Out of the Box:  The Reinvention of Art: 1965-1975
Ratcliff, an art critic and contributing editor of Art in  America, has produced an incisive and well-researched study of  American art from 1965 to 1975. The text covers the entire  spectrum of art activities of this time, including sculpture,  painting, drawing, installation, earthworks, and photography.  The usual suspects are discussed, including Donald Judd, Sol  LeWitt, Dan Graham, Bruce Nauman, and the like, but Ratcliff  also brings to light lesser-known artists, such as Mac Adams and  Bill Beckley. Out of the Box chronicles the evolution of art  from the severe minimalist object to a time of pluralism, when  anything became possible. Ratcliff utilizes statements and  writings by artists to substantiate his position rather than  relying on critics from the period. The design is stylish but at  times inordinate, detracting from the images, which are  literally placed "out of the box." Recommended for academic and  public libraries with substantial art collections. Krista Ivy,  Bryn Mawr Coll., PACopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.