Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees

Expanded Edition

Lawrence Weschler

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

"Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees" by Lawrence Weschler is a captivating exploration of the life and work of the renowned American artist Robert Irwin. Weschler delves into the mind of Irwin, recounting his humble beginnings as an abstract painter and his subsequent transformation into one of the leading figures of the Light and Space movement.

Through a series of interviews and intimate conversations with Irwin, Weschler immerses the reader in the artist's profound philosophy and his relentless pursuit of creating art that transcends traditional boundaries. The book unravels Irwin's radical shift from the frame of the canvas to the surrounding environment, highlighting his groundbreaking installations that invite viewers to experience art on a sensory level.

Weschler skillfully interweaves anecdotes and firsthand observations, painting a vivid picture of Irwin's artistic evolution. He takes the reader behind the scenes, exploring Irwin's collaborations with architects, scientists, and fellow artists, shedding light on the intricate processes and inspirations that underlie his mesmerizing works.

As the narrative unfolds, Weschler delves into the cultural and intellectual context that shaped Irwin's artistic vision, elaborating on his encounters with influential figures like John Cage and James Turrell. Through these encounters, Weschler showcases how Irwin's unique approach to art was deeply rooted in his exploration of perception, space, and the interplay between the physical and the immaterial.

"Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees" is a thought-provoking journey into the creative mind of Robert Irwin. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply curious about the creative process, this book offers a profound insight into the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities it holds. Weschler's eloquent prose and meticulous research make this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of contemporary art and the remarkable legacy of Robert Irwin.

Explore More Books

See All
Little Leaders
Dream Yoga
The Language Instinct
Breath
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Maybe You Should Talk To Someone
Hatching Twitter
The Gene
Catastrophic Care
Your Symphony of Selves
Quantum Computing Since Democritus
Stuff and Nonsense
The First Crash
Paradigms Of A.I. Programming
Very Good, Jeeves
Gold In The Grass
Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids
Race Matters
Academically Adrift
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
Born a Crime
Without a Doubt
Chess Fundamentals
Empire of the Summer Moon
Jim Grant UNICEF Visionary
The Big Score
Writing Down The Bones
Dirt to Soil
Binti
What is Life?
Ishmael
The Evolving Self
7 Powers
The New New Thing
The Business Blockchain
In the Company of Giants
The Great Wave
V for Vendetta
An Everyone Culture
Mr. Putin
Going Clear
The Graveyard Book
Winning
Americana
Zen in the Art of Archery
The Amateur
Essays and Aphorisms
The Myth of the Rational Voter
The Master Algorithm
The Cult of LEGO
Super Mind
Starting Strength
Trick Mirror
The Marked Children
Becoming
Deiter Rams
A Very Expensive Poison
Daring Greatly
Bravey
Sleep in Art
The Mind Doesn't Work That Way
The Man Who Knew Infinity
The Journey of Crazy Horse
On Power
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth
When I Say No, I Feel Guilty
The Terminal List
Three Scientists and Their Gods
Eat a Peach
The Intelligent Investor
DeMark Indicators
Food of the Gods
Montaigne's Essays
The Wright Brothers
The Dip
Meditation Station
The Harder You Work, The Luckier You Get
Dealing with China
Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha
Welcome to Your Brain
The Subtle Knife
Conspiracy of Fools
Poor Numbers
High
Rich Dad's Cashflow Quadrant
Black Elk
A Brief History of Intelligence
Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World
The Infinite Game
When
Physics of the Future
Elon Musk
On Being Certain: Believing You Are Right When You're Not
Sex, Ecology, Spirituality
Ponzi's Scheme
Turn the Ship Around!
Fiasco
The Closing of the American Mind
Team Topologies
The Black Swan