Jack Whitten: The Greek Alphabet Series

This volume explores Jack Whitten's Greek Alphabet paintings (1975–78), which feature variations on abstract compositions and experiments in mark-making. It includes essays by art historian Courtney J. Martin and Dia curators Donna De Salvo and Matilde Guidelli-Guidi, as well as poetic reflections by authors Fred Moten and Gregg Bordowitz. The series is illuminated through materials from Whitten's archives, including his own personal writings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 09 July 2023
Publisher: Dia Art Foundation,U.S.

This comprehensive volume explores Jack Whitten's groundbreaking Greek Alphabet paintings, a pivotal series from the 1970s that marked a departure from his earlier gestural style. Authored by art historian Courtney J. Martin and Dia curators Donna De Salvo and Matilde Guidelli-Guidi, the book offers insightful essays that shed light on the series' development and significance. Additionally, poetic reflections by authors Fred Moten and Gregg Bordowitz further enhance our understanding of Whitten's art, biography, and cultural impact. Supplementing the publication are materials from Whitten's archives, including his personal writings, providing a unique perspective into his artistic process.

Born in Bessemer, Alabama, in 1939, Jack Whitten pursued his artistic journey by studying art at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 1960, he relocated to New York, where he exhibited his work at prestigious venues such as the Whitney Museum in 1974 and the Studio Museum in Harlem in 1983. His artistic prowess was recognized with a retrospective organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego in 2014, which later traveled to the Wexner Center in 2015 and the Walker Art Center in 2015–16. Whitten's life and work were centered in Queens, New York, where he passed away in 2018.

The Greek Alphabet Series, which spans from 1975 to 1978, represents a significant departure from Whitten's earlier gestural paintings. These works showcase his exploration of abstract compositions and experiments with mark-making techniques. Whitten employed handmade tools and methods, including the comb, imprint, and frottage, to create his distinctive textures and patterns. The series is further enriched by essays that provide valuable insights into Whitten's artistic process and the cultural context in which he worked.

In addition to the scholarly contributions, poetic reflections by authors Fred Moten and Gregg Bordowitz offer a fresh perspective on Whitten's art. Moten's poetic prose captures the essence of Whitten's artistic vision, while Bordowitz's reflections delve into the broader themes and influences that shaped his work. The inclusion of materials from Whitten's archives, including his personal writings, adds depth and richness to the publication, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of his artistic journey.

Jack Whitten: The Greek Alphabet Series is a groundbreaking publication that celebrates the artistic achievements of Jack Whitten. It provides a comprehensive examination of his Greek Alphabet paintings, shedding light on their formal and material permutations. Through essays, poetic reflections, and archival materials, the book offers a rich and multifaceted perspective on Whitten's art, contributing to our understanding of his place in contemporary art history.

Weight: 1338g
Dimension: 237 x 268 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780944521991