A Troublesome Subject: The Art of Robert Arneson

This broad overview of ceramicist Arneson is as generous in its inclusivity and presentation as it is forgiving to the artist himself. Arneson's career developed from his teaching studio at UC Davis, where his work in the regularly derided medium of ceramics slowly earned him an international reputation. Influenced by Funk art, Pop art, and abstract expressionism, he navigated his way from crass and confrontational sculptures of penises and toilets to busts and masks of self-portraiture that were no less aggressive or crude. Fineberg's text is accomplished in its consideration of Arneson's career trajectory in relation to the history of modern art and American culture, while his readings of individual sculptures draw energetically from Arneson's methods, personal life, and influences. The enthusiasm, however, fails to leave room for adequate criticism of his controversial career. Renderings of himself in blackface, complaints by colleagues about racist remarks, and a sometimes troubling relationship with femininity and women are all largely given a pass in favor of further engagement with his medium and modes. This choice sells Arneson himself short%E2%80%94by not holding the artist accountable, the subtleties of his narcissism are left underutilized, even as the overview makes a persuasive argument for his importance. Color illustrations. (Mar.)