Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #218428 in Books
• Published on: 1997-05-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Synopsis
A racy account of the London contemporary art scene by celebrated art critic Matthew Collings, giving a snapshot of the new Bohemia of the 90s interwoven with episodes from the author's own life in London. From Francis Bacon to Damien Hirst, specially-commissioned photographs by documentary film-maker Ian MacMillan brings London's artists, dealers and critics face to face with the reader.

Customer Reviews

Extremely brilliant
Okay, first let me say: I am not Matthew Collings. I have absolutely no personal connection with Matthew Collings or his publishers or indeed the 'art world'.

Now let me say: This book is f**king brilliant. I read "This is Modern Art" after seeing Matthew's brilliant TV series of that name, and that was excellent of course, but who would have guessed that this slightly earlier work is even better? It is the most enjoyable-to-read non-fiction book I have ever encountered, I think, because of MC's brilliantly original, laconic, laid-back style. He knows all his stuff, but writes in such a relaxed style that he is a million miles from showing off. It's just brilliant. The paragraphs have great headings. It's so easy to read, and you learn stuff too. Amazing. Buy this book if you have any interest in modern art at all. Also buy this book if you want to see the best ever writing style. Just buy the thing. You must. I love it to death. I will buy a few more copies right now to give to my loved ones.

brilliant
Nothing can fault the way in which Matthew Collings writes about his fellow artists. His brutally honest, chatty style is like having him sit down and talk to you. It is more autobiographical then his other books and perfectly portrays the London art scene from the view of an insider. Every art student in england should treat his books like their bible, because they are.

This book is fascinating and huge fun
Stuck indoors with a heavy cold I picked up this book and found myself totally absorbed and entertained.Matthew is my dream expert - knows a lot and also knows how to communicate in a chatty way which is never patronising. Very good on what goes on behind the scenes in contemporary British art. Not afraid to take on the huge monolyths like Bacon and Freud. Also very good on debunking the spouters of rubbish - at last I have found someone who agrees with me that John Berger is a pointless windbag!!!He must have met David Hockney on a bad day though -here described as a doddery excentric but actually I think he's still a very potent force who continues to innovate. Apart from that this book is pure gold.