Richard Shiff Writing Art

An expansive selection of thought-provoking essays from art expert Richard Shiff, which have informed our understanding of modern and contemporary art. Shiff's wide-ranging writings analyze the works of prominent artists, such as Willem de Kooning, Marlene Dumas, Jasper Johns, Donald Judd, Barnett Newman, Pablo Picasso, and Bridget Riley. His deep knowledge of art history is enriched by insights from philosophy, phenomenology, literary theory, and psychoanalysis. Shiff's approach to viewing and describing art is contemplative, conceptually dense, and enjoyable to read, as he explores the nuances of style and technique to draw out deeper social implications.

This anthology features essays on twenty-six artists, from Georg Baselitz to Zeng Fanzhi, that first appeared in catalogues for retrospectives from prestigious institutions, such as the Centre Georges Pompidou, the Guggenheim, The Museum of Modern Art, and Tate Modern.