Barbara Hepworth: Art & Life

Barbara Hepworth was a significant 20th-century artist, but her work has been overlooked in comparison to her male counterparts. This biography provides a penetrating insight into her life, work, and legacy, shedding light on her multi-faceted approach and interests in music, dance, poetry, contemporary politics, science, and technology. It also highlights her engagement with these fields through friends and networks and how she synthesized them into one coherent philosophy of art and life.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 20 May 2021
\n Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd
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Barbara Hepworth, a pivotal figure in the 20th century art world, stands as a remarkable artist whose contributions have been somewhat overlooked in comparison to her male counterparts. This comprehensive biography aims to transcend the conventional narratives of modernism, materiality, and landscape, delving deep into the life, work, and enduring legacy of Hepworth. Throughout her career, Hepworth faced criticism for her perceived single-mindedness, with critics and commentators often characterizing her and her art as cool and restrained. This narrow focus on her modernist abstract sculpture of the 1930s has overshadowed a significant portion of her artistic output and the diverse range of passions that fueled her creativity.

In this groundbreaking biography, author Catherine Lampert explores Hepworth's multifaceted, interdisciplinary, and networked approach for the first time. Through a wealth of meticulously researched illustrations, the book sheds light on the artist's interests in music, dance, poetry, contemporary politics, science, and technology. It reveals her engagement with these fields through personal connections, friendships, and networks, as well as how she seamlessly integrated these diverse disciplines into her artistic practice. Hepworth's ability to synthesize seemingly conflicting ideas and philosophies into a coherent and inspirational philosophy of art and life is a testament to her profound intellect and artistic vision.

The biography delves into Hepworth's early life, upbringing, and formative years, charting her journey from a humble background to becoming one of the most celebrated sculptors of her time. It explores her artistic influences, including the works of Henry Moore and Pablo Picasso, and how they shaped her artistic development. Hepworth's commitment to experimentation and her willingness to push the boundaries of sculpture are highlighted, as are her contributions to the modernist movement.

The book also delves into Hepworth's personal life, including her relationships, marriages, and the challenges she faced as a woman artist in a male-dominated field. It sheds light on her struggles with mental health and her determination to overcome adversity, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the art world.

Barbara Hepworth's legacy continues to resonate today, with her sculptures standing as iconic works of art that inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. This biography serves as a vital contribution to the understanding and appreciation of her remarkable life, work, and enduring influence. By expanding the lens beyond the traditional narratives, it provides a comprehensive and richly detailed portrait of an artist who truly deserves to be recognized as one of the most important figures of the 20th century.

\n Weight: 886g\n
Dimension: 174 x 248 x 37 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780500094259\n \n