ARTIST OF THE MONTH

KIKI SMITH: WORLD CLASS ARTIST. TWO THUMBS UP!

Pool of Tears.

Kiki Smith is unquestionably, one of world's leading figures in sculpture, printmaking and possibly installation, for her art transcends the frontier of images and icons. This woman is a walking art encyclopedia with unsurpassed talent. Ms. Smith is American, born in Germany in 1954. The contemporary world of art and design considers her as among the most illustrious  artists of  our time. She lives and exhibits in New York and around the world. This week, she is on our list as one of the best artists of New York. Most recently, Ms. Smith has enormously contributed to the Rubin Museum of Art. The " Etikett", by Renate Aller: The Flag Project is in fact,  a concept by Kiki Smith and Arlene Shechet for the Opening Ceremonie of the Rubin Museum of Art.

#1. Relief monotype attached to lithograph on handmade Nepalese paper. Untitled, 1966. #2. Born, 2002. #3. Fairy Rings (Mushrooms), 1998. #4. Celestial Body, 1994.

To learn more about the art and genius of Kiki Smith, read "KIKI SMITH: Prints, Books and Things". No library of art is complete without this monumental book, even though, it does not exceed 150 pages. Buy it! You will treasure it for years to come.  ISBN:0870705830.

Photos from L to R: #1. Installation View, University Art Museum, 1994. #2.  Blood Noise. 1993. Gampi paper. #3. Torso, 1991.

"KIKI SMITH: Prints, Books and Things",  ISBN:0870705830.
This new book is the most complete survey yet of Smith's printed art. Published to accompany an exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art in the winter of 2003-4, it documents her work in the medium, beginning with her first screenprint, made in 1980, and includes works that were in progress as this book was being written. Also featured is an eight-page printed work that Smith created especially for this book. An innovative experimenter, Smith has investigated many kinds of printmaking, from traditional techniques such as etching and lithography to newer, simpler processes such as rubber stamp and photocopy, not to mention artist's books and multiples including blankets and fabric dolls. Kiki Smith: Prints, Books, and Things offers a crucial record of an under acknowledged side of Smith's work. In doing so, it argues powerfully for the importance of printmaking in contemporary art. Includes 137 color plates, 16 color and 19 black and white illustrations. By Wendy Weitman