Willem de Kooning : Drawing Seeing/Seeing Drawing : Book Review

"Willem de Kooning" by Klaus Kertess provides an insightful and comprehensive exploration of the life and artistic journey of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Kertess skillfully delves into the complexities of de Kooning's career and offers a thorough analysis of his artistic development.

From his early days in the Netherlands to his rise as a prominent figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement in New York City, de Kooning's artistic journey is meticulously traced by Kertess. The author expertly dissects de Kooning's paintings, shedding light on the various influences that shaped his artistic vision. By examining the evolution of his style and techniques over time, Kertess helps readers understand the innovative approach de Kooning took in his art.

What sets this biography apart is Kertess' willingness to address the personal challenges and struggles that de Kooning faced throughout his life. The author candidly explores the artist's turbulent relationships and battles with alcoholism, demonstrating how these factors impacted de Kooning's work. This nuanced portrayal adds depth and dimension to the biography, presenting de Kooning as a complex and multidimensional figure.

Another strength of the book is Kertess' ability to situate de Kooning's work within the broader artistic and cultural context of his time. By examining the influence of other artists, such as Jackson Pollock and Franz Kline, on de Kooning's artistic development, Kertess highlights the interconnectedness of the Abstract Expressionist movement. This contextualization allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of de Kooning's contributions to the art world.

Overall, "Willem de Kooning" is a captivating and enlightening read that provides a comprehensive overview of the life and work of an iconic artist. Klaus Kertess' extensive research and thoughtful analysis make this book a valuable resource for art enthusiasts and scholars alike. Whether you are interested in de Kooning's artistic evolution or want to gain a deeper understanding of the Abstract Expressionist movement, this biography is a must-read.

What are readers saying?

Klaus Kertess wrote a book called "Willem de Kooning," which explores the life and artistic works of the renowned artist. Reviews for this book have been varied. Some readers found the author's in-depth exploration of de Kooning's life and art to be engaging. They appreciated how Kertess placed the artist's work within the broader artistic landscape of the time, providing a comprehensive analysis of de Kooning's oeuvre.

On the other hand, some readers felt that the book lacked coherence and criticized the writing style as overly academic. These reviewers believed that Kertess focused too heavily on technical aspects, failing to capture the emotional depth of de Kooning's art. The book was also deemed potentially inaccessible to those unfamiliar with art history or de Kooning's body of work.

Despite these criticisms, many reviewers praised the inclusion of beautiful illustrations and reproductions of de Kooning's paintings in the book. These visuals provided a deeper understanding of the artist's progression over time and enhanced the overall reading experience.

However, a subset of readers found the book repetitive as certain themes and ideas were explored multiple times. They believed that tighter editing could have resulted in a more concise and streamlined narrative.

Lastly, a few reviewers expressed disappointment with the lack of biographical information about de Kooning. They had expected more personal anecdotes and a deeper exploration of the artist's personal life, rather than solely focusing on his artwork and creative process.

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