Guy Brett (1942–2021)

A book on the multi-disciplinary and experimental practice of artist David Medalla, who was born in the Philippines. Based in London since the 1960s, he has made an effort to remain independent of the art market and the institutional structure.

Artist biography, bibliography and illustrated documentation of works included.'

(Abstract source: http://www.aaa.org.hk/Collection/Details/27448)

'This book by the distinguished art critic Guy Brett is the first attempt to bring together a fascinating and ephemeral body of artistic work which escapes a simple definition. Born in Manila, in the Philippines in 1942, and based since 1960 mainly in London, David Madalla has distinguished himself internationally as a major innovaor of the avant-garde. Over the last forty years his work has embraced a multitude of enquiries and enthusiasms, forms and formats, to express a singular yet deeply coherent vision of the world. Proud of his effort to remain independent of the commercial, beauocratic and chauvinistic pressures of the art world, he has nevertheless been an international creative forice, travelling, encouraging artists creating groups and exhibition spaces, and evolving his own art which strives towards the emergence of a new kind of transnational and polymorphic culture.'

(Abstract from back cover of book)… (mais)

Over the past thirty years enormous changes have taken place in the Chinese countryside and in the lives of the country people - we know this from reading books and newspapers. These paintings are the first art works to come to us from the heart of these changes. 'From the heart' because they are produced by peasants themselves who have participated in these changes, and also because, being art works, they are concerned with feelings, with what people value.

(Abstract adapted from Introduction)… (mais)