Post- to Neo-: The Art World of the 1980s

Calvin Tomkins chronicles the transformative period in art from 1979-1989 through profiles of influential figures and movements that reshaped the New York art scene. The book captures the shift from Postmodernism to what Tomkins terms "Neo-modernism" through firsthand accounts and interviews. The text follows key artists, dealers, and critics who drove changes in how art was created, displayed, and commodified during the 1980s economic boom. Tomkins documents the rise of Neo-Expressionism, the emergence of East Village galleries, and the increasing influence of collectors and market forces on artistic production. The narratives focus on pivotal exhibitions, artwork sales, and the evolving relationships between artists, galleries, museums and critics during this crucial decade. Direct observations from studio visits and gallery openings are interwoven with broader analysis of the period's cultural shifts. Through these interlinked stories and personalities, the book reveals underlying tensions between artistic authenticity and commercial success that continue to shape contemporary art discourse. The text presents the 1980s as a pivotal moment when the art world's center of gravity shifted from avant-garde experimentation toward market-driven creation.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Calvin Tomkins's overall work: Readers praise Tomkins' clear writing style and ability to make complex art concepts accessible. Many note his talent for capturing artists' personalities through careful observation and detailed reporting. The Duchamp biography receives particular acclaim for its thorough research and engaging narrative approach. Readers appreciate: - In-depth artist interviews providing unique insights - Balance of biographical detail with art analysis - Clear explanations of abstract concepts - Informal, conversational tone while maintaining authority Common criticisms: - Some find the level of biographical detail excessive - Occasional complaints about pacing in longer works - A few readers note his New York-centric perspective Ratings across platforms: Duchamp: A Biography - Goodreads: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.5/5 (50+ reviews) Living Well Is the Best Revenge - Goodreads: 4.1/5 (300+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.4/5 (30+ reviews) One reader notes: "Tomkins makes you feel like you're in the room with these artists, understanding their work from the inside out."

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Air Guitar: Essays on Art & Democracy by Dave Hickey These essays chronicle the 1990s art scene through interconnected observations about commerce, culture, and aesthetics in the contemporary art world.

High Art Lite by Julian Stallabrass This analysis documents the rise of Young British Artists and their impact on the London art scene during the 1990s.

The Shock of the New by Robert Hughes This chronicle traces the development of modern art from Impressionism through the late twentieth century, connecting artistic movements to social and technological changes.

🎨 Calvin Tomkins served as The New Yorker's art critic for over fifty years, giving him unprecedented access to document the transformative shifts in the 1980s art scene firsthand. ✨ The book captures the pivotal moment when the art world shifted from postmodernism to neo-expressionism, fundamentally changing how art was created, valued, and marketed. 💰 The 1980s saw the first time contemporary art regularly sold for over $1 million, with artists like Julian Schnabel and Jean-Michel Basquiat becoming overnight sensations. 🏛️ The period covered in the book marked the emergence of influential galleries in New York's East Village, challenging the established SoHo art scene's dominance. 🖼️ Tomkins chronicled how commercial success became a defining feature of 1980s art, replacing the anti-commercial stance that had dominated the conceptual art movement of the 1970s.