The Hydrogen Jukebox: Selected Writings of Peter Schjeldahl, 1978-1990 (Lannan Series of Contemporary Art Criticism, No 2)

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Review: This is a collection of reviews and essays written by the Oscar Wilde of art critics. Known for his witty and engaging column at the Village Voice, and his more recent post at the New Yorker, Schjeldahl has also contributed pieces to the New York Times, and most of the major art magazines. From the abstract expressionists to the simulationists, this book focuses mainly on the artists and movements of the last half of the 20th century.

I loved this book. It was informative, intelligently written, and highly entertaining. I found Schjeldahl to be a rare critic who is genuinely excited by the work he sees and admiring of the many artists he writes about. He may not always like the work, but he always gives it a fair and honest review. In turn, he opened up my mind to the possibilities of what art is and can be.