Michael Semff – författare

From the 1960s drawing assumed a prominent position in the practice of a rising generation of post-war artists in Germany and Austria. This publication examines works on paper by four artists still comparatively little known in the UK. While Georg Baselitz and Gerhard Richter, household names in German contemporary art, are well known for their large and commanding works, a quieter and more reflective strand is found in the work of Rudi Tröger (b. 1929), Karl Bohrmann (1928–1998) and Carl-Heinz Wegert (1926–2007). Small and intimate in scale, their drawings focus on the abstracted, minimalist figure, the studio interior and landscapes, through a sensitive use of line and a spare, self-effacing gesturalism. By contrast, the Austrian actionist Hermann Nitsch (1938–2022) presents visceral depictions of the human anatomy in his large lithographs, which come out of his notorious actionist performances. This publication celebrates a second major gift to the British Museum from the German collector Count Christian Duerckheim, whose first gift featured in Germany Divided: Baselitz and his generation, published by the British Museum Press in 2014.

Striking proof that a great artist is born every day, this perpetual calendar features 365 artists, from the oldest known creators to today's contemporary stars. Each entry showcases a vibrant work of art, key biographical details and a brief, informative text explaining what makes that artist worth celebrating.From iconic names like Vincent van Gogh and Frida Kahlo to lesser-known figures who deserve recognition, An Artist a Day celebrates a rich tapestry of artistic talent. Spanning continents, cultures, and centuries, this collection highlights painters, sculptors, photographers, and multimedia artists from every corner of the globe.The book honors voices often left out of traditional art histories, showcasing women, artists of color, and contemporary visionaries. Every page offers a chance to engage with a different creative legacy - from ancient China and Renaissance Italy to modern-day America and Japan - making each day an invitation to explore the world's vast artistic diversity.Generous blank space invites personalization - perfect for jotting down other birthdays, sketching ideas, or adding notes. Whether displayed on a desk, slipped into a bag, or gifted to an art enthusiast, An Artist a Dayblends inspiration with utility. Art, history, and a touch of festivity come together in this joyful book, keeping the spirit of creativity alive all year long.

James Bishop can be called the only real painter of his generation still alive. He has developed a unique, poetic, and sensitive visual vocabulary, and describes himself as "an Abstract Expressionist of the quieter kind." Bishop likes to have his art speak for him, as he believes it has a language of its own: "Artists should neither be seen nor heard, with the exception of opera singers, of course." Although Bishop began his career with stronger colours on large canvases, which speak for themselves, he soon turned to earth tones, and then later greys in square, mostly unmodified, smaller formats. This tendency toward reduction has remained constant from the 1960s until just recently, especially with regard to individual works on paper. Bishop has been on a persistent search for an aesthetic balance among opposing factors: drawing and painting, opacity and transparency, two and three dimensions, open forms and simple tectonic elements. In his work he has succeeded in compellingly interweaving these opposing forces into a subtle tonal relationship, creating a miniature-like, intimate aura.Contents: Emotional viewing - by Erich Franz; "Bishop's Expressiveness" by Molly Warnock; Biography; Exhibition List.Text in English and German.