Gordon Matta-Clark

"In Frances Richard's hands, language is more than just a theme. It is a practice, a way of thinking, and it becomes a critical framework that changes the way we see the artist, his work, his language, and the sociohistorical context in which all are embedded. "—Gwen Allen, Professor of Art History, San Francisco State University "Like a well-written novel, what might appear as factual minutia becomes enlivened by Richard into a penetrating character analysis; we become more and more invested in learning about this unusual artist whose career and life were cut short by illness and death. Fortunately, Gordon Matta-Clark: Physical Poetics doesn't stop at mere biography. This close analysis of the life, writings, sculpture, and conceptual artworks of Gordon Matta-Clark is a work of serious research. "—Jennifer A. González, Professor of Art History and Visual Culture, University of California, Santa Cruz "Energetic and well-informed, Richard keeps the quirkiness of her subject in mind as she demonstrates a broad and deep knowledge of, and sympathy for, Gordon Matta-Clark, capturing the range of his interests and engagements. "—Jack Flam, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Art and Art History, City University of New York and President, Dedalus Foundation