"Criticism is our censorship . . ." So begins one of the greatest
invectives against criticism ever written by an artist. Paul Gauguin
wrote "Racontars de rapin" only months before he died in 1903, but the
essay remained unpublished until 1951. Through discussions of numerous
artists, both his contemporaries and predecessors, Gauguin unpacks what
he viewed as the mistakes and misjudgments behind much of art criticism,
revealing not only how wrong critics' interpretations have been, but
also what it would mean to approach art properly--to really look.
Long out of print, this new translation by Donatien Grau includes an
introduction that situates the essay within Gauguin's written oeuvre, as
well as explanatory notes. This text sheds light on Gauguin's conception
of art--widely considered a predecessor to Duchamp--and engages with
many issues still relevant today: history, novelty, criticism, and the
market. His voice feels as fresh, lively, sharp in English now as it did
in French over one hundred years ago. Through Gauguin's final piece of
writing, we see the artist in the full throes of passion--for his work,
for his art, for the art of others, and against anyone who would stand
in his way.
As the inaugural publication in David Zwirner Books's new ekphrasis
reader series, Ramblings of a Wannabe Painter sets a perfect tone for
the books to come. Poised between writing, art, and criticism, Gauguin
brings together many different worlds, all of which should have a seat
at the table during any meaningful discussion of art. With the express
hope of encouraging open exchange between the world of writing and that
of the visual arts, David Zwirner Books is proud to present this new
edition of a lost masterpiece.
