The book delves into Eric Fischl's journey as an artist during the vibrant and turbulent New York art scene of the 1970s and 1980s. It highlights his struggle for a distinctive narrative style amidst the competitive environment filled with influential figures like Andy Warhol and Julian Schnabel. Fischl's notorious works, such as Bad Boy and Sleepwalker, reflect the chaotic interplay of fame, fashion, and substance abuse, which posed challenges to his artistic integrity and success.
This book includes catalogue information, plus 77 of Eric Fischl's oil paintings from 1980 to 1987, 35 of his works on paper and 12 seminal glassines.
American painter, sculptor and printmaker Eric Fischl (born 1948) is internationally known for his unusual nude paintings, featuring couples and families, which explore tensions between sexuality and power. Many of his works specifically address coming-of-age moments, blossoming sexual awareness and voyeurism--the paintings "Bad Boy" (1981) and "Birthday Boy" (1983) both depict young boys looking at older women in provocative poses on a bed. A charged, oppressive sexual atmosphere often permeates his scenes and overshadows the relationships depicted. In contrast to the bizarre and often unsettling content of his work is Fischl’s bright color palette, with its lurid deep yellow and red tones. This catalogue focuses on Fischl’s graphic work, showing a cross-section of his substantial printoeuvre. Also included is an interview by Lawrence Weschler.