Marsden Hartley: Adventurer in the Arts

Marsden Hartley was an American artist who traveled to Europe in 1909, where he encountered visual ideas and influences that shaped his New England point of view. His work is celebrated for its spirituality, experimentation, and innovation. "Marsden Hartley: Adventurer in the Arts" offers a fresh appraisal of his work, exploring how his travels shaped his artistic vision. The book includes memorabilia from his travels and artefacts reflecting his diverse spiritual interests, such as a photograph album and a notebook of "Color Exercises". It also examines how Hartley's desire for escape was reflected in his love of the circus, a recurring theme in his paintings, drawings, and writings. The main part of the book features 100 paintings, drawings, photographs, and postcards, arranged into seven country- or state-themed sections, with a concluding section on Hartley's personal possessions.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 208 pages
\n Publication date: 17 April 2020
\n Publisher: Merrell Publishers Ltd
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Marsden Hartley, a prominent American artist of the early 20th century, held a deep aspiration to explore Europe, driven by an innate belief that he would gain invaluable knowledge and inspiration there that surpasses what he could find in his home state of Maine or even in the bustling city of New York. In 1909, Alfred Stieglitz, a renowned art curator, presented Hartley with his first solo exhibition in New York, marking a significant milestone in his artistic journey. Three years later, another successful show further propelled him to embark on a European odyssey, where he immersed himself in the vibrant cities of Paris, Berlin, and Munich. It was during this time that Hartley's artistic vision truly flourished, drawing upon the rich visual tapestry and diverse influences he encountered in these cosmopolitan cities. He skillfully synthesized these ideas through his unique New England perspective, giving birth to a distinctive style that resonated with audiences worldwide. Hartley, known for his introverted nature, never lost his sense of wanderlust, and his artistic pursuits took him to various landscapes and cultures across the globe. From the picturesque beauty of southern France to the artistic wonders of Italy, the tropical allure of Bermuda, the vibrant cultural tapestry of Mexico, and the serene landscapes of Canada, each destination left an indelible mark on his artistic sensibility. To commemorate the opening of an exhibition at the Vilcek Foundation in New York, titled "Marsden Hartley: Adventurer in the Arts," a new book has been published. Authored by Rick Kinsel, this comprehensive volume offers a fresh perspective on the life and work of this pioneering modernist. Kinsel's introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the profound ways in which Hartley's travels shaped his artistic vision. From immersing himself in the latest art trends in Paris and finding mentorship under Gertrude Stein to encountering members of the influential Blaue Reiter group in Germany and developing an interest in both Prussian military pageantry and Bavarian folk art, Hartley's journey was a rich tapestry of artistic exploration. His fascination with ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures during his time in Mexico sparked his creativity, while his encounter with the traditional pueblo life of the Native Americans in the Southwest further enriched his artistic vocabulary. Additionally, William Low, a curator from the Marsden Hartley Memorial Collection of Bates College Museum in Maine, surveys a selection of items from this remarkable collection. The items, which include paintings, sketches, prints, and photographs, provide a glimpse into Hartley's artistic output and the diverse influences that shaped his artistic journey.

\n Weight: 1732g\n
Dimension: 260 x 298 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781858946672\n \n