Robert Motherwell Drawing

This book presents an insightful look at Robert Motherwell's drawing practice, exploring his techniques and thematic elements throughout his career.

The book Robert Motherwell Drawing offers an in-depth exploration of the artist's drawings, shedding light on the thematic continuities and techniques that shaped his artistic journey. Throughout his extensive career, Robert Motherwell (1915–1991) maintained a profound connection with the medium of drawing, viewing it as a vital component in his quest for a personal and spontaneous language of mark-making. The collection spans from his early works in The Mexican Sketchbook to the later Joyce Sketchbook, showcasing how Motherwell skillfully navigated the interplay between the accidental and the intentional in his creative process.

The large-scale reproductions featured in Robert Motherwell Drawing invite readers to engage closely with the artwork, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the nuances in each piece, from the delicate strokes of a brush to the subtle tears in paper. Accompanying these visuals is an insightful essay by Edouard Kopp, which delves into Motherwell's practice of “automatic drawing” and its relationship with his affinity for paper and ink. This examination highlights the unique and compelling nature of his works, revealing the underlying thought processes that informed his artistic choices.

The book concludes with Motherwell's own reflections in “Thoughts on Drawing” (1970), providing a personal perspective on his relationship with drawing as an art form. Distributed for the Menil Collection, this volume not only celebrates Motherwell's contributions to the world of art but also serves as a vital resource for understanding his innovative approach to drawing.