It's Modern: The Eye and Visual Influence of Alexander Liberman

Longtime Conde Nast design director Churchward (Herb Ritts: The Golden Hour) pays homage to magazine guru and artist Alexander Liberman (1912-1999) in this four-color celebration of his revolutionary career and influence in the field of editorial art direction. Opening in Paris where a young Liberman was on staff at the photo journal VU, Churchward sets the stage by reproducing a series of startlingly original cover images from Liberman's tenure in the 1930s. Next, Churchward shifts the narrative to New York with the 1940 letter of recommendation to the legendary publisher Conde Nast written on behalf of Mr. Alexander Liberman that helped to launch of 50-year association with prestigious media company. Dividing chapters by decade, Churchward serves a visual feast of Vogue excerpts from the 1950s through the 1990s with fashion spreads by Cecil Beaton, Helmut Newton, with portraits by Irving Penn among other notable photographers. Liberman's own artwork is showcased throughout along with photos of him in his studio or behind the scenes at Conde Nast. He famously hired and fired Vogue editor Diana Vreeland, hobnobbed with the Newhouse family after they acquired the company. While Liberman's career is played out mostly in visuals, the text offers tidbits of his personality. Those with an affinity for 20th century art%E2%80%94in both the %E2%80%98high and low' sense, as noted by Tina Brown%E2%80%94will be mesmerized by the creative powers of an artist and designer. (Oct.)