Joseph Cornell and astronomy : a case for the stars / Kirsten Hoving.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hoving, Kirsten A., author.

Contributor:

Princeton University Press, publisher.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Astronomy in art.

Astronomy.

Cornell, Joseph--Criticism and interpretation.

Cornell, Joseph.

Cornell, Joseph--Knowledge and learning.

Genre:

Criticism, interpretation, etc.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xx, 307 pages) : 148 illustrations (some color), portraits

Other Title:

Case for the stars

Place of Publication:

Princeton : Princeton University Press, [2009]

Summary:

This book 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. The author 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, this work offers a convincing and original appreciation of this intriguing American artist.

Contents:

Cross-indexing the cosmos

The celestial science of soap

Movie stars

Astronomia fantastica

Observatories

Science of the stars

The twilight zone.

Notes:

Description based on print version record and online resource (A&AePortal, viewed on September 14, 2023).

Includes bibliographical references (pages 289-297) and index.

ISBN:

9780300275605

0300275609

OCLC:

609212634