John Baldessari Catalogue Raisonn

The second in a projected four-volume series of the complete catalogue of works by John Baldessari Compiling four-hundred-plus unique works of art, this volume traces the shifts and developments in conceptual artist John Baldessaris work from 1975-86. It covers his photo-based works such as the Strobe, Word Chain, and Pathetic Fallacy series from 1975; the Violent Space and the seminal Concerning Diachronic/Synchronic Time: Above, On, Under (With Mermaid), from 1976; and the Blasted Allegories series from 1977-78, which drew heavily from the artists vast collection of photo stills taken from commercial television. In the 1980s, Baldessaris art took a different direction, beginning with the expansive Fugitive Essays triptychs from 1980 and leading to 1982s photographic interpretations of Grimms Fairy Tales. Building on these themes, Baldessari began producing a body of work that was inspired in part by dreams, psychology, film, and popular culture. Ensuing works were more formal, elaborate, and large-scale. From 1984 to 1986 Baldessari created a number of works that employed his soon-to-be-signature colored discs painted over peoples faces in the photos. An introductory essay will provide a close reading of selected works and a historical context for understanding Baldessaris art from this period. A detailed chronology and exhibition history and bibliography are also included. This is the second of a projected four-volume catalogue raisonn. Published in association with Marian Goodman Gallery