Per Kirkeby: The Complete Bricks: Vol. 1: The Installations Hardcover – April 21, 2020

Unfortunately, this catalogue raisonné of Per Kirkeby's bricks works was a missed opportunity, as this will likely be the only one of its kind and it did not turn out very well.First, lets start with the fact that a vast majority of the images are black and white. A simple Google search however shows that color images of many of these works are available. For example the major work at the Tate Britain looks liver lusterless the way it is reproduced (see picture).The by far greatest disappointment are the construction drawings. They are all straight on (see picture). Without any perspective or indication of depth, as well as without any footprints, these drawings are all but useless. It is impossible to get an understanding of the sculptures from these drawings, even when compared to the photos.Lastly, rather than the more customary chronological order, this series of books list Per Kirkeby's works by gallery and museum installations (Volume 1), unrealized works (Volume 2), and public works (Volume 3). Rather than seeing all the work in context, you are left with having to go back and forth between books. It also is a less than desirable way of presenting the work. What if work #15, presented at an art fair (temporary, hence Volume 1) is acquired by a city or private foundation? Should it then be moved to Volume 3? Why is the author lamenting that work #9 (documenta 7, 1982) was demolish, if it was intended all along only for the duration of the show? If it was intended to be a permanent public piece it should have been included in Volume 3. Case in point, Kirkeby's contribution to documenta IX, 1992 is not in Volume 1 and appears to be included in Volume 3.