Cornelia Parker
Iwona Blazwick
Thames & Hudson
Cornelia Parker is one of Britain鈥檚 most innovative practising artists. Her work presents lines of enquiry and invites viewers to consider the fragility of the human experience. With a foreword by Yoko Ono, an introduction by Bruce Ferguson, essays by Iwona Blazwick and commentary from the artist, this book is incredibly fascinating.
Surveying the artist鈥檚 entire career, it鈥檚 compelling to see the trajectory of her practice. Each contribution made by Parker is a personal narrative, which explains the creation of her works from the 1970s to the present day. She transforms everyday objects into riveting works of art, often by flattening (Thirty Pieces of Silver) and blowing them up (Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View). The physicality and scale of her work is truly awe-inspiring.
Organised chronologically, the text features five essays by Blazwick which contextualise Parker鈥檚 work, looking at her influences and interests. However, the most successful element in this collection is Parker鈥檚 descriptions and anecdotes about the creation of her most celebrated pieces, providing a new look into her oeuvre.
Shirley Stevenson