Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

3x an Abstraction presents the extraordinary work of three important women artists whose innovative ideas and approaches to drawing had a significant impact on the history of modern abstraction. Hilma af Klint (Sweden, 1862-1944), Emma Kunz (Switzerland, 1892-1963), and Agnes Martin (Canada, b. 1912; U.S. citizenship 1950) approached geometric abstraction not as formalism, but as a means of structuring philosophical, scientific, and spiritual ideas. Using line, geometry, and the grid, each of these artists created diagrammatic drawings of their exploration of complex belief systems and restorative practices.
Noteworthy among the 150 illustrations in the volume are a large number of works by Hilma af Klint, reproduced here for the first time in a major publication; Emma Kunz's drawings, exhibited in the United States for the first time in 2005; and approximately 20 early works by Agnes Martin. The book also includes writings by each of the artists, an introduction by Catherine de Zegher, seven essays by distinguished contributors, and brief statements from five contemporary artists.
By considering collectively the works of these three artists anew, 3x an Abstraction highlights the artistic contributions of af Klint and Kunz and revisits the work of Martin from a new perspective.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

This catalog accompanies a drawing exhibition of work by three female artists, Hilma af Klint (Sweden, 1862-1944), Emma Kunz (Switzerland, 1892-1963), and Agnes Martin (Canada, US, 1912-2004). The exhibition venues include the Drawing Center (NYC) where it was organized and first shown, Santa Monica Museum of Art, and Museum of Modern Art, Dublin. What connects these three women is an interest in drawing as a means to self-discovery, analysis, contemplation, and abstraction. Each artist creates distinctive form, but they share an interest in systems, repetition of certain geometric shapes (circle, triangle, square), symmetry, and a form of minimalism. The catalog includes 12 essays of varied format, from traditional with side notes to open-form poetry. Although well written and authoritative, the text is very dense and difficult to read unless one already has substantial background in contemporary art theory. The reproductions are very good and the side notes are suitable and complete, but there is no bibliography except for what appears in the notes. There is no other book that duplicates this content and a very limited number of other books where one can find information on these artists. For that reason, it is a book that should be in all research libraries. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. C. Stroh Western Michigan University

Author notes provided by Syndetics

Catherine de Zegher is director of The Drawing Center. Hendel Teicher is an independent scholar and curator who publishes frequently on modern and contemporary art. Contributors include: Bracha Ettinger, Briony Fer, Elizabeth Finch, Adam Fuss, Rosalind Krauss, Birgit Pelzer, Griselda Pollock, Kathryn Tuma, Susan Klein, Richard Tuttle, Cecilia Vicu#65533;a, and Terry Winters.