Gordon Matta-Clark: Physical Poetics

This book examines wordplay in the art and thought of American artist Gordon Matta-Clark (1943–1978), a pivotal figure in the postminimalist generation. It combines close readings of Matta-Clark's visual and verbal creations with reception history and critical biography to engage with the linguistic and semiotic forms in his art, which activate what he called the "poetics of psycho-locus" and "total (semiotic) system."

Format: Hardback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 26 March 2019
Publisher: University of California Press

This groundbreaking book delves into the intricate interplay of wordplay in the art and thought of American artist Gordon Matta-Clark (1943–1978), a pivotal figure in the postminimalist generation and the son of renowned Surrealist. Matta-Clark was a prominent member of the downtown artists community in New York during the 1970s and is widely regarded as a pioneer of social practice art. His celebrated works, characterized by their "architectural" environments and performances, were documented through films, photographs, drawings, and sculptural fragments. While his provocative and vivid language has been extensively studied in the context of his career, the verbal aspect of his practice has yet to receive its due attention.

In this extensively researched study, Frances Richard combines close readings of Matta-Clark's visual and verbal creations with reception history and critical biography to engage with the linguistic and semiotic forms that activate what he termed the "poetics of psycho-locus" and "total (semiotic) system." Through meticulous analysis of notes, statements, titles, letters, and interviews, Richard unearths archival, biographical, and historical information, establishing connections between Matta-Clark and Conceptualist peers as well as Surrealist and Dada forebears.

One of the central themes of the book is the paradoxical durability of Matta-Clark's language, despite the destruction of many of his major works. Richard explores how Matta-Clark's words and phrases became embedded in the fabric of his art, shaping the viewer's experience and interpretation of his work. She examines how Matta-Clark's use of language created a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, allowing his audience to engage with his art on multiple levels.

Furthermore, the book delves into the role of language in Matta-Clark's larger social and political commentary. Matta-Clark was deeply interested in the relationship between art and society, and his work often addressed issues of power, identity, and the urban landscape. Through his use of language, he was able to convey complex ideas and concepts in a way that was both accessible and thought-provoking.

In conclusion, Gordon Matta-Clark: Physical Poetics is a groundbreaking study that offers a fresh perspective on the art and thought of a pioneering artist. Through its meticulous analysis of Matta-Clark's visual and verbal creations, reception history, and critical biography, the book sheds light on the linguistic and semiotic forms that activate his "poetics of psycho-locus" and "total (semiotic) system." By exploring the paradoxical durability of Matta-Clark's language and its role in his larger social and political commentary, the book provides a deeper understanding of this influential artist's legacy.

Weight: 1208g
Dimension: 238 x 164 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520299092