Michaël Borremans: As Sweet as It Gets Hardcover – May 31, 2014

Michael Borremans’s paintings feature a somnambulant hyper-realism depicted in a desiccated dulling still-life numbness which by way of accentuating the shadowplay becomes singed with just enough reality to allow each subject to become a phantom presence of its own silence.In these still-lives, shrouded as they are in the mysteries of painting as well as in a mystical fainting simplicity, the subject defines its existential nature in a state of suspension. Figures are captured in various stages of reverie, conveying an emotional vacuum, distancing its presence away from the viewer, yet through the viewer’s interrogation of what the nature of being and of painting may be.The uncanny, dream-like intensity behind these surfaces renders them as lodged into a loneliness, the isolation of existence retrieving its own angst and lulling the pulse.The most impressive quality of these paintings is how they manage to exist in spite of its claim to be at a loss, dissipating beings and things with nary a claim to being anything more than a painting and the absence it transfigures within the alienating mental state they personify.The paintings reproduced with such glorious success are for the most part modest and small in scale, yet no less chilling and disturbing in their presentation; however this excellent retrospective of Borremans reproduces his paintings in a very large, coffee-table size art book. The chance taken by the editors and publishing house is commendable. It manages to retain that surreal quality while not compromising the stupor it incites. Every painting is accompanied by a brief 3 paragraphs of description and history of the painting, which often swells into lyrical domains. The seven excellent and compelling essays written by the editors are wonders that refract their splendor on the hush of the reproductions, while the interviews of Jeffrey Grove reveal a Borremans deeply engaged with the meaning of life in each and every nature mort expressive displays he puts to canvas. The price is relatively affordable compared to most other art books this size. And the epistolary poems and disorienting meditations that complement the book promise an experience that is both indelible and enriching.“Michael Borremans: As Sweet as it Gets” is a more complete and sensational experience compared to the other retrospective available in English (Eating the Bread; edited by Hans Christ). Excellent; Superb; Wonderful!

What a wonderful book. It's a giant one, maybe you have to use two arms to hold it...also very thick! it is packed with information about Borreman's work, and the pictures are clear as day. It's a fantastic book for anyone who loves Borreman's work, whether you be an art student like me, or an art lover. All the other books on him and his work don't come close to this one, it is worth the price!

That's a fantastic book over one of the best artists working at the moment. Beautifully put together, pictures and texts. Great buy even for the lesser fans of Art.

The book is very good, I believed the artist was better

love it!

Incredibly inspiring and beautifully printed book

Great retrospective of this haunting and awe inspiring work.

Quality production value all round

bastante buen libro por el precio, muchas imágenes y buenas entrevistas

Great quality of reproductions

アーティストの内側が、もろに出てきているような力強い画集です。

I love this painter. I love his works. They are so fresh. The book is great. Lots of paintings and very interesting articles.Wow!

This is a truly beautiful book, with a good collection of Borremans' work. Almost a must if you are a fan of his work.