Nathan Oliveira

The quote is one of Nate's, and I for one, who have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Oliveira a few times through the printmaking world in the SF Bay Area, am pleased with this book. It includes Oliveira's personal history, and documents many of his paintings from the 1950's through the 2000's. I wish there was a larger portion dedicated to his printmaking, but that is a minor and a personal preference. The juxtaposition of energetic brushstrokes, and the calmness of the standing figures offer a visually unique perspective on what painting is for Oliveira. It is paint, it is subject at the same time. It is beauty.

This book was published for a Nathan Oliveira exhibit at the San Jose (CA) Museum of Art. It portrays the evolution of his painting and many of his most memorable art pieces. This professor emeritus from Stanford University is currently working on a meditation chapel to be built on the campus of that prestigious university.

Finally a retospective of this American master. Nathan Oliveira is seen here in over fifty years of paintings, monotypes, lithographs, drawings, watercolors and sculpture. This book is a true gem, as all most all the illustrations are in color. Most of the work has never even been seen since this is the first true documentation on Oliveira to come out in book form. Oliveira's paintings are a celebration of color, process, and figurative gesture. Nathan Oliveira may be one of the most overlooked living American artists. This book is a long awaited masterpiece by an American master. A must have for all lovers of art.