Agnes Martin: Writings

by Agnes Martin, Dieter Schwarz (Editor)

Agnes Martin's abstract works adhere to no catalogue of rules but appear instead as contemplative, intuitive signs. Her "floating abstractions," in which lines and free bands of color emerge almost imperceptibly, can be reproduced only with difficulty. Her writings, on the other hand--although certainly not intended as programmatic statements--offer valuable clarity regarding her own works and poetic insight about art in general. Since its original publication in 1991, this volume of Martin's writings has been a fundamental document for libraries of artists, collectors, and critics. Rather than identifying herself with her Minimalist peers, Martin has aligned herself with the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Chinese, asserting that "the function of art work is . . . the renewal of memories of moments of perfection." In combination with illustrations of her works, these texts--including lectures, stories recorded by critic Ann Wilson, passages ostensibly arranged in associative sequences, and "fragmentary ideas"--form an eloquent artist's statement by the creator of "silent paintings."

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[tallulah · Rating 5 out of 5]

maybe it's just that i was feeling glee filled sunday afternoon on the bart when i started reading this book. i won't blame the context though, i'll come straight out and call it inspirational.
so this seems to be the only book on my currently reading list that i'm still reading. not that the other books are good, but maybe this one just holds more interest for me right now.
i've only one more section to read of this. i'm considering not finishing so i will always have the comfort of having more. also it would be a good excuse not to return the book to it's proper owner.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely wonderful. I felt especially attached to this book because I actually got to speak to her on the telephone about her writings. I explained to her that i had this great pull to, for some reason read the book from the last chapter forward. Much to my surprise she said to me: Dear Anita...Only the truly creative would get that and you did. Needless to say i got a great chill from that experience and will never forget it. She remains my favorite female artist to this day. May she rest in peace.

[Brandan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, delicate, and cold.

[Amira Hanafi]

While "Writings" has some morsels of helpful advice for young artists, overall I read these pieces as justifications for an isolated life devoted entirely to the making of art that is supposed to be somehow timeless and permanent.

The pieces in this book read as if they are notes towards something, and in fact they are: Agnes Martin is certainly not a writer, but a painter of abstract, "wordless" art. These are notes on a fully formed philosophy of art and life, that is communicated in a language that the artist seems uncomforable with: that is, language.

The book started out ok - Martin talks a lot about getting in touch with our "inspiration," which is not ephemeral, but always with us, she argues, if only we have a clear mind. It is when she asserts that artists must be alone, unhindered by "unnecessary companions" and open to the world, which she sees as somehow separate from humankind, influencing but uninfluencable, that her theories get problematic. Martin goes on to argue for an apolitical, anti-intellectual attitude on the part of the artist, which is where I began to be disturbed. She claims that art based on ideas is worthless and will be passed over. As if there is no value in the immediate or the ephemeral. As if there is no need for art that responds to the now.

Martin's philosophy, to my mind, is anti-social and refuses to accept the dependence that all beings have on one another. She argues that the world only evolves through individual change--I ask, is this change supposed to occur in isolation? and if so, what good is it?

Recently I saw the artist Alfredo Jarr speak on being an artist to a group of young artists. He ranked communicator as the most important role of the artist in society---and said that communication is not just sending a message, but more importantly receiving a response. I'd like to offer that as a response to Agnes Martin.

[Alan Newnham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of writings by the artist Agnes Martin, mostly composed of lectures, speeches, and notes, is a fascinating submergence into the mind of an artist.

At times it performs a balancing act between cult-like evangelist preaching and heavily oversimplified self-help type writing filled with truisms. Yet through all that, there's a genuine brightness that shines - You can feel the conviction that Agnes was expressing through these words. Whilst there's a handful of statements and ideas I don't particularly agree with, I can't help but respect Agnes' devotion to art. Plus there's a handful of enlightening statements and ideas that actually excel on their first-glance simplicity that grow depth with time.

A highly recommended book for any artists.

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

As prefaced in the introduction, a book of Agnes Martin's writing is a strange beast, in part because Martin resisted, as much as possible, intellectualizing art (and life). What you get here isn't academic in the least—there are no painstakingly articulated theories, but, rather, a loose, conversational tone that almost borders on free verse. This “poetry” is seemingly full of riddles, but upon closer reading it's apparent that Martin means just what she says. This is a book about the importance of being alone and of emptying one's mind to make way for inspiration; it's a reminder to live in the present and accept things for exactly what they are.

[Bill Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting ready to see the Agnes Martin retrospective at The Guggenheim I pulled this unread book off the shelf and found an intimacy with the great artist's way of understanding her art, all art and the artists path that added immeasurably to my devotion to her paintings. Her rambling style can make the longer pieces difficult to follow but just when I felt the urge to start skimming done new clearly-articulated jewel of wisdom would refocus my mind.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took a bit to get into this, which is exactly what it purports to be: "a collection of the artists studio notes, reflections, writings and lectures." I think, much like Martin's oeuvre, the writing reveals its wisdom slowly-- although I do think it's important to read the text alongside a knowledge of Martin's paintings.

There's something in here for every artist.

[J.S.A. Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books come along mysteriously and just in time and they totally save your bacon just when you are in the direst need. O'Keeffe's Some Memories of Drawings did this for me when I was in my twenties; this one in my forties. Thank God in her wisdom that Agnes Martin wrote down some thoughts.

[Jason]

A beautiful book, written by an amazing artist.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The adventurous state of mind is a high house..."

[Melipstick · Rating 5 out of 5]

open to any page and read a passage, no matter where you're at in life the passage will make sense and inspire you...it's like magic.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring!

[Wendy Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

My biggest influnce. I adore Agnes.

[Deborah Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

she's a mystic and a great artist

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

perhaps one of the most inspiring books ive ever read

[julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best books about art EVER!!!!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I am giving this book 5 stars because it is beautifully made and so, so interesting, but I found many of her statements so, so nuts.

[Johanna Trejo · Rating 5 out of 5]

!