Al Held - 'Selected Works 1956-2004'

Al Held: Selected Works 1956–2004 is one of the recipients of The Most Beautiful Swiss Books 2021, awarded 2022. Published following the exhibition ‘Al Held: The Sixties’ at White Cube Bermondsey, London (2021–22), this major monograph is dedicated to Held, one of the great post-war American artists, and provides a major survey of the artist’s works from the late-1950s to the 2000s. Beginning with his early, paint-laden ‘Pigment’ works, and progressing into the iconic acrylic ‘Alphabet’ and the geometric ‘Black and White’ series, the book culminates with Held’s monumental late canvases of dynamic, interlocking planes. The monograph features: Held’s 1982 interview with renown American critic, art historian and close friend Irving Sandler, which reflects upon the artist’s fifty-year career; a highly insightful and personal account of the artist as teacher by Held’s former student, Michael Craig-Martin; new scholarship by Robert Storr on Held’s status as one of the foremost American artists of the 20th century; and finally, a contribution by Daniel Belasco, whose unrivalled knowledge of the artist’s working practice illuminates the methodologies Held developed over the decades. Designed by (Studio) Jonathan Hares, the book honours the bold format, high finish and spatial volume of Held’s artistic output. Presenting generous illustrations throughout, supported by surprising details, the book also highlights many exhibition installations to render a chronological overview of Held’s career, as well as intimate photographs of the artist at work. Contributors: Daniel Belasco is an art historian and Executive Director of the Al Held Foundation. Sir Michael Craig-Martin CBE RA is an Irish-born artist and Emeritus Professor of Fine Art at Goldsmiths, London. Irving Sandler (1925-2018) was an American art critic, art historian and educator. Robert Storr is an American curator, critic, painter and writer.