Gustav Metzger: History History

by Justin Hoffmann, Andrew Wilson, Kristine Stiles

Notorious "guitar trasher" Pete Townshend (of the legendary rock band The Who) refers to Gustav Metzger as his teacher--due mainly to the artist/activist's continued reaction to the threat posed by the global nuclear arms race, which he has also opposed politically since 1956. Born the son of Orthodox Jews, Metzger survived the Holocaust through salvation by the Refugee-Children-Movement in England, and, since the 1990s, has worked on a series of Historical Photographs based on his past. Based in topical political, economic and social themes, Metzger's manifestos, concepts and demonstrations often thematize the twentieth century's destructive potential, and also address the capitalist system and the art industry. History History --the comprehensive catalogue to the Metzger retrospective held at the Generali Foundation in Vienna--offers a detailed overview of the artist's oeuvre within its historical context. Numerous original works, documentary materials and an illustrated chronology showcase Metzger's significance from the 1960s until today. Accompanying these visuals are texts from Justin Hoffmann, Kristine Stiles and Andrew Wilson.

300 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 2005