Joseph Cornell and Astronomy: A Case for the Stars

Category: Books,Arts & Photography,History & Criticism

Joseph Cornell and Astronomy: A Case for the Stars Details

Review "Figures are plentiful, and reproductions of Cornell's work are crisp and colorful; combined with Hoving's deep research and enthusiasm, this a surprisingly lively read, full of insight into Cornell as well as the intersection of art and science." (Publishers Weekly)"One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2009""Kirsten Hoving has achieved a high point in scholarship about this elusive but influential figure in American Art. This is a beautifully written and persuasively argued book, one that contributes decisively to Cornell studies and speaks directly to the shared creative aspects of scientific and artistic pursuits."---Stephanie L. Taylor, Journal for the History of Astronomy"Joseph Cornell and Astronomy makes a compelling case for Cornell's engagement far outside of parochial concerns by demonstrating his lifelong interest in and serious study of astronomy. . . . Kirsten Hoving has provided a clear and thorough discussion of one important aspect of his work."---R.K. Dickson, Bloomsbury Review"Kirsten Hoving's Joseph Cornell and Astronomy: A Case for the Stars offers a remarkable new perspective on an essential American master, revealing the scientific seriousness that supported Cornell's poetic fancies."---Jed Perl, The New Republic"[T]his book will significantly change the way Cornell's works are examined--depicting him as a scientist as much as a dreamer--and is a welcome addition to the ever-expanding literature on the artist."---James Boaden, Burlington Magazine"Mesmerizing. . . . Hoving does something ambitious and difficult: she identifies one important thread of his creative process and uses it to help us understand Cornell's art. . . . With its high-quality production and beautiful and wide-ranging illustrations, this book is extremely absorbing."---Pedro Ferreira, Nature"In this impeccably researched and lucidly written book, Hoving adds to the growing new scholarship that rejects stereotypes of a 'childlike' Cornell, instead revealing an artist engaged with the world. Hoving traces the sources of myriad images and ideas that fueled the artist's lifelong fascination with all things celestial. . . . Her book's analytical strengths are based on extensive research in the Cornell archives and a keen eye for telling details. Cornell emerges as a man of his times, one for whom art and science enriched one another."---E. Housefield, Choice Read more Review "Although Cornell's art involving celestial motifs is known among art historians and critics, such work has received little critical attention. Hoving succeeds in tying Cornell's celestial work to specific astronomical and astrological concepts, and she unfolds for us the meanings of his boxes and collages. Hoving has impressively filled an important gap in Cornell scholarship."―Dickran Tashjian, author of A Boatload of Madmen: Surrealism and the American Avant-Garde, 1920-1950"Joseph Cornell and Astronomy is an elegantly written book about Cornell's lifelong obsession with all things celestial. Scrupulously researched, Hoving's book places Cornell and his work at the intersection of some of the most exciting events of the twentieth century. By doing so, she casts a fresh eye on the work of this artist."―Stephanie L. Taylor, New Mexico State University"Kirsten Hoving's Joseph Cornell and Astronomy illuminates the art of Cornell in a remarkable new way. Combining her long-term grounding in Cornell's art and archives with her thorough knowledge of the popular astronomy that fascinated the artist, Hoving produces highly insightful readings of his works that ring true. Hoving's book is a major step in the process of recovering the popular science that surrounded twentieth-century artists and has been missing from the history of art for far too long. Her beautifully written and convincingly argued book will serve as an example for others to follow."―Linda Dalrymple Henderson, University of Texas, Austin Read more See all Editorial Reviews

Reviews

I think I have every Cornell book ever written, and this is still another interesting take on the enigma. It is a view of a small slice of what he did. Each book serves to remind the reader how he created and formed a unique way of making art and that every single box construction done since his work has to be compared to his incredible eye.

Share this post