Tony Tasset

For over 35 years Tasset has held a unique position in the lexicon of contemporary art with a remarkably diverse body of art. A self described art nerd, Tasset's imagery comes from his wide ranging knowledge and empathy for all types of art. He once said, "I'm not going for originality, I'm striving for the quintessential." The artist's spectacular objects unlock memories. He revels in demonstrating the similarity between the grandest artistic gesture and the humblest child's scribble. With a satirist disposition he interrogates institutions-galleries, museums, public art and even his own position of power. His art has intentionally quoted from high modernism, folk, vernacular and performance art. This egalitarian ethic has led to a diverse group of iconic artworks and beloved permanent public sculptures. Born in Cincinnati and spending the last forty years in Chicago, Anthony Tasset embodies a midwestern plain-spoken, kind hearted scepticism. Never passive, his art compels a reaction, it can be cutting, even cruel, but it can also be as tender as a Neil Young song, often at the same time. This 250 page, hardcover book contains 200 reproductions chosen by the artist, and extensive essays by Michelle Grabner and Andrew Russeth. In addition, Tasset has invited artists he greatly admires; Jeanne Dunning, Pamela Fraser, Judy Ledgerwood, Jose` Lerma, Inigo Manglano-Ovalle, Cauleen Smith, Phillip Vanderhyden and John Waters to chose and write on one of his works.