Robert Motherwell Drawing: As Fast as the Mind Itself

Robert Motherwell's drawings celebrate his fascination with paper as a medium, showcasing his exploration of mark-making and the suggestive potential of his materials. The exhibition includes works from various periods, with large-scale reproductions allowing for close inspection. An essay by Edouard Kopp explores the artist's practice of "automatic drawing." The book closes with Motherwell's "Thoughts on Drawing" (1970). The exhibition is held at the Menil Drawing Institute, Menil Collection, in Houston from November 18, 2022, to March 12, 2023.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

Throughout his illustrious career, Robert Motherwell (1915–1991) remained deeply captivated by the art of creating on paper. His diverse drawing practice played a pivotal role in his quest for a unique and spontaneous artistic language. This comprehensive examination of Motherwell's paper-based works, spanning from his early Mexican Sketchbook in the 1940s to his Joyce Sketchbook in the 1980s, showcases his unwavering commitment to exploring the expressive possibilities inherent in his chosen medium. Through the use of large-scale reproductions, the book invites viewers to engage in a close examination of the intricate details, such as the delicate stroke of a brush or the subtle tear of paper. Additionally, an essay by Edouard Kopp delves into the intricate relationship between Motherwell's practice of "automatic drawing" and his profound affection for paper and ink, contributing to the creation of these singular and captivating artworks. The book concludes with Motherwell's own insightful "Thoughts on Drawing" (1970).
Distributed by the Menil Collection
Exhibition Schedule:
Menil Drawing Institute, Menil Collection, Houston
(November 18, 2022–March 12, 2023)

Weight: 804g
Dimension: 197 x 247 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300266542