated presentation of Hatoum’s oeuvre offers critical and art historical essays by Michelle White and Anna C. Chave and imaginative texts by Rebecca Solnit and Adania Shibli, which contextualize the artist’s work and its relationship to Surrealism, Minimalism, feminism, and politics. With extensive discussions on a selection of significant sculptures and installations, some of which are previously unpublished, Mona Hatoum: Terra Infirma provides an insightful look at one of the most exciting and influential artists working today.

Distributed for The Menil Collection


Exhibition Schedule:

The Menil Collection, Houston
(10/13/17–02/25/18)

Pulitzer Arts Foundation, St. Louis
(04/06/18–08/11/18)


As Essential as Dreams

by Michelle White

Published 6 September 2016
This stunning book examines the collection of works by self-taught artists assembled by Stephanie and John Smither over the last thirty-odd years. A team of prominent curators, writers, critics, and art historians focuses on key works by twelve artists, including the boisterous assemblages of Thornton Dial; brightly colored visual interpretations of the Bible by Sister Gertrude Morgan; Oscar Hadwiger’s detailed wood models of fantastical architecture; and Carlo Zinelli’s narrative tableaus of stylized figures and animals. Also featured are works by the ceramicist Georgia Blizzard; drawings by Hiroyuki Doi, Solange Knopf, Martín Ramírez, and Dominico Zindato; paintings by Jon Serl and Johnnie Swearingen; and carved wood sculptures by Charlie Willeto.
 


Distributed for The Menil Collection


Exhibition Schedule:

The Menil Collection
(06/10/16­–10/16/16)