Jennifer Bartlett: History of the Universe, Works 1970–2011

This elegantly produced, diverse, and absorbing collection of American artist Jennifer Bartlett’s (b. 1941) work accompanies her first major museum survey at Long Island’s Parrish Art Museum. Deftly balanced between enticing image and text, the catalogue opens with a highly informative and thoughtful overview of Bartlett’s work by guest curator Ottmann. He provides a particularly incisive analysis of Bartlett’s epic Rhapsody, 1975 and its importance for Bartlett’s subsequent work, as well as examining the philosophical and literary underpinnings of her art. Splendid color reproductions of Bartlett’s major works—237 Lafayette Street, 1978; Atlantic Ocean, 1984; Amagansett Diptych #1, 2007–2008—are the book’s literal and figurative center. A revealing interview with Bartlett by Parrish director Sultan is also of note; excerpts from Bartlett’s first novel, History of the Universe, are printed alongside photographs that show the artist and her work in yet another illuminating way. This important and beautifully produced book presents a holistic portrait of the artist. 50 color and 100 b&w illus. (Aug.)