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Carson McCullers in 1961.
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The art magazine Frieze publishes an ongoing feature called “Idea Syllabus” in which it asks curators, artists, and writers to list the books that have influenced them. Reading through some of the previous lists, which are posted at Frieze’s website, I marveled at the breadth of authors and ideas highlighted.
There are some artworld-related tomes—German artist Monika Baer cites the autobiography of Helmut Newton, while Brooklyn-based Swiss artist Carol Bove includes Avant Garde magazine number 8—but most of the books on these lists have no direct relationship with the practice of making art. In her list, London-based artist Janice Krebel rhapsodizes about Poe, The Elements of Style, Revolutionary Road, Carson McCullers (Krebel’s list includes the striking McCullers portrait above), and H.A. Rey, who in his 1952 illustrated book The Stars: A New Way to See Them redrew the constellations so that they’d be easier to see. (Rey was also the author of Curious George.)
The variety of the influences contained in these lists, I think, is what makes “Idea Syllabus” such an inspiring read. As autumn approaches and everyone gears up for (we hope) a season of industriousness, it’s a good time to think about why you’re in this business to begin with. Set aside the commercial concerns for a minute and revisit the personal motivations that led you here. Make your own list—of books or whatever you feel like— that have influenced you. Take a moment to remember who you are. It will make everything else you do as you develop your business that much more potent.
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One Comment
fantastic post, kristina. I am constantly inspired through my readings, and more often than note, the texts have very little to do with art per se, but all involve some type of creative process or entrepeneurial (sic) vision. thanks for this inspiration!