www.ftn-books.com

Posted on 07.12.201711.02.2018 by ftnbooks — Leave a comment

Thomas Schütte (1954)… Two reasons to love.

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For me there are two personal reasons to love the works by Thomas Schütte. The first reason for me is his architectural art. Always trying to find a different approach to architecture makes his works interesting and in the same category as the architectural works by John Hejduk.

Secondly there is his publications. Meticulously designed books. Published by the best publishers, printed by the best printers and from start to finish typical Thomas Schütte productions. These books are among the best art books published in the last 50 years and i am proud to have some of them in my inventory of www.ftn-books.com

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Posted on 27.11.201711.02.2018 by ftnbooks — Leave a comment

Jean Lurçat et “La Creation du Monde” ( 1949)

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Jean Lurcat, is not forgotten by those who are interested in the art of the 40’s and 50’s from last century. A contemporary and ground breaking artist who’s works can be considered among the best that french art has produces in those decades. When i have to describe his art it would be something in between a Picasso and Matisse style, but totally Lurcat and original. Sandberg recognized his importance and made an exhibition with his works in 1959 in the Stedelijk Museum.

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My interest was awakened last year , because i had the opportunity to buy possibly the most important book published with Lurcat lithographs. Published in an edition of only 99 copies, signed by the artist and numbered in print ( This is no. 20). The book LA CREATION DU MONDE, was published by Les Exemplaires with a story by Andre de Richaud and contains in total 56 original lithographs by Jean Lurcat. The book was printed by Mourlot/ Paris who was the leading printer for original lithographs in those days . Because of their qualities they were commissioned by the Galerie Maeght for their art publications too. The book is one of the highlights in my inventory and would grace many art book collection, but as always pictures tell a better story than words. Therefore i give you an impression of this magnificent publication which is now for sale together with the Sandberg designed catalogue at www.ftn-books.com

Posted on 11.11.201711.02.2018 by ftnbooks — Leave a comment

Geneviève Claisse (1935) and Herbin

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I always wondered why the works by Geneviève Claisse looked so familiar and were at the same time original and authentic. After reading some parts of her biography i found out that she is related to Auguste Herbin and that shows. Her use of form is somehow different from Herbin’s, because Geneviève Claisse is a fierce supporter of the rounded shapes where as Herbin uses Geometrical ones. At the same time the use of color and contrast is with both almost the same. Geneviève Claisse is represented by, galerie Denise Rene, one of the best galleries in the world, which also made some great catalogues which are available at www.ftn-books.com

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A relative to Auguste Herbin, born in the same place, her painting vocation was born through reading the magazine Art d’aujourd’hui, tribune of geometrical abstraction.

Claisse is the great niece of abstract painter Auguste Herbin, a founder of the Parisian association of artists Abstraction-Création. Herbin saw Claisse’s work for the first time when she was eighteen years old, and encouraged her to continue painting. In Herbin’s mind, Claisse was “le successeur désigné par le destin et par l’hérédité” (“the successor appointed by destiny and heredity”). Like Herbin, Claisse’s work shows a devotion to the ideals of formal purity and the perfection of execution. At this young age she worked tirelessly, often working at night after a day in the studio, carefully painting abstract forms on bold, colorful canvases.

Posted on 01.10.201711.02.2018 by ftnbooks — Leave a comment

Gabi Dziuba (1951)

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Jewelry artist and a lifetime friend of Günther Förg. Both had a different approach to art. Where Günther Förg chose for abstract geometric painting. Gaby Dziuba chose for jewelry. I think it is fair to say that Dziuba was Günther Förg his “muse”. He used Dziuba on many occasion as his model in his photographs and this is the reason why i would like to show in this blog that one specific catalogue is very important as an artist book. Dziuba had in 1998 a solo exhibition in the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag. The catalogue with this exhibition did not sell very well, but when you look into the colofon, you will find that many of the photographs within the catalogue were taken by Günther Förg. An excellent reason to pick up this catalogue for a reasonable price at www.ftn-books.com. It is still available , but when people realize that this is a disguised artist book by Günther Förg it will be picked up by many and will become a rare collectible.

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Posted on 05.01.201712.02.2018 by ftnbooks — Leave a comment

Maurice Estève (1904-2001)

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It is not always the great artists that appeal to you…In many cases lesser known ones take you by surprise, because of color and composition. Maurice Estève is one of them. Well known in France but hardly known outside of France. During his artistic life he had exhibitions in Many French galeries and even was presented on the Venice Biennale of 1954, but that is about all i can find of foreign exhibitions of this French artist

Starting as an assistant to Robert Delaunay he soon moved away from realism and started to paint in a lyrical abstract way, making his works stand out from his contemporaries. Bonnard, Matisse, Leger and Cezanne were his great examples, but in the end after searching for over 3 decades his lyrical abstract way of painting had become the true Maurice Estève style and he was appreciated for that…..at least in France.

search on Pinterest for Esteve and fortunately there are many examples to be found. An excellent way to meet this artist and see for your self what a great “oeuvre” this artist has.

and do not forget to have a look at the publications currently available at www.ftn-books.com