Ballesteros.

Reviewed by Laura Torres -- Críticas, 8/15/2008 8:55:00 AM

Gonzalez, Valeria
Argentina: Adriana Hidalgo. 2008. 160p. ISBN 978-987-1156-84-9. $65.95. ART

This book documents the past 20 years of the work of Ernesto Ballesteros, a conceptual artist from Argentina. Ballesteros appears to be in an incredible place now with his artwork. In his interview he discusses at length how his work shifted in 2000, leaning towards more collaborative and performative efforts. It is unusual and refreshing to hear an artist convey an element of content and optimism regarding his own work. The monograph is light on text, only three brief essays that give some analysis of the artist's trajectory and an interview with the artist himself. The text is translated into English. Also included is the artist's résumé. Truly the highlight of this book is the artworks themselves. Beginning with drawings, comics, and paintings from the 80s and 90s the work develops into incredible conceptual works that often seem to come with rigid instructions. For example, a pencil drawing representing 1000 turns, or an enormous mound of black string that is the equal distance of the equator. Throughout, Ballesteros’s work is minimalist while still retaining a profound sense of expressiveness and humanity. Artwork is depicted in full-color images. Highly recommended for any academic library or art history department, as well as large public library collections.

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