Simple Pleasures: The Art of Doris Lee

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2020
Publisher: D Giles Ltd

Simple Pleasures is a groundbreaking new book that delves into the life and art of Doris Lee, a prominent female artist who emerged as one of the top figurative artists in the American art world during the mid-1930s to the 1950s. Lee's remarkable journey is explored in depth, providing a comprehensive critical assessment of her works.

Born in 1904, Doris Lee's artistic career skyrocketed to fame in 1935 when her painting Thanksgiving was awarded the prestigious Logan Prize at the Art Institute of Chicago. This significant accolade not only brought her national recognition but also sparked the Sanity in Art movement, a protest against the perceived excesses and vulgarity in modern art.

Two years later, her painting Catastrophe was acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, further solidifying her status as a rising star in the art world. Simple Pleasures takes a closer look at this initial period of national recognition in the 1930s, placing Lee's work within the context of American Scene painting. It traces the artist's thematic interest in the simple objects and scenes of everyday life, highlighting how she seamlessly merged abstraction with the appeal of the ordinary.

The book also examines the influence of the rise in abstraction during the late 1940s and 1950s, which found resonance with Lee's long-held interest in folk and non-western art. During this post-war period, Lee, like many of her American Scene colleagues, found lucrative work in commercial advertising. Her commercial commissions for clients such as American Tobacco Company, Life magazine, Abbott Laboratories, and Associated American Artists are showcased, showcasing her ability to adapt her style to suit different purposes.

Simple Pleasures is a captivating exploration of Doris Lee's life and art, offering a fresh perspective on her contributions to the art world. Through meticulous research and analysis, the book sheds light on Lee's artistic journey, her influences, and her enduring legacy. It is a must-read for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in the history of American art.

Weight: 1700g
Dimension: 262 x 287 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911282679