Early Snow: Michael Snow 1947-1962

Michael Snow was a significant figure in 20th-century Canadian art, and his early career is explored in James King's book, Early Snow. The book focuses on Snow's achievements in painting, drawing, sculpture, foldage, cinema, and photography, and places them in the context of influences such as modern European art and contemporary American art. King argues that the works created during this era are about transformation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 10 September 2020
Publisher: Figure 1 Publishing

Michael Snow, a renowned Canadian artist who passed away in 2023, holds a significant place in the realm of twentieth-century Canadian art. Despite his widespread international recognition, the early stages of his career have received relatively limited attention. Early Snow, a captivating book by James King, delves into the artist's formative years and offers insightful interpretations of numerous artworks, placing them within the broader context of influences such as modern European art (Paul Klee, Ben Nicholson, Alberto Giacometti) and contemporary American art (Willem de Kooning, Conrad Marca-Relli, Donald Judd, Marcel Duchamp). The artworks showcased in this collection serve as a blueprint for Snow's later artistic endeavors, yet, as King argues, they are ultimately about transformation.

Snow's artistic journey began to flourish during his early years, as evidenced by his wide-ranging achievements in painting, drawing, sculpture, folding, cinema, and photography. Even as a young man, his catholic interests in art and literature gave him an extraordinary ability to create profoundly original works of art. In Early Snow, King explores the creative heights that Snow had already reached by the age of thirty-three, showcasing a remarkable body of work that encompasses a diverse range of artistic mediums.

The book provides close readings of dozens of Snow's artworks, placing them within the context of the influences that shaped his artistic development. King highlights the profound impact of modern European art, particularly the works of Paul Klee, Ben Nicholson, and Alberto Giacometti, on Snow's artistic vision. These artists, known for their innovative approaches and bold use of color and form, left a lasting impression on Snow, influencing his approach to composition, abstraction, and the exploration of the human form.

At the same time, Snow's exposure to contemporary American art also played a crucial role in shaping his artistic identity. Artists like Willem de Kooning, Conrad Marca-Relli, Donald Judd, and Marcel Duchamp, known for their experimental and abstract styles, offered Snow new perspectives and techniques that challenged traditional artistic conventions. Their works, characterized by their bold use of color, texture, and form, resonated with Snow's artistic sensibility and contributed to his desire to push boundaries and explore new artistic territories.

Through his close examinations of Snow's early works, King reveals the transformative power of art. The artworks featured in Early Snow showcase Snow's ability to blend different artistic mediums, experiment with abstraction, and explore the human condition. Whether it's his paintings that capture the essence of nature or his sculptures that delve into the complexities of the human form, Snow's work demonstrates his profound understanding of the artistic process and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

In conclusion, Michael Snow's Early Snow is a valuable contribution to the understanding of the artist's early career. By delving into the formative years and offering insightful interpretations of dozens of artworks, King provides a deeper appreciation for the creative heights that Snow had already reached by the age of thirty-three. The book highlights the profound influence of modern European and contemporary American art on Snow's artistic development and showcases his remarkable ability to create profoundly original works of art. Through his close examinations of Snow's early works, King reveals the transformative power of art and the enduring impact that it can have on an artist's life and career.

Weight: 770g
Dimension: 219 x 255 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773270982