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Agnes Martin: On Beauty
An exploration of Martin's intuitive, idiosyncratic approach to beauty, as evinced through her written meditations and reproductions of several key paintings
"When I think of art I think of beauty. Beauty is the mystery of life," wrote Agnes Martin in 1989. Edited by Milly Glimcher, this handsomely produced volume collects writings by the artist centered around the theme of beauty, as well as a range of subjects related to her life and work, from the workings of nature and politics to the inspiration to be found in solitude and silence. Poetic and reflective, these texts range from compact insights, as with "Underside of the Leaf" and "Awareness of Perfection," to longer meditations, such as "The Current of the River of Life Moves Us" and "The Untroubled Mind." On Beauty also includes reproductions of paintings such as Blessings (2000) and Tranquillity (2001), among others, while the front and back covers are debossed with reproductions of Affection (2001) and Little Children Playing with Love (2001). By providing a window into the thoughts and feelings that moved her, this title is the perfect companion for anyone who admires Martin's intuitive approach to art.
Canadian American artist Agnes Martin (1912–2004) was one of the most influential painters of her generation and left an enduring mark on the history of modern and contemporary art. Characterized by austere lines and grids superimposed upon grounds of muted color, her paintings elegantly negotiate the confines of structure, space, draftsmanship and the metaphysical. Their underlying ideologies can be found in the writings she composed over the course of her career.
"When I think of art I think of beauty. Beauty is the mystery of life," wrote Agnes Martin in 1989. Edited by Milly Glimcher, this handsomely produced volume collects writings by the artist centered around the theme of beauty, as well as a range of subjects related to her life and work, from the workings of nature and politics to the inspiration to be found in solitude and silence. Poetic and reflective, these texts range from compact insights, as with "Underside of the Leaf" and "Awareness of Perfection," to longer meditations, such as "The Current of the River of Life Moves Us" and "The Untroubled Mind." On Beauty also includes reproductions of paintings such as Blessings (2000) and Tranquillity (2001), among others, while the front and back covers are debossed with reproductions of Affection (2001) and Little Children Playing with Love (2001). By providing a window into the thoughts and feelings that moved her, this title is the perfect companion for anyone who admires Martin's intuitive approach to art.
Canadian American artist Agnes Martin (1912–2004) was one of the most influential painters of her generation and left an enduring mark on the history of modern and contemporary art. Characterized by austere lines and grids superimposed upon grounds of muted color, her paintings elegantly negotiate the confines of structure, space, draftsmanship and the metaphysical. Their underlying ideologies can be found in the writings she composed over the course of her career.
72 pages, Hardcover
Published March 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 31, 2026
Exceptional
April 28, 2026
You can't think "My life is more important than the work" and get the work. You have to think the work is paramount in your life. An artist's life is adventurous. One new thing after another. (39)
August 22, 2026
While I think that I technically agree with the artist’s philosophy, the idea that someone experiences poverty or suffering because they are unable to want more out of life really rubbed me the wrong way. The artist’s lack of nuance for the inevitability of human suffering and consistent emphasis on having “negative” feelings as “not being alive” is a reflection of the privileged position they hold in society as a white woman. That being said I am actually a fan of their work as an abstract painter. What I will take away from this book is the feeling of a constant thread connecting artists throughout history, this ability to see the world for what it is, in all its beauty.
May 12, 2026
Bought this at the lacma this genuinely changed my life and is going to make me start acting in ways a lot of people aren’t going to like
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews