Ken Kiff by Andrew Lambirth

Synopsis: Ken Kiff was one of the most distinctive British artists of the late 20th century. His paintings and drawings, frequently the result of a long period of gestation and meticulous reworking, display a mastery of colour and are often characterized by fantastic flights of the imagination inspired by artists such Klee and Miro. This monograph presents a chronically based account of Kiff's career. It is illustrated with a selection of works dating from the 1960s to 2000 and describes in detail Kiff's working methods and use of various media, analysing in particular his notable group of works in acrylic known as "The Sequence". It also includes interviews with the artist which elaborate on his ideas about painting and reveal the underlying psychological factors in his style and subject matter. Ken Kiff died in February 2001.

About the Author: Andrew Lambirth is a noted writer, art critic and curator. He currently reviews for The Spectator, London magazine and Contemporary Visual Arts. Among his other books are monographs on Aubrey Beardsley, Allen Jones and Kitty North.