This article introduces TASCHEN’s Basic Art Series, a collection of books that each explore a major art movement or artist. If you’re an artist or designer looking to broaden your understanding, these books are essential. They cover not only the central figures of each movement, but also the lesser-known but equally influential artists.
Abstract Art: Let’s Get Abstract – Making Sense of Revolutionary New Forms
Let’s delve into the book on abstract art entitled “Let’s Get Abstract – Making Sense of Revolutionary New Forms”. Written by Dietmar Elger, this book provides an essential introduction to the broad international scope and profound conceptual depth of abstract art. Beginning in the early 20th century, the narrative traces the movement’s journey from challenging the established norms of clear forms to presenting audiences with vibrant visual poems. This shift ushered in a new language of art free of traditional representational imagery. Key figures such as Picasso, Klee, Kline, Rothko, and Pollock are discussed alongside others such as Antoni Tàpies and Sophie Taeuber-Arp. This 96-page book is a valuable part of the Basic Art Series for anyone interested in the seismic shifts in art during this period.
Abstract Expressionism: Mood Marks – The Painterly Gestures of Personal Feelings
Next, consider the book “Abstract Expressionism: Mood Marks – The Painterly Gestures of Personal Feelings” by Barbara Hess. This work explores the Abstract Expressionist movement, in which artists used paint to express personal emotions in a non-representational way. Highlighting 20 key artists, including Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, the book details how this movement made New York the center of the art world, a status previously held by Paris. This narrative covers not only the artistic achievements, but also the cultural shifts of the era. Hess’s expertise as an art historian and critic enriches the book’s 96 pages, making it a key resource in the Basic Art Series.
Bacon: Forms of Feeling – The Human Body In Distress
The book “Bacon: Forms of Feeling – The Human Body in Distress” provides a focused look at Francis Bacon, one of the most influential painters of the 20th century, through the lens of author Luigi Ficacci. Known for transforming inner psychological turmoil into tangible figurative forms, Bacon’s work is powerfully portrayed in this volume. His portraits, often grotesque and claustrophobic, were groundbreaking in their overt depiction of homosexual themes. This exploration, part of the Basic Art Series, spans 96 pages and offers a compelling glimpse into Bacon’s influence on the depiction of the human condition.
Bauhaus: Designs of The Time – The Most Famous Art School of Modernity
Finally, “Bauhaus: Designs of the Time,” by Magdalena Droste and edited by Peter Gössel, presents the Bauhaus school’s brief but profound influence on modern art and design. Although it was closed down by the Nazis after only 14 years, the Bauhaus movement remains a cornerstone of modernist development and a model for combining art and technology in education. This book celebrates the school’s adventurous spirit and its role in shaping a utopian vision of the future. Part of the Basic Art Series, this 96-page book is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity and innovation in art education.
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