Arshile Gorky: The Implications of Symbols

Rating:
Summary: Lacking Visual
Review: Harry Rand's Book "The Implication of Symbols" is indeed well-written and full of important information. Furthermore, his interpretation of the symbolic aspects of Gorky's work as it relates to his life is competent stuff. But here's where to start with a book on visual art: how many paintings does the book show, and of these, how many are in color. An art book discussing artwork that is either not shown in the book, or that is shown only in black and white (when a colorplate is crucial), is a frustrating read. At $..., one expects more than 15 color plates, some of which are poorly reproduced. I'm grateful for the information Mr. Rand provides, but greatly disappointed at the amount of work reproduced in what could otherwise be a complete presentation of the artist and his painting.

Rating:
Summary: Lacking Visual
Review: Harry Rand's Book "The Implication of Symbols" is indeed well-written and full of important information. Furthermore, his interpretation of the symbolic aspects of Gorky's work as it relates to his life is competent stuff. But here's where to start with a book on visual art: how many paintings does the book show, and of these, how many are in color. An art book discussing artwork that is either not shown in the book, or that is shown only in black and white (when a colorplate is crucial), is a frustrating read. At $..., one expects more than 15 color plates, some of which are poorly reproduced. I'm grateful for the information Mr. Rand provides, but greatly disappointed at the amount of work reproduced in what could otherwise be a complete presentation of the artist and his painting.