"Art doesn't just capture and convey the excitement, the thrill of life. Sometimes, it does even more: it is that thrill." British writer Julian Barnes (Levels of Life) is a sensitive, deeply knowledgeable observer with exceptional powers of description and a dry irreverent sense of humor. Keeping an Eye Open collects 17 of his previously published critical essays.
Barnes examines artwork in the context of their creators' lives and changes in the art world since their creation. He challenges received wisdom, generously quotes other artists and critics, remarks on the qualities of art materials, comments on the technicalities of exhibition hanging and tells many entertaining anecdotes. His curiosity and enthusiasm are contagious, and though he has strong opinions, after decades of looking at art he is well aware of the danger of "being too certain."
Of an exhibition of André Masson's " 'erotic' work," Barnes writes: "It was mostly grim stuff: juvenile, facile and often plain nasty, reminding us that dredging the male subconscious can easily bring up dead dogs and rusty torture equipment." On Redon: "We tan lightly in the glow of his later colours while remaining indifferent to the message; whereas the noirs, which are Redon's glory, hover, haunt and linger like mutant products of the world's shared private imagination."
Anyone with a serious interest in art will enjoy these essays, no matter their level of knowledge. This is a book to be read and reread for both information and pleasure. --Sara Catterall