Martin Puryear's enduring approach has galvanized his art for more than five decades: issues of democracy, identity, and liberty have long propelled him. Readers of this volume will learn how an artist's handling of a symbolic but vital human subject- namely, liberty-can be best expressed in sculptural form through a visual language of great originality and certitude. Liberty / Libertà, published on the occasion of the artist's exhibition in the United States Pavilion at the 58th International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia, focuses on significant new work. In addition to extensive illustrations of recent work and new sculptures made for the Biennale, including monumental outdoor sculpture, the book features major texts by Darby English, Tobi Haslett, U.S. Commissioner Brooke Kamin Rapaport, and Anne M. Wagner. With a definitive illustrated chronology of the artist's career over the last fifty years, Liberty / Libertà is an essential study of this esteemed American artist.
