James Howell

James Howell (1935-2014) was an American abstract artist who used infinite variations of the color grey to explore the fundamentals of light, space, time, and [kinesthetic] perception. This comprehensive first monograph, by Alistair Rider, traces Howells artistic evolution, from the early 1970s through the artists greatest achievement, Series 10. It also chronicles Howells biography and offers interpretive frameworks for his oeuvre, notably a connection to East Asian philosophies. The book presents dozens of full-color plates of artworks and exhibitions and Riders essay is thoroughly illustrated with archival images and documents from the James Howell Foundation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 19 November 2021
Publisher: Circa Press

James Howell (1935-2014) was an American abstract artist renowned for his unparalleled subtlety. Employing an infinite range of shades of grey, he delved into the fundamental aspects of light, space, time, and [kinesthetic] perception. Howell cherished the enigmatic nature, softness, simplicity, and vastness of colors. Over the course of many years, he developed precise and systematic methods that resulted in accomplished square paintings and works on paper. These works, devoid of illusion, narrative, and symbolic references, evoke subtle revelations in the viewer's consciousness. In this comprehensive first monograph, Alistair Rider explores Howell's artistic evolution, spanning from the early 1970s to the artist's pinnacle—the remarkable group of abstractions known as Series 10, which dominated the latter two decades of his life. Rider's multifaceted essay also chronicles Howell's biography, including his early studies and achievements in architecture. Additionally, he offers several interpretive frameworks for Howell's oeuvre, notably a connection to East Asian philosophies. The beautifully produced book features dozens of full-color plates showcasing artworks and exhibitions, while Rider's essay is thoroughly illustrated with archival images and documents from the James Howell Foundation. This publication makes a significant contribution to the reevaluation of an artist whose exploration of light and shadow has long been in dynamic dialogue with recognized trends in contemporary art.

Weight: 1906g
Dimension: 261 x 299 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911422211