In My View

Behind the closed door of the contemporary artist's studio is a hidden world of images - those artworks from the past that have inspired, animated, troubled or consoled the artists of today. In My View reveals that hidden world, providing an intimate look at the imaginations of more than seventy-five international artists, each of whom reflects on an artist who has inspired them or influenced their practice. This book proposes an entirely fresh way of looking at art, unmediated by historians or art critics, and seen instead directly through the eyes of the artists themselves. Arranged alphabetically by selecting artist, In My View features artwork from the fifteenth to the mid-twentieth century, often supplemented by images of work by the selecting contemporary artist. Some of the artist contributors provide unusual and individual reflections on familiar figures from art history - such as Rachel Whiteread on Piero della Francesca, Chuck Close on Johannes Vermeer, or Eija-Liisa Ahtila on Pablo Picasso - unearthing personal connections that the contemporary artists have with art from the past. Other contributors have selected lesser-known artists whose work has deeply moved them - from Francesco Clemente on Henry Fuseli to Tomma Abts on Ito Jakuchu - revealing private passions that are surprisingly strong. The stories told show the profound connections that exist between artists, variously setting the historical scene, suggesting novel interpretations, or speaking of the challenges, provocations and revelations that can be found when one artist looks closely at the work of another. The reflections are deeply personal, recalling childhood memories and life-changing moments, as well as capturing the pure joy and excitement that comes from encounters with art.