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Jackson Pollock by Elizabeth Frank — book cover
Individual Artists, Abstract Expressionism & Art of the 1950s, Painters - Biography

Jackson Pollock

by Elizabeth Frank
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Overview

Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) revolutionized the art of this century with his famous "pouring paintings" of the late 1940s and early '50s. No artist of our time has been more controversial, and Pollock's reputation as the archetypal Abstract Expressionist has assumed mythic overtones. The balanced evaluation presented in this well-reasoned overview is long overdue.

About the Modern Masters series:

With infomative, enjoyable texts and over 100 illustrations—approximately 48 in full color—this innovative series offers a fresh look at the most creative and influential artists of the postwar era. The authors are highly respected art historians and critics chosen for their ability to think clearly and write well. Each handsomely designed volume presents a thorough survey of the artist's life and work, as well as statements by the artist, an illustrated chapter on technique, a chronology, lists of exhibitions and public collections, an annotated bibliography, and an index. Every art lover, from the casual museumgoer to the serious student, teacher, critic, or curator, will be eager to collect these Modern Masters. And with such a low price, they can afford to collect them all.

Other Details: Published 1991

Author Biography: Elizabeth Frank has written extensively on both art and literature, including a biography of Louise Bogan. She has taught at Temple University, U.C. Irvine, and Williams, Mills, and Bard colleges.

About the Author, Elizabeth Frank

Elizabeth Frank
Elizabeth Frank -- winner of the the Pulitzer Prize for her 1986 biography of poet Louise Bogan -- grew up in McCarthy-era Hollywood; and mines the memories of that peculiar historical moment in her debut novel, Cheat and Charmer.

Biography

Elizabeth Frank won the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for her biography Louise Bogan: A Portrait. She is also the author of Jackson Pollock and Esteban Vicente. She has written many articles and book reviews on art and literature for The New York Times Book Review, The New York Times Magazine, and Art in America, among others. She is the Joseph E. Harry Professor of Modern Languages and Literature at Bard College.

Author biography courtesy of Random House, Inc.

Good To Know

In our interview with Frank, she shared some fun and fascinating insights about herself with us:

"Writers live fairly dull, monotonous lives, because everything percolating within them goes into the work."

"My daughter, Annie, a senior in high school, keeps me on my toes. I like to swim but hate hot weather, and I am afraid of heights. I like bittersweet chocolate and Bulgarian rakiya. I like painting and go to galleries and museums often. I think my daughter wishes I were a more ‘outdoors' sort of person -- I'm basically not."

"Growing up in Hollywood was fun and interesting but I'm glad I don't live there anymore."

"I am absolutely opposed to the war in Iraq."

"I love my work and have no hobbies. Everything feeds my work and what I want most in the world is more time to do it. When I'm not writing, I'm either reading or talking with people who interest me and whom I care about."

"My dislikes: war, especially preemptive war, bigotry and prejudice, violence, the waste of lives and possibilities, political lies."

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Editorials

From Barnes & Noble

Detailed analysis of important paintings is the emphasis in this survey of abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock, but there is enough biographical information to bring the art into contextual relief. So much has been written on Pollock that it's no wonder author Elizabeth Frank chooses to plow through and make sense of the record of critical interpretation rather than presenting her own new theory. The result is a solid work of tremendous value for those seeking an understanding of why Pollock is such a revered member of the canon of American artists.

Book Details

Published
December 1, 1983
Publisher
Abbeville Press Inc.,U.S.
Pages
128
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780896593831

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