comma dot dogmaTom Kreisler – Umbrella - $60
The third and final book in the Montana NZ Book Awards Illustrative section shortlist is reviewed by The Bookman.
Tom Kreisler is a comparatively little known artist in New Zealand, certainly when compared to the two artists whose work is the subject of the other two shortlisted titles in this category – Laurence Aberhart and Bill Hammond.
But this interestingly designed book with its plain heavy card covers and recycled paper stock will do much to remedy that situation.
Technically it is a 196p monograph that includes essays by Deborah Cain, Wystan Curnow, John Hurrell and Aaron Kreisler with an introduction by John Maynard and a foreword by Cheryll Sotheran. It features over 128 colour plates and includes a number of Kreisler’s works which are seen in print for the first time.
comma dot dogma brings together a series of critical insights into this artists legacy and offers a great opportunity to gain an understanding of the scope and depth of his vision.
Born in Argentina in 1938, Tom Kreisler came to New Zealand in 1952 to live with his uncle and aunt. What was originally intended to be a brief remedial stint here ended up being a fifty-year relocation. In the mid 1960s Kreisler graduated from Ilam, the Canterbury Art School where he had been a student of Rudi Gopas and Bill Sutton. In 1968 he was appointed to a teaching position at New Plymouth Boys High School, where he became involved in the newly-opened Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, an involvement which was to last until his sudden death by heart attack in 2002 aged 63 just days after he had finished putting together a show of his latest work. John Maynard was the Gallery’s first director and he and Kreisler became life-long friends as is clear from Maynard’s wonderful introduction.
The third and final book in the Montana NZ Book Awards Illustrative section shortlist is reviewed by The Bookman.
Tom Kreisler is a comparatively little known artist in New Zealand, certainly when compared to the two artists whose work is the subject of the other two shortlisted titles in this category – Laurence Aberhart and Bill Hammond.
But this interestingly designed book with its plain heavy card covers and recycled paper stock will do much to remedy that situation.
Technically it is a 196p monograph that includes essays by Deborah Cain, Wystan Curnow, John Hurrell and Aaron Kreisler with an introduction by John Maynard and a foreword by Cheryll Sotheran. It features over 128 colour plates and includes a number of Kreisler’s works which are seen in print for the first time.
comma dot dogma brings together a series of critical insights into this artists legacy and offers a great opportunity to gain an understanding of the scope and depth of his vision.
Born in Argentina in 1938, Tom Kreisler came to New Zealand in 1952 to live with his uncle and aunt. What was originally intended to be a brief remedial stint here ended up being a fifty-year relocation. In the mid 1960s Kreisler graduated from Ilam, the Canterbury Art School where he had been a student of Rudi Gopas and Bill Sutton. In 1968 he was appointed to a teaching position at New Plymouth Boys High School, where he became involved in the newly-opened Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, an involvement which was to last until his sudden death by heart attack in 2002 aged 63 just days after he had finished putting together a show of his latest work. John Maynard was the Gallery’s first director and he and Kreisler became life-long friends as is clear from Maynard’s wonderful introduction.
Recently there was an exhibition of his work at the Govett-Brewster which was reviewed by Tessa Laird in the NZ Listener .
Footnote:
I do not envy the judges having to make the decision in this category of the Montana NZ Book Awards. Three very different books that are all truly outstanding. For me it is the toughest category to call this year. I guess if you were placing a bet you would say that comma dot dogma should be offering the longest odds.
For The Bookman’s comments on the other shortlisted titles in this category link below:
Aberhart – Victoria University Press - $125
Bill Hammond – Jingle Jangle Morning – Christchurch Art Gallery - $79.95
Footnote:
I do not envy the judges having to make the decision in this category of the Montana NZ Book Awards. Three very different books that are all truly outstanding. For me it is the toughest category to call this year. I guess if you were placing a bet you would say that comma dot dogma should be offering the longest odds.
For The Bookman’s comments on the other shortlisted titles in this category link below:
Aberhart – Victoria University Press - $125
Bill Hammond – Jingle Jangle Morning – Christchurch Art Gallery - $79.95
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