Alexis Rockman: Works on Paper

Alexis Rockman is an artist known for his large-scale paintings that depict the collision between civilization and nature. His first comprehensive survey of his graphic work, Works on Paper, includes 120 works, many of which have never been published. The book reproduces his earliest watercolors, field drawings, weather drawings, and painterly works related to his epic The Great Lakes Cycle. It also includes a visual appendix of Rockman's graphic influences, with commentary by the artist. The book is a valuable addition to scholarship on the artist, providing a critical understanding of his visionary oeuvre.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: Damiani

Renowned artist Alexis Rockman has made an indelible mark on the art world with his captivating and thought-provoking creations that seamlessly blend elements of human history, natural science, and landscape painting. Over the course of his illustrious career spanning three decades, Rockman has garnered international acclaim for his intricate, large-scale paintings and works on paper that vividly depict the collision between civilization and nature. With a deep passion for climate change and globalization, as well as a keen interest in art history and science fiction, Rockman skillfully weaves these diverse influences into his artwork, creating images that offer a profound insight into our world teetering on the precipice.

Beyond the captivating allure of his lush surfaces, radiant washes of color, and technical inventiveness, Rockman's creations conceal a dark humor, an intense curiosity, and a probing intelligence that elevates the power and urgency of his invented narratives. His works serve as a mirror, reflecting the complex interplay between human actions and the natural world, challenging us to confront the consequences of our actions and embrace a more sustainable future.

Works on Paper, the first comprehensive survey of Rockman's graphic work, is a testament to his extraordinary accomplishments as a draftsman. Through a meticulous selection of watercolors, gouaches, oil drawings, field studies, and sketchbooks, the book offers a glimpse into the artist's creative process and showcases his exceptional talent as a draftsman. With a total of 120 works reproduced, many of which have never been published before, the book provides a comprehensive view of Rockman's artistic journey.

Among the highlights of the collection are his earliest watercolors from the 1980s, where he explores the boundaries of hybrid and mutated animals. These works are characterized by their intricate details and bold use of color, showcasing Rockman's early experimentation with form and composition. Field Drawings, created during his travels to remote locations like Guyana, are a testament to his adventurous spirit and his ability to capture the essence of nature in his artwork. These works, drawn from mud sourced on-site, reflect Rockman's fascination with the natural world and his commitment to preserving its beauty.

Weather Drawings, a series of hauntingly beautiful and apocalyptic paintings, delve into the themes of climate change and its impact on the environment. Rockman's use of bold colors and expressive brushstrokes creates a sense of urgency and foreboding, as he portrays the devastating effects of global warming on the planet. The Great Lakes Cycle, a series of painterly works that explore the iconic lakes of North America, is a testament to Rockman's dedication to preserving the natural world. Through his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the essence of these majestic bodies of water, Rockman invites us to appreciate the beauty and fragility of our natural environment.

Lost at Sea, Rockman's most recent body of work, is a captivating reimagining of famed and historic shipwrecks. These paintings, which are inspired by his fascination with maritime history and his interest in the mysteries of the ocean, offer a fresh perspective on these iconic maritime disasters. Rockman's use of bold colors and intricate details creates a sense of awe and wonder, as he explores the human stories and the ecological consequences of these shipwrecks.

In addition to the visual feast provided by the artwork, Works on Paper includes a visual appendix that showcases Rockman's graphic influences. The artist's commentary on these influences provides a deeper understanding of his artistic process and the sources of inspiration that fuel his creativity. The book is a valuable addition to scholarship on Rockman, offering a critical understanding of his visionary oeuvre that seamlessly blends art, nature, and science.

Through his intricate and thought-provoking creations, Alexis Rockman has established himself as a true visionary in the art world. His works serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between civilization and nature and the urgent need to address the challenges facing our planet. With Works on Paper, we are privileged to witness the extraordinary talent and creativity of this remarkable artist, as he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of visual art.

Weight: 1560g
Dimension: 244 x 296 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788862087551