I Am Here: Home Movies and Everyday Masterpieces

Home movies capture our daily lives, inspiring art and visual artists. I AM HERE presents home movies alongside art by Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Nicole Eisenman, Keith Haring, David Hockney, Arthur Jafa, Ed Ruscha, and others, with an eye-popping cover by Fiona Smyth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 23 July 2022
Publisher: Distributed Art Publishers

From the ancient cave paintings that adorned the walls of our ancestors to the latest social media sensation, TikTok, home movies have been a timeless medium for capturing the essence of our human experience. These humble recordings, ranging from mundane events to significant milestones, hold a profound significance in our lives. They serve as a tangible link to our past, allowing us to revisit cherished memories and relive the emotions associated with those moments.

Home movies have not only captured the essence of our daily lives but have also inspired countless visual artists throughout history. From the early days of cinema to the digital age, filmmakers have been drawn to the mundane and ordinary, finding beauty and artistic merit in the most ordinary of subjects.

One such artist is Njideka Akunyili Crosby, whose work explores the intersection of art and home movies. In her series "I AM HERE," Crosby combines home movies with reproductions of art by renowned artists such as Keith Haring, David Hockney, Arthur Jafa, Ed Ruscha, and others. The result is a captivating blend of visual and auditory experiences that invites viewers to explore the complexities of identity and memory.

Another artist who has been deeply influenced by home movies is Nicole Eisenman. In her series "Home Movies," Eisenman explores the relationship between personal history and collective memory through the use of home movies and other personal artifacts. By re-contextualizing these materials, she creates a powerful commentary on the role of media in shaping our understanding of the past.

Keith Haring, another iconic figure in the art world, has also incorporated home movies into his work. In his series "Untitled (Home Movies)," Haring combines home movies with his signature bold lines and vibrant colors to create a dynamic and playful interpretation of family life.

David Hockney, a pioneering figure in the field of digital art, has also explored the power of home movies. In his series "A Bigger Splash," Hockney uses home movies and other digital technologies to create a visually stunning and immersive experience that blurs the boundaries between reality and fiction.

Arthur Jafa, a contemporary artist known for his politically charged installations, has also incorporated home movies into his work. In his series "The Last Movie Star," Jafa explores the legacy of Hollywood and the role of the movie star in shaping American culture.

Ed Ruscha, a renowned artist who has made a significant impact on the art world, has also been inspired by home movies. In his series "Every Building on the Sunset Strip," Ruscha combines home movies with photographs of Los Angeles to create a commentary on the city's urban landscape and the changing nature of American society.

In addition to these artists, home movies have also been embraced by a new generation of filmmakers who are using the medium to explore the complexities of contemporary life. One such filmmaker is Fiona Smyth, a Toronto-based artist who has created an eye-popping cover for this book. Smyth's cover, which features a collage of home movies and other personal artifacts, reflects the more-is-more visual approach that this book embraces.

Overall, home movies have been a rich source of inspiration for artists throughout history, and their significance continues to evolve as technology advances. From the ancient cave paintings that adorned the walls of our ancestors to the latest social media sensation, TikTok, home movies have been a timeless medium for capturing the essence of our human experience. This book, "I AM HERE," serves as a testament to the power of home movies to inspire, connect, and evoke emotions, and it offers a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic world of visual art.

Weight: 998g
Dimension: 236 x 236 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781942884910