Depictions of the natural world in painting are increasingly urgent, reflecting our technological present and environmental concerns. Contemporary landscape painting encompasses a range of styles, from traditional perceptual approaches to gestural abstraction that merges form and space. Despite the significance of this genre, a comprehensive publication has been lacking—until now. This extensive work is the first to showcase the finest contemporary landscape paintings, featuring artists from nearly twenty-five countries and spanning seven decades. It highlights some of the most prominent figures in today’s art scene. An introductory essay by Barry Schwabsky delves into the history of landscape painting, tracing its evolution through the 20th century to the present and emphasizing its growing relevance. Schwabsky also challenges conventional definitions of landscape painting, aiming to broaden the understanding of the genre. The book is organized into sections that include Realism and Beyond, Post-Pop Landscapes, New Romanticism, Constructed Realities, Complicated Vistas, and Abstracted Topographies, complemented by artists’ biographies. This publication is a significant contribution to the discourse on contemporary landscape painting, celebrating its diversity and depth.
Todd Bradway Knihy
