Oh, To Be a Painter!

Virginia Woolf's collection of writings on visual arts provides a fresh perspective on the revolutionary author, exploring the complex relationship between literature and art. This latest edition in David Zwirner Books' ekphrasis series collects essays such as "Walter Sickert: A Conversation" and "Pictures and Portraits," offering innovative insights into color and modern art. An introduction by Claudia Tobin situates the essays within their cultural contexts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2021
Publisher: David Zwirner

Virginia Woolf's collection of writings on visual arts presents a fresh and insightful perspective on the renowned author. Despite the widespread fascination with Woolf's life, her circle, and her profound connection with the visual arts, there exists no readily accessible edition or compilation of essays specifically dedicated to her writings on art. This latest edition in David Zwirner Books' ekphrasis series is a groundbreaking endeavor, gathering a selection of such essays, including "Walter Sickert: A Conversation" (1934), "Pictures" (1925), and "Pictures and Portraits" (1920). These formally inventive texts delve into the intricate interplay between the literary writer and the visual artist, offering innovative approaches to understanding the concepts of color and modern art as experienced within the confines of picture galleries. Within these essays, Woolf explores the complex and interconnected relationship between the artist and society, providing astute and perceptive commentary on specific works of art and the profound interplay between art and writing. A comprehensive introduction by Claudia Tobin contextualizes the essays within their cultural frameworks, adding depth and richness to the reader's experience.

Weight: 82g
Dimension: 105 x 176 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644230589