Jacob Kainen (English) Softcover - 1993 by Walter Hopps

In decent condition

• Paperback: 179 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian Institution (1993)
• Language: English

Though not among the big, popular names in American art of the twentieth century, Jacob Kainen (1909-2001), as measured by the quality of his contribution, has earned a place among the real artists of the period when it comes to the artistic merit of his work. Beyond that, in a long period as government employee, writer, curator and guide to younger artists, I have demonstrated personal attributes which make him among the superior professionals and human beings in the field. Amply exhibited in his long, active lifetime, his justified renown within the fraternity and among relevant groups to art-work has tended to wane. The customary thing but a regrettable loss to all who respect dedication and serious commitment to the best.
This catalog celebrates a major retrospective sampling of his life's work to a point in his mid-80's. While not up to the standard of many of the super-sized coffee table books published today, the illustrations are good (for the price) and amply reward the reader with a sound visualization of the various phases of approach he took during a long lifetime. Avis Berman, who earlier had interviewed him at length for the Smithsonian's outstanding Oral History Program, provides a fine review of his life and work, while William C. Agee, covers some of the same ground in focusing more tightly on the changing character of his approach. These to essays, together with the many pictures, provide a welcome background to those who know little or nothing of his career.