Hans Ulrich Obrist's Intimate Portrait of Luchita Hurtado Reveals Artist's Century-Long Journey
Hauser & Wirth Publishers has released a portrait book by Hans Ulrich Obrist featuring Venezuelan artist Luchita Hurtado, available for £45. This publication encompasses archival images, Hurtado's creations, and discussions with Obrist, who organized her retrospective at the Serpentine Galleries. Hurtado achieved global acclaim later in life, showcasing her work at Serpentine, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and Hauser & Wirth at the age of ninety-seven, just two years prior to her passing. She interacted with avant-garde luminaries such as Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp, Frida Kahlo, Agnes Martin, Judy Chicago, and Miriam Schapiro. While Obrist's book shares personal stories and highlights Hurtado's role as an early advocate for ecological art, some critique his admiration for lacking a critical viewpoint.
Key facts
- Luchita Hurtado gained international recognition at age 97 with solo shows at Serpentine Galleries, LACMA, and Hauser & Wirth
- Hans Ulrich Obrist published a portrait book on Hurtado through Hauser & Wirth Publishers for £45
- Hurtado interacted with major 20th-century artists including Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp, Frida Kahlo, and Agnes Martin
- The book combines archival photos, artwork reproductions, and conversations between Hurtado and Obrist
- Hurtado described Diego Rivera as 'too much of a clown' and Alexander Calder as 'a great dancer'
- Obrist considers Hurtado an early proponent of ecological art, reflecting her self-identification as 'planetarian'
- Hurtado's work shows Surrealist influences and interest in Pre-Columbian objects she collected
- The book's design includes a tipped-in photograph and translucent paper with flower drawings
Entities
Artists
- Luchita Hurtado
- Hans Ulrich Obrist
- Diego Rivera
- Alexander Calder
- Man Ray
- Marcel Duchamp
- Frida Kahlo
- Agnes Martin
- Judy Chicago
- Miriam Schapiro
Institutions
- Serpentine Galleries
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- Hauser & Wirth
- Hauser & Wirth Publishers
- Council of Women Artists
- ArtReview
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Los Angeles
- United States
- New York
- Mexico City
- Mexico
- California
- Venezuela