Mark Dion

About this book

'An exquisite and absorbing exploration of Dion's practice ... richly rewarding.' (Stills). 'The boldest, best executed, and most far-reaching publishing project devoted to contemporary art. These books will revolutionize the way contemporary art is presented and written about.' (Artforum). 'The combination of intelligent analysis, personal insight, useful facts and plentiful pictures is a superb format invaluable for specialists but also interesting for casual readers, it makes these books a must for the library of anyone who cares about contemporary art.' (Time Out). 'Gives the reader the impression of a personal encounter with the artists. Apart from the writing which is lucid and illuminating, it is undoubtedly the wealth of lavish illustrations which makes looking at these books a satisfying entertainment.' (The Art Book). 'A unique series of informative monographs on individual artists.' (The Sunday Times). This text explores the work of vanguard artist Mark Dion who has made site-specific projects all over the world which explore the relationship of western art, literature and museology with the natural environment. His sculptures and installations often focus on contemporary environmental issues, and have the uncanny quality of film sets or dioramas. His life-size environments have included live and stuffed animals, plants, lab equipment and museological displays of garbage. They present lyrical and funny investigations into exoticism, colonialism and environmental crisis. Dion himself has taken on a variety of personae including reporter, scientist, explorer and detective. He has also set up collaborations with anthropologists, zoologists, geographers and groups of school children, ands well-known for his drawings and his writings. The book is part of a series of studies of important artists of the late-20th century. Each title offers a comprehensive survey of the artist's work, providing analyses and multiple perspectives on contemporary art and its inspiration.