A notable monograph on British artist Derek Boshier, covering his extensive collection of work from the mid-1950s to the present day Derek Boshiers art has journeyed through a number of different phases, from films and painting to album covers, photography, and book making. He was a contemporary of Pauline Boty, Peter Blake, and David Hockney at the Royal College of Art and first achieved fame as part of the British Pop Art generation of the early 1960s. He then progressed to making wholly abstract illusionistic paintings with brash colors and strong patterns in shapes that broke playfully free of conventional rectangular formats.
At the beginning of the 1970s, Boshier gave up painting for more than a decade and turned to book making, drawing, collage, printmaking, photography, posters, and filmmaking. His work included album covers and stage-sets for David Bowie and a songbook for The Clash.
Boshiers work has always conveyed an abiding political and social engagementreflecting upon themes from apartheid in South Africa to the anxieties provoked by Al Qaedaand has a profound sense of place, responding to those he has visited and lived in, from Houston, Texas to England and Los Angeles. 302 illustrations
Dive deep into the kaleidoscopic world of Derek Boshier with Paul Gorman's definitive monograph, "Derek Boshier: Rethink/Re-entry." This meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated book offers an unprecedented exploration of the British artist's six-decade career, tracing his evolution from a pioneer of British Pop Art to a multifaceted contemporary artist who defies easy categorization. More than just a catalogue of works, this volume acts as a critical assessment, contextualizing Boshier's output within the broader landscape of art history and socio-political movements. Boshier, a Royal College of Art contemporary of David Hockney, Peter Blake, and Pauline Boty, initially made waves with his vibrant and iconoclastic Pop Art in the early 1960s. But unlike some of his peers, Boshier refused to be confined by a single style. "Rethink/Re-entry" meticulously charts his restless experimentation, highlighting his embrace of abstraction, his decade-long hiatus from painting, and his forays into bookmaking, collage, printmaking, photography, poster design, and filmmaking. This book reveals an artist constantly reinventing himself, driven by intellectual curiosity and a deep engagement with the world around him. Gorman doesn't shy away from exploring the socio-political undercurrents that have consistently informed Boshier's work. From his powerful critiques of apartheid in South Africa to his anxieties surrounding the rise of Al Qaeda, Boshier's art has always served as a mirror reflecting the complexities and contradictions of contemporary society. The book meticulously examines how Boshier channels these concerns into visually arresting and thought-provoking imagery. Beyond his political engagement, "Derek Boshier: Rethink/Re-entry" also emphasizes the profound sense of place that permeates Boshier's oeuvre. The book delves into the artist's responses to the various locations he has inhabited, from the urban sprawl of Houston, Texas, to the cultural landscape of England and the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles. Gorman masterfully demonstrates how these environments have shaped Boshier's artistic vision and informed his unique aesthetic. The book showcases how Boshier uses colors, shapes, and forms to capture the essence of a place. What truly sets this monograph apart is its comprehensive approach. Paul Gorman, a renowned writer specializing in subculture and graphic design, has assembled a wealth of visual material, including previously unpublished photographs, sketches, and archival documents. The book contains over 300 illustrations, offering readers an unparalleled glimpse into Boshier's creative process and the breadth of his artistic output. Each chapter provides fresh insights and challenges preconceived notions, establishing "Derek Boshier: Rethink/Re-entry" as the definitive resource on this important and influential artist. Whether you are a seasoned art historian, a student of Pop Art, or simply someone who appreciates bold and innovative creativity, this book is an essential addition to your library. It is a testament to the power of art to challenge, provoke, and inspire. This First Edition hardcover, published by Thames & Hudson in 2015, is a must-have for understanding the legacy of Derek Boshier and his lasting contribution to the art world. With 288 pages of insightful text and striking visuals, this book provides an immersive experience into the mind and art of a true visionary.
