Backseat Driver

by James Croak, Anthony Haden-Guest, Franklin Einspruch (Editor)

Overview

James Croak, an internationally exhibited artist, is also a trenchant observer of the art world. Backseat Driver collects his writings from the last two decades, including a selection of dauntless exhibition and book reviews, erudite philosophical observations, and lively, sagacious reflections on a life in the arts. "His writing is full of deliciously unexpected gobbets," says renowned critic Anthony Haden-Guest in the foreword. Readers of Backseat Driver will discover that Croak's remarks possess all the wit and profundity of his highly regarded sculptures.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940185886946
Publisher:	Dissident Muse
Publication date:	01/19/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	978,156
File size:	870 KB

About the Author

James Croak, an internationally exhibited artist, is also a trenchant observer of the art world. Backseat Driver collects his writings from the last two decades, including a selection of dauntless exhibition and book reviews, erudite philosophical observations, and lively, sagacious reflections on a life in the arts. "His writing is full of deliciously unexpected gobbets," says renowned critic Anthony Haden-Guest in the foreword. Readers of Backseat Driver will discover that Croak's remarks possess all the wit and profundity of his highly regarded sculptures.

Editorial Reviews

Sharp, witty commentary with an artist's no-holds-barred insight.

ArtNet - Walter Robinson

For decades, James Croak has been one of the most articulate and intelligent commentators on the art world, as well as one of the most prescient contemporary artists. This anthology is both fascinating and absolutely necessary reading for anyone interested in understanding the reality of art and culture during the last 30 years. Barbara Bloemink, author of Florine Stettheimer: A Biography

Taschen - Barbara Bloemink

James Croak is that rare bird, the eloquent artist, whose bon mots match the deft wit of his sculpture. The ultimate insider, he opens doors and eyes on the artists, galleries and works that his gimlet eye selects with the authority that only a terrific artist of his caliber can offer. Like Robert Motherwell, Donald Judd, or Barnett Newman, his essays on contemporary art illuminate with the accuracy of a spotlight. We should all be grateful to have him among the contemporary critical cadre.

Nassau Museum - Charles Riley

While most modern art and art thought is domesticated, James Croak's work is feral. He does not inhabit the prevailing intellectual monoculture, preferring the edgy, the candid, the uncomfortably informed, ready for Cancellation. Paul Sheehan, author of the Australian best-sellers, 'Among The Barbarians', 'Girls Like You' and 'The Electronic Whorehouse'.

Macmillan - Paul Sheehan

Scanning the constellations, stars, supernovas, black holes and dark matter that make up a universe we call "culture", James Croak's telescope, used as if a microscope, gleans his meanings, revelations, insights and disappointments in this very smart and coyly titled new book, Backseat Driver .

Crown Press - Eric Fischl