Ben Nicholson
In spite of being one of Britain's leading twentieth-century artists, Ben Nicholson (1894-1982) and his work have not been accorded the sort of comprehensive scrutiny they deserve, until now. And this grand, color-rich (250 colorplates) retrospective was well worth the wait. Art historian Lynton, an acquaintance and devoted admirer of Nicholson, is indefatigable, tracing the roundabout evolution of Nicholson's style and inspirations decade by decade, painting by painting. The son of artists, art was in Nicholson's blood, and he followed its call over the static of his rivalry with his father. The company of women was essential to Nicholson; the first two of his three wives were artists, and every aspect of his daily existence related to his work. Innately talented and consumed by the sensuality of painting, Nicholson was a great experimenter, prolific, poetic, and dynamic right up to the end of his art-filled life. Lynton's commentary keeps pace with each phase of Nicholson's creativity as he played with the elements of landscape and still lifes, explored the eloquence of limitations in his famous white reliefs, and reveled in the glory of color and surface texture and transparency. In closing Lynton writes, Nicholson's art is "about being alive and conscious of living, of breathing, moving, sensing." It is also about beauty.Donna Seaman--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.