This book is published in conjunction with the exhibition Plastic Show, organized by DeWain Valentine, held at Almine Rech Gallery London, from February 9th to March 25th, 2017.
Almine Rech Gallery London presented Plastic Show, a selection of works by seminal California artists from the Light and Space movement: Mary Corse (b. 1945), Robert Irwin (b. 1928), Craig Kauffman (1932–2010), John McCracken (1934–2011), and DeWain Valentine (b. 1936)–five artists who, through a series of individual explorations, went on to investigate the broad potential that plastics (i.e., synthetically produced resins) could yield.
Known for their pioneering work with various synthetic resins and synthetic polymers during the 1960s and ‘70s, these artists are today recognised not only for their active roles in the development of plastics as a newly discovered medium in art, but also for their sophisticated techniques and at times even quasi-acrobatic prowess required to shape them into the seamless, translucent, luscious volumes.
These five artists were indeed hailed as trailblazers within the movement designated as Light and Space, which also carried over the allusive quip 'finish fetish aesthetic' to new and unforeseen dimensions. The term 'finish fetish' had been coined by artist-critic-curator-editor John Coplans and referred to the meticulous emphasis on superbly polished surfaces that became a signature mark of the group.
Organised by DeWain Valentine.
Featuring Works by Mary Corse, Robert Irwin, Craig Kauffman, John McCracken, DeWain Valentine.
Essay by Joachim Pissarro.
88 pages
24 x 33 cm, 9 1/2 x 13 inches
Edition of 800
Almine Rech Gallery Editions