Complete Writings 1959 - 1975

by Donald Judd

Donald Judd's uncompromising art reviews avoid the familiar generalizations so often associated with the styles emerging during the 1950s and 1960s. This book is not a mere survey of the art produced and exhibited during that period. Instead, Judd discusses in detail the work of more than five hundred artists showing in New York at that time and provides a critical account of this significant era in American art. While addressing the social and political ramifications of art production, the writings focus on the work of Jackson Pollock, Kasimir Malevich, Barnett Newman, Ad Reinhardt, John Chamberlain, Larry Poons, Kenneth Noland, and Claes Oldenburg. The essay "Specific Objects" (1965), which by now has to be considered as one of the essential discussions of sculptural thought in the 1960s, is included, as well as Judd's notorious polemical essay, "Imperialism, Nationalism, Regionalism" (1975), published here for the first time. Three hundred reproductions as well as an extensive index accompany the text.

Genres: Art, Art History

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Anselm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd like to read a book of poetry reviews in this vein.

[Curtis Anthony Bozif · Rating 5 out of 5]

So impressed by Judd's criticsim. A total revelation.

[J Murnaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The New York capsule exhibition reviews are, as I know it, the pinnacle of the form.

[Wayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much of the book acts like a blog of Judd's reviews from the New York gallery scene of the early 60's. The most famous essay is the essential "Specific Objects." Also worth seeking out is his essay on Lee Bontecou (pg 178) and Pollock (193).

[Terence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again a text book I use for my courses. Written pretty much just like his art. Some great insights more into Judd than into what he writes about.

[Lytle]

In flight from the subordination of European clauses, Judd developed the specific sentence. It's fine. It's anarchic. It analogizes matter.