Eva Hesse

by Elisabeth Sussman, James Meyer, Briony Fer

Eva Hesse, a pivotal figure in the development of postwar international art, created paintings, sculpture, and works on paper that were striking in their beauty and playful sensibility. Although much has been written about Hesse's dramatic life--her childhood flight from Nazi Germany, her struggles to gain acceptance as a young female artist, her battle with cancer, and her tragic death in 1970 at the age of 34--her art has yet to receive the critical attention it deserves. This lavishly illustrated catalogue redresses that omission, focusing on Hesse's innovative working methods and choices of materials as well as on the larger aesthetic and philosophical questions raised by her artistic practice. The book presents and documents over two hundred works by Hesse in all media. Particular attention is devoted to the degradation and aging of her sculptures over the past three decades. Essays by a distinguished team of writers deal with themes of mutability and decay in Hesse's art; discuss her little-known early career in New York and Germany; explore her innovative use of translucent materials; and examine the role of drawing and collage in her creative process.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 11, 2002

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

the book is worth the price alone for the concluding biographical essay on hesse. this essay is centered around the diaries that her father kept for her, and the [probable] impact of her tragic family history -- the kindertransport to holland, immigrating to the us, her mother's mental breakdown and suicide -- on her art. heartbreaking.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the unsettling familiar/yet slightly off essence of her work. My favorite is the fiberglass and resin with plastic tubing boxes (Accession II and Accession III)--the softness and hardness, the ordinary and sensual.

[Ellen Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like I'm cheating when I put art books in the "read" category, since I read very little of the text and mostly just study the photos of the art. I was really crazy about her hanging sculpture and also enjoyed seeing other artists who may have been influenced by it. It was inspirational, but sad that she died so young. I wish I knew more people around here who know about art like this to give me pointers and encouragement. I showed the book to family members to convince them that these pieces are indeed art.

[pippi]

honestly, eva hesse is really amazing. really really amazing.