Description
“The Painting of Modern Life,” published by Hayward Gallery, explores the fascinating interplay between painting and photography, focusing on how painters have incorporated photographic imagery into their work since the 1960s. The book takes inspiration from Charles Baudelaire’s essay “The Painter of Modern Life” and T.J. Clark’s “The Painting of Modern Life: Paris in the Art of Manet and His Followers,” offering a thought-provoking examination of modernity and artistic expression.
Curated by Ralph Rugoff, the book and accompanying exhibition delve into themes such as politics, history, and everyday life, showcasing works by renowned artists like Gerhard Richter, Richard Hamilton, and Vija Celmins. The paintings are grouped by photographic categories, avoiding traditional art history genres, and highlight the transformative impact of photography on painting.
The book is a must-read for art enthusiasts interested in the evolution of painting in the context of modern media. It challenges readers to reconsider the boundaries between photography and painting, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary art
