Fernand Léger:
Paris - New York
What hasn't already been said about an artistic icon? That's really one looks for
in a book celebrating an artist such as Fernand Léger, who was one of the
most important Cubist artists of the previous century.
The inclusion of images is necessary; Fernand Leger, the catalog does not disappoint with
a rich compilations of art works that are featured in an exhibition at Basel's Fondation Beyeler.
It looks at the influence Leger wielded over fellow contemporary artists such as Roy Lichtenstein Ellsworth Kelly,
Robert Rauschenberg, Al Held, Jasper Johns, James Rosenquist, Frank Stella, and Andy Warhol.
Artists on Leger
This leads to a key highlight of the book: Ellsworth Kelly, James Rosenquist, and Kenneth Noland's statements
about Leger. Ellsworth Kelly speaks of his admiration for Leger; meeting him when attempting to
enroll in Leger's studio. Kelly instead enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Kelly writes warmly of Leger's spectral color usage;
calling it a "European" color concept which would influence American painters.
Held's admiration came later. He admits in some ways he couldn't stand Leger or his works; but now has
come to realize the genius of the man.
The artists' view of a fellow artist are a delight to read in this refreshing look at Fernand Léger.
These essays were written exclusively for Fondation Beyeler's catalogue. It is an excellent
companion piece for their exhibition on the artist called Fernand Léger Paris – New York which
opened on June 1 and runs through September 7, 2008.
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