Sigmar Polke: Works On Paper

by Sigmar Polke, Margit Rowell, Bice Curiger

ne of the most significant artists of his generation, Sigmar Polke came of age creatively around 1963 in Dsseldorf. His earliest expressive idiom was crude and humorous, its images outrageous, and its content seemingly trivial, but embedded in these works were subversive and parodic commentaries on consumer society, German postwar politics, and classic artistic conventions. Few of Polke's works demonstrate more vividly his imagination, sardonic wit, and eclectic creative process than the drawings, watercolors, and gouaches of the 1960s and early 70s. More than 300 works are illustrated, including small sketches in ballpoint and felt-tipped pen, larger sheets in watercolor and gouache, and still others stamped with a dot screen process, as well as pages from over a dozen small sketchbooks and several monumental works on paper. This books was published to accopany the first American exhibiton of these drawings shown at The Museum of Modern Art, New York in 1999.

Genres: Art

200 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book much admired at the store I work at, but then like everything else it disappeared. I finally found a copy at a new used (and great) bookstore "Alias" in Glendale. Sigmar Polke is one of my favorite artists, and I think its the cartoon aspect of his work that gets me. The college affect via ballpoint pen and water colors is a good combination. He's a master.

[Brianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

an unparalleled collection of works largely unseen till the exhibition this book is from. you can truly see his genius... some of the pieces are so small and simple that seen on their own they might seem insignificant, silly, but as a whole you see how much is really going on. i only wish it had more about the artist as a person, how he worked, etc...

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

We saw this show at MoMA while in graduate school; overwhelming with food for thought. Quite the offhanded draughtsmanship and painting on paper.