To Begin Again: Artists and Childhood

Artists from Paul Klee and Mierle Laderman Ukeles to Faith Ringgold and Deborah Roberts have explored childhood themes of innocence, spontaneity, and storytelling. To Begin Again: Artists and Childhood surveys how artists have reflected on and contributed to notions of childhood from the early 20th century to the present, revealing how time, place, economics, and race shape how we experience and understand early development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 24 December 2022
Publisher: Distributed Art Publishers

From the early 20th century to the present, artists have explored childhood themes of innocence, spontaneity, and storytelling. To Begin Again: Artists and Childhood examines how artists have reflected on and contributed to these notions. The works in the exhibition offer distinctive viewpoints and experiences, revealing how time, place, economics, and race shape how we experience and understand early development. The catalog emphasizes that while there is no single, uniform idea of childhood, it is nevertheless the ground upon which much of society is built, negotiated, and imagined.

Artists featured in the exhibition include Ann Agee, John Ahearn, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Francis Als, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Brian Belott, Jordan Casteel, Lenka Clayton, Allan Rohan Crite, Henry Darger, Karon Davis, Robert Gober, Jay Lynn Gomez, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Duane Hanson, Mona Hatoum, Sharon Hayes, Ekua Holmes, Mary Kelly, Paul Klee, Justine Kurland, Helen Levitt, Tau Lewis, Glenn Ligon, Oscar Murillo, Rivane Neuenschwander, Berenice Olmedo, Charles Ray, Faith Ringgold, Deborah Roberts, Tim Rollins, and K.O.S. Rachel Rose, Heji Shin, Sable Elyse Smith, Becky Suss, Mierle Laderman Ukeles, Cathy Wilkes, and Carmen Winant.

Each artist in the exhibition brings their unique perspective to the themes of childhood, capturing the essence of innocence, spontaneity, and storytelling in their work. From the whimsical and imaginative drawings of children to the more abstract and conceptual interpretations of childhood, the exhibition offers a diverse range of artistic styles and techniques.

One of the key themes of the exhibition is the idea of collaboration between artists and children. Many artists have worked with children as collaborators, allowing them to contribute to the creative process and share their unique perspectives. This collaboration can result in works that are both visually stunning and deeply meaningful, as children bring their natural curiosity, imagination, and sense of wonder to the table.

Another theme of the exhibition is the representation of children in art. Artists have explored various ways of depicting children, from realistic and lifelike portrayals to more abstract and symbolic interpretations. These representations can reflect the cultural and social contexts in which children grow up, as well as the individual experiences and perspectives of the artists themselves.

In addition to these themes, the exhibition also addresses ideas of innocence and spontaneity closely associated with children. Artists have used their work to explore the vulnerability and fragility of childhood, as well as the joy and wonder that can be found in even the simplest of moments.

Overall, To Begin Again: Artists and Childhood is a thought-provoking and inspiring exhibition that offers a unique perspective on the themes of childhood. Through the work of these talented artists, we are able to see the world through the eyes of children and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and beauty of early development.

Weight: 998g
Dimension: 246 x 178 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636810706