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.

Joseph Cornell and Astronomy: A Case for the Stars

Arts & Photography

Hoving, Kirsten

History & Criticism

Princeton University Press

Speaking With Hands

In October 1993, Henry M. Buhl purchased Alfred Stieglitz's photograph of Georgia O'Keeffe's hands. This photograph became the cornerstone of his private collection that now includes over 1,000 images by the medium's foremost practioners, as well as little-known and emerging artists. From a photogenic drawing negative made in 1840 by William Henry Fox Talbot to serial Polaroids made in 2002 by Cornelia Parker, the collection encompasses a wide range of photographic practices--scientific, journalistic, and fine art photography--with a strong component of contemporary art. Published on the occasion of a major exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum, these beautiful and poetic reproductions demonstrate the prevalence of the hand as a photographic theme; a result of photography's easy ability to capture fragments, details, and ephemeral movement. The images are discussed through topical texts: why hands are a unique theme (Jennifer Blessing), the prevalence of hands in Surrealist photogrpahs and prose (Kirsten A. Hoving), and the uncanny aspects of hands in contemporary art that uses photography (Ralph Rugoff). Containing work from 150 artists, this catalogue is both a visually stunning and haunting object, and a handy resource for the study of photography.

Blessing, Jennifer

Photography & Video

Guggenheim Museum

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