Arguably the best book on Conceptual art from the Netherlands.
Book published with the exhibition and examines approximately seventy-five works by artists of different nationalities relating to travel and the city of Amsterdam, which was the nexus of intense art activities in the 1960s and 1970s, when artists converged there from all over the world. Hanne Darboven, Gilbert & George, Sol LeWitt, Charlotte Posenenske, Allen Ruppersberg, and Lawrence Weiner, among others, spent considerable amounts of time in Amsterdam and often produced works in direct relation to the city. The Suriname-born Stanley Brouwn came to Amsterdam as a young adult in the mid-1950s, where he developed work that plays with the idea of dimensions and distances and prefigures a number of conceptual-based art practices. Reciprocally, some of the most influential Dutch artists traveled abroad extensively before establishing themselves in Amsterdam: Jan Dibbets studied in London, while Ger van Elk and Bas Jan Ader trained in Los Angeles. Because cross-influences between Dutch and American art scenes were so abundant, it is impossible to understand the historical significance of these artists without acknowledging their new mobility. In addition to drawings, installations, wall drawings, and films, the exhibition includes a large number of posters and ephemera.
One of the most outstanding books on the complex world of Conceptual Art in recent years is undoubtedly “IN & OUT of AMSTERDAM/ Travels in Conceptual Art 1960-1976.” This book holds a special place in my heart as it is a veritable treasure trove of ideas and exceptional publications that can still be found on the market. Published by MoMa, the same institution that held the exhibition of the same name in 2009, “In & Out of Amsterdam” showcases the most significant and arguably best works of the following artists: Bas Jan Ader, Stanley Brouwn, Hanne Darboven, Jan Dibbets, Ger van Elk, Gilbert & George, Sol LeWitt, Charlotte Posenenske, Allen Ruppersberg, and Lawrence Weiner. These exceptional artists were all featured in the Bulletins series published by Art & Project, and their publications have now become highly sought-after collector’s items. As these publications have been scarce since their initial release and have now been around for over 40 years, I highly recommend starting a collection of them while they are still accessible. Check out www.ftn-books.com for more information.
