Thomas Nozkowski

Overview

This book offers the first detailed account of the paintings of American artist Thomas Nozkowski (born 1944), creator of modestly-sized abstract works that swiftly convey what one writer described as 'a remarkable sense of freedom within constraint.' As an emerging artist in the 1970s, Thomas Nozkowski's mature style developed in the wake of Minimalism, Pop Art and Colour Field painting and during a decade which became defined by movements - such as Conceptual and Performance art - that eschewed painting. While many artists identified with the notion of 'painting's terminal condition', Nozkowski chose to express personal experience through small-scale canvases that refused to adhere to 'a signature style' or align themselves with a particular movement. Through John Yau's perceptive text, the trajectory of Nozkowski's very individual artistic pathway is clearly presented. Offering insightful context and discussion of specific works, this book provides the definitive narrative of an artist gifted with an original vision.

Reviews

"John Yau is the ideal writer for Nozkowski: Visually sensitive, lyrical, not given to hyperbole, he offers closely detailed, nicely sympathetic commentary. I especially admired the account of how early on Nozkowski learned to compose by repeating 'a pre-existing, eccentric shape until it established the edge' (23). Presenting excellent close accounts of several pictures, Yau rightly concludes that Nozkowski's great strength is his refusal to settle into a signature style. The discussion of what Nozkowski learnt from film is revelatory." —David Carrie, Artcritical

" ...a first rate book." —David Carrier, ArtCritical

Interview; review of Pace gallery exhibition —ArtCritical  

Interview —Brooklyn Rail https://brooklynrail.org/2018/02/artseen/Thomas-Nozkowski-16-x-20

Author Biography

John Yau is an award-winning poet, art critic and curator who has published many books of poetry, fiction, and art criticism.