John Yau's Monograph on Thomas Nozkowski Launches Lund Humphries Series

Lund Humphries has published a new monograph on painter Thomas Nozkowski, written by John Yau and reviewed by David Carrier. This 2017 hardcover book, featuring 113 color illustrations across 152 pages, represents the artist's first monograph and initiates an international series on contemporary painters edited by Barry Schwabsky. The series also includes a volume on Lois Dodd by Faye Hirsch. Nozkowski, who emerged in the New York art world during the late 1970s, developed modestly sized abstract paintings despite a climate where many critics declared art history had ended and Neo-Expressionism later dominated. Yau's text examines Nozkowski's refusal to adopt a signature style, his compositional method of repeating eccentric shapes, and influences ranging from film to architect Rudolf Schindler and painter Pisanello's 'The Vision of St Eustace' (1438-42). The review notes Nozkowski's early inspiration for small-scale work came from viewing large art as imperialistic, though his paintings now appear in major galleries. While praising Yau's visually sensitive commentary, Carrier expresses desire for more exploration of Nozkowski's art historical sources, potential influence from his long-time employment at Mad magazine, and the politics of his art. The book retails for $44.99 with ISBN 978-1-84822-238-0.