Ken Price Sculpture: A Retrospective

Stephanie Barron et al
Prestel

Ken Price, an internationally renowned ceramic artist, is best known for his abstract shapes constructed from fired clay. These works have continued to inspire new generations of artists to push the medium of sculpture forward. Following his death earlier this year, the artist will be the subject of a retrospective at LACMA in September.

For more than 50 years, Price challenged the definitions of sculpture by blurring the boundaries between ceramics and the medium. Featuring essays, interviews and an anthology of historical texts, this monograph highlights the artist’s commitment to challenging the notion of clay works as craft. Photographing sculpture is no easy task, but these images by Fredrik Nilsen are lifted off the page by Lorraine Wild’s design. Many pieces have been given their own page, emphasising vibrant colour, natural shapes and vitality.

A good balance between critical writing and imagery makes this book an excellent and essential companion for anyone looking to journey further into Price’s extensive work.

Florence Wright