The Art of Adolf Wolfli: St. Adolf-Giant-Creation
by Elka Spoerri, Daniel Baumann, Edward M. Gomez
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Book Summary Information
Author: Daniel Baumann, Edward M. Gomez, Elka SpoerriForeword: Gerard C. Wertkin
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2003-01-06
ISBN: 0691114986
Number of pages: 112
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Book Reviews of The Art of Adolf Wolfli: St. Adolf-Giant-Creation
Book Review: Three essays, four prose selections, and the drawings in wonderful colour
Summary: 5 Stars
THE ART OF ADOLF WOLFLI: St Adolf-Giant-Creation is a presentation of the works of the mad Swiss artist, whose institutionalization in a Bern asylum in 1895 led to a prolific career of thousands of drawings and literary endeavours. The book was prepared to accompany a 2003 exhibition at the American Folk Art Museum.
The book contains three essays on various facets of Wolfli's life and work. Elka Spoerri's "Adolf Wolfli: Artist/Builder" is a bibiography and presentation of the basic techniques of his work, including the various shapes he used due to horror vacui. Daniel Baumann's "Calculation of Interest" tells of the reaction to Wolfli's work among critics, other artists, and mental health professional. I was surprised to find that his work was known even before Morgenthaler published his notable monograph. And as I discovered Wolfli through the music of Per Norgard, I was delighted that Baumann talks of the many composers inspired by Wolfli's work. Edward M. Gomez' "Adolf Wolfli: Visionary Graphic Designer" sees Wolfli not as a curiosity, the madman who can draw, but as a truly original creative figure whose art is a contribution to modern design. In between these essays are selections from Wolfli's writings, including poetry, a tale from his imaginary travelogue, and an aetiology from his peculiar cosmology where God the Father is created by Orpheus and the pregnant Mary.
The latter half of the book are the plates. Wolfli's drawings are presented in gorgeous full colour, with many being full-page (and a few half-page). I've seen many Wolfli works before, but not in such fine quality. Drawings such as "The Rings of the Ocean and the Island, Scepter-Giant-Fountain in St Adolf-Kiss-Giant-Sea" and "Holy St Adolf Tower" are awesome in this presentation. This and the critical/historical material makes this all a very recommended book for those interested in the art of Wolfli.
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