James Rosenquist: The Early Pictures

Examines the social, artistic, and cultural background of Rosenquist's early works and reproduces many of his paintings and the collage studies that functioned as the blueprints for his larger works

This catalog of pop artist Rosenquist's early work coincides with an exhibit at Manhattan's Gagosian Gallery. A brief, informative, refreshingly cant-free essay examines the influence of Rosenquist's early days as a billboard painter, his early themes and techniques, and his similarities and differences with other pop artists like Warhol and Lichtenstein. A revealing interview with the artist, an examination of his collage sources, and 64 illustrations (most in color) are also included. The material presented seems a bit abbreviated even for an exhibit catalog. Libraries with major collections on modern American art will want this slim volume; others can afford to wait for something more comprehensive.
- Stephen Rees, Bucks Cty. Free Lib., Levittown, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.