This week I am very busy at Surtex so my good friend Matt Leines has graciously agreed to take time to tell us about some of his favorite books. Matt, by the way, is an incredible artist who I have written about a couple of times here and here. His work has been shown all around the world from Japan to Sweden. He has recently shown at Galleri Loyal and Roberts & Tilton. His work has been featured in all kinds of books and magazines including Live Through This, The Drama, Juxtapoz, and the current issue of Swindle. He has a show opening in London, Ontario on June 8th. And now for his favorite books-

Another person I had never heard of until I stumbled upon this book, Leonora Carrington’s paintings are friggin’ incredible. She may be best known as Max Ernst’s muse and mistress which is unfortunate, since I think her work is both more visionary and definitely better crafted than Ernst’s. I’m amazed that not more is written about Carrington. I can’t remember blindly coming across someone who’s work I appreciate more but unfortunately it seems the company she has kept (Chagall, Duchamp, Breton, Rivera, Kahlo) has overshadowed her. It’s possible her lack of national identity has kept her from the respect she deserves. Born in England, she spent the majority of her career in Mexico. Carrington, now 90, continues working in various media. You can pick up a copy of this book here.

© Julia Rothman 2007