Louise Bourgeois - Paintings

An unprecedented look at the little-known paintings from Louise Bourgeois’s early years in New York that laid the groundwork for her sculptural practice

Format: Hardback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2022
Publisher: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Louise Bourgeois, the renowned artist known for her sculptures, has garnered significant recognition for her artistic contributions. However, her early paintings, which span the period between her arrival in New York in 1938 and her transition to three-dimensional media in 1949, remain relatively lesser-known. This groundbreaking publication aims to shed light on these early works, which played a crucial role in shaping Bourgeois's artistic language and laying the foundation for her sculptural practice.

Through extensive archival research and the artist's extensive diaries, Louise Bourgeois: Paintings delves into Bourgeois's relationship with the New York art world of the 1940s and her development of a distinctive pictorial language. By examining these early paintings, the publication offers a valuable addition to our understanding of Bourgeois's career, providing insights into the themes and motifs that would later manifest in her sculptural creations.

The catalog, curated by Clare Davies and featuring an insightful essay by art historian Briony Fer, presents a comprehensive overview of the paintings showcased in the exhibition. In addition to the featured works, the catalog reproduces around 25 more paintings, ensuring that three-quarters of Bourgeois's contribution to modern painting can now be seen in one place.

Louise Bourgeois: Paintings is a testament to the artist's unwavering dedication and creative evolution. By exploring the rich tapestry of her early paintings, the publication offers a deeper appreciation of her artistic journey and the profound impact she has had on the art world. This groundbreaking publication is a must-read for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in the evolution of contemporary art.

Weight: 1072g
Dimension: 265 x 237 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781588397485