David Salle-2

One of the first in a new series on contemporary art offered by the publisher, this book consists of an interview of painter Salle conducted by critic Schjeldahl. Salle discusses his work and early years in California and New York and principal influences, particularly the widely admired John Baldessari. Most fascinating are his recollections of friends and classmates who later made such an impact on the New York scene, including Eric Fischl, Ross Bleckner and Matt Mullican. The interview format proves effective at getting to the heart of Salle's complex works, showing an artist suspended between the formal platitudes of minimalism and (contrary to some of his critics) an obsession with creating new modes of experience and feeling. The book degenerates into carping about critics; Salle seems unable to address the genuine concerns (beyond arbitrary perceptual or esthetic confrontations) that his works provoke, particularly among women. A useful introduction to an important contemporary artist. (November)