By Alison Knowles: A Retrospective (1960-2022)

The first survey of the Fluxus cofounders prolific avant-garde output, from eight-foot-tall books to make-a-salad performances, is presented in By Alison Knowles: A Retrospective. The catalog features contributions by international Fluxus curators, historians, and scholars and includes reprints of key articles by Benjamin Buchloh, Julia Robinson, and Kristine Stiles. It is richly illustrated with more than 250 images and includes a softcover lay-flat binding, special colored papers for each section, die-cut section dividers, and a chronology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

The Fluxus cofounders' prolific avant-garde output, ranging from eight-foot-tall books to make-a-salad performances, has been surveyed in a groundbreaking retrospective exhibition. American artist Alison Knowles, born in 1933, has made significant contributions to art and artists for over 50 years, yet her work remains relatively unknown to mainstream audiences. By Alison Knowles: A Retrospective, the first comprehensive volume on the artist, presents over 200 objects that span the entirety of her career, from her intermedia works of the 1960s to forms of participatory and relational art in the 2000s. The accompanying catalog features contributions from international Fluxus curators, historians, and scholars, including lead essays by organizer Karen Moss, Hannah B. Higgins, and Nicole Woods, as well as short contributions by co-editor Lucia Fabio, Lauren Fulton, Maud Jacquin, and Sébastien Pluot. It also includes reprints of key articles by Benjamin Buchloh, Julia Robinson, and Kristine Stiles, as well as a conversation between Alison Knowles and poet George Quasha. Richly illustrated with more than 250 images, the full-color catalog, designed by Kimberly Varella, features a softcover lay-flat binding, special colored papers for each section, die-cut section dividers, and a chronology. The cover of the book is a makeready (press sheets gathered from printing the interior of the book) produced during the printing of the interior pages. Each cover in the edition is unique.

Alison Knowles' groundbreaking experiments in painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation, sound works, poetry, and artists' books have left an indelible mark on the art world for over five decades. Despite her immense influence, her work remains relatively unknown to mainstream audiences. By Alison Knowles: A Retrospective, the first comprehensive volume on the artist, presents a comprehensive collection of over 200 objects that span the entirety of her career. From her early intermedia works of the 1960s to her later forms of participatory and relational art in the 2000s, Knowles' artistic journey is showcased through a diverse range of mediums.

The accompanying catalog features contributions from international Fluxus curators, historians, and scholars, including lead essays by organizer Karen Moss, Hannah B. Higgins, and Nicole Woods. These essays provide valuable insights into Knowles' artistic process and the broader Fluxus movement. Additionally, short contributions by co-editor Lucia Fabio, Lauren Fulton, Maud Jacquin, and Sébastien Pluot further enrich the catalog's content.

The catalog also includes reprints of key articles by renowned art critics Benjamin Buchloh, Julia Robinson, and Kristine Stiles. These articles offer valuable perspectives on Knowles' work and its significance within the art historical context. Furthermore, a conversation between Alison Knowles and poet George Quasha adds an intimate dimension to the retrospective, shedding light on Knowles' creative process and the influence of poetry on her artistic practice.

The catalog is visually stunning, with over 250 images that capture the essence of Knowles' work. The images are accompanied by detailed descriptions and annotations, providing a deeper understanding of the objects and their historical context. The design of the catalog is elegant and sophisticated, with a softcover lay-flat binding, special colored papers for each section, die-cut section dividers, and a chronology.

The cover of the book is a makeready, a press sheet gathered from printing the interior of the book. Each cover in the edition is unique, reflecting the individuality and creativity of Knowles' artistic vision.

By Alison Knowles: A Retrospective is a groundbreaking exhibition that celebrates the legacy of Alison Knowles and her profound contributions to art. It provides a comprehensive and immersive experience for art enthusiasts and scholars alike, offering a deeper understanding of Knowles' artistic journey and the enduring impact of Fluxus on contemporary art.

Weight: 1458g
Dimension: 226 x 308 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780983881346