Sigmar Polke: Works on Paper 1963-1974

by Margit Rowell, Michael Semff, Bice Curiger

One of the most significant artists of his generation, Sigmar Polke (b. 1941) came of age creatively around 1963 in Dusseldorf. His earliest expressive idiom was crude and humorous, its images outrageous, and its content seemingly trivial, but embedded in these works were subversive and parodic commentaries on consumer society, German postwar politics, and classic artistic conventions. Few of Polke's works demonstrate more vividly his imagination, sardonic wit, and eclectic creative process than the drawings, watercolors, and gouaches of the 1960s and early 1970s.This book accompanies the first American museum exhibition of these drawings. More than 300 works are illustrated, including small sketches in pen, larger watercolors and gouaches, others stamped with a dot-screen process, and pages from about 15 small sketchbooks. Several important and monumental works on paper from the early 1970s are illustrated in color for the first time.

Genres: Art

Hardcover

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book much admired at the store I work at, but then like everything else it disappeared. I finally found a copy at a new used (and great) bookstore "Alias" in Glendale. Sigmar Polke is one of my favorite artists, and I think its the cartoon aspect of his work that gets me. The college affect via ballpoint pen and water colors is a good combination. He's a master.

[Brianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

an unparalleled collection of works largely unseen till the exhibition this book is from. you can truly see his genius... some of the pieces are so small and simple that seen on their own they might seem insignificant, silly, but as a whole you see how much is really going on. i only wish it had more about the artist as a person, how he worked, etc...

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

We saw this show at MoMA while in graduate school; overwhelming with food for thought. Quite the offhanded draughtsmanship and painting on paper.