cover image Ron Mueck

Ron Mueck

David Hurlston. Yale Univ., $30 (192p) ISBN 9780300176834

Though this isn't the first book devoted to Australian artist Ron Mueck's stunning, hyperrealist sculptures, it may be the most comprehensive. Known for their lifelike quality and playful use of scale, Mueck's sculptures of people in everyday situations are truly unique. Here, readers can examine 38 sculptures at their leisure, including the infamous "Dead Dad" (a sculpture of his dead father) and 2006's "A girl" (a massive sculpture of a newborn baby from multiple angles). Few of his subjects do anything dramatic%E2%80%941997's "Angel" shows a bored angel waiting atop a stool, the man in 2009's "Drift" lounges in a pool%E2%80%94but their subtle expressions speak volumes in this portfolio of stolen moments. Published in conjunction with the National Gallery of Victoria's first major exhibition of Mueck's work, Hurlston superbly compiles photos of the sculptures, but fails to offer much in terms of commentary or documenting the artist's process. The essays that accompany the thirteen chapters range wildly, offering thoughtful criticism as well as a fair share of ostentatious bloviating. Luckily, Mueck's art speaks for itself. (Oct.)