Joseph Cornell and Astronomy provides an in-depth look at one
artist's intense fascination with the science of astronomy. Joseph
Cornell (1903-72) has often been viewed as a recluse, isolated in his
home on Utopia Parkway, lost in the fairy tales and charming objects of
his collages and assemblage boxes. Less commonly known has been
Cornell's vested and serious interest in the history of astronomy and
the cutting-edge discoveries made during his own lifetime. An avid
reader, he amassed a library of books and articles about science and
astronomy, and his reflections about these subjects had a direct impact
on his art.
This book explores why astronomy captivated Cornell, and considers
hundreds of his works--found-footage films, three-dimensional
space-object boxes, enigmatic collages, and cosmic ephemera--that
contain references to astronomical phenomena. Kirsten Hoving considers
Cornell's enormous collection of astronomy materials, ranging from
eighteenth-century books to recent works; newspaper and magazine
articles that Cornell clipped and sorted; and diary entries of his
observations while stargazing in his backyard. She examines how Cornell
explored many dimensions of astronomy through his identities as a
Christian Scientist and surrealist artist.
Unfolding Cornell's work with depth and breadth, Joseph Cornell and
Astronomy offers a convincing and original appreciation of this
intriguing American artist.
# Publisher: Princeton University Press
# Number Of Pages: 336
# Publication Date: 2008-11-20
# ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0691134987
# ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780691134987