The Chinese Art Book.
Mackenzie, Colin. Chinese Art Book. London: Phaidon Press Ltd, 2013. ISBN: 9780714865751. Courtesy of Phaidon Press.
We are thrilled to announce the publication of The Chinese Art Book, with an introductory essay by Colin Mackenzie. The Chinese Art Book presents a definitive selection of 300 works, from the earliest dynasties to the new generation of contemporary artists enlivening the global art world today. From painting, calligraphy, ceramics and bronzes, to contemporary installations, photography and performance art; outstanding examples from all periods are showcased side by side, to create fascinating combinations linked with detailed cross-references. It also includes an informative introductory essay, comprehensive glossary and an illustrated time line placing the works in their political and cultural contexts.
The Chinese Art Book examines the art of the oldest continuous civilisation on earth. Full of surprises for the reader new to Chinese art as well as for specialists, its unique arrangement breaks new ground by pairing works that speak to one another in unexpected historical, stylistic and cultural ways. Visually exciting pages allow each object to stand alone and at the same time to be viewed in conjunction with a carefully selected companion, producing illuminating and often inspiring pairings. The dialogue between each couple invites meanings that often go far beyond those of the individual works. Every form of Chinese visual art is featured - painting, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, figurines, jades, bronzes, gold and silver, photography, video, installation and performance art. The works date from Neolithic cultures of the fourth millennium BC to the most recent contemporary art being produced in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the West.
Katie Hill is a co-author of the book with Jeffrey Moser and Keith Pratt, contributing all texts on Chinese works dating from 1950 to the present.
Reviews:
"...A gorgeously laid out overview in which classics like Chen Rong's Nine Dragons, painted in 1244 are juxtaposed with contemporary artists from heroic Ai Weiwei to the fireworks of Cai Guo-Qiang... Engage with the art of China past and present..." - The Guardian
"Phaidon's selection of 300 highlights from 5,000 years of Chinese art is notable for its stimulating juxtapositions... The marvelous diversity of forms selected illustrates the ongoing dialogue between contemporary Chinese artists and the traditions that both nourish and challenge them. Informative captions and a chronological timeline contextualize the individual works." - Sotheby's Magazine
"The Chinese Art Book... is a beautifully-produced pictorial record of Chinese art... A book with such a vast timespan is well-placed to give a healthy sense of perspective." - The Asian Review of Books
"...A stunning new compendium, The Chinese Art Book, carefully put together by Colin Mackenzie, Katie Hill and Jeffrey Moser, deploys a surprisingly effective strategy for making both current and contemporary works come to life..." - Town and Country Magazine
