Nick Cave: Epitome

Anyone who's ever encountered one of Nick Cave's Soundsuits - whether in a gallery or on the street - can't help but be fascinated with these brightly hued, provocative constructions that function as both costume and sculpture. The most comprehensive survey of the artist's work to date, this large-format volume compiles the fantastic Soundsuits for which the artist is best known, together with his other sculptural work, related projects in video and socially-engaged live performance. The book chronicles the artist's ingenious and virtuoso use of materials, which began with a Soundsuit constructed entirely from twigs and has since ranged from second-hand afghan rugs and other thrift-store finds to feathers, buttons, beading and rainbow-dyed synthetic hair. Dazzling images of Cave's Soundsuits, often worn by the artist, are presented alongside video stills and performance views that capture the current of joyful energy that runs throughout the work. Two essays provide an illuminating critical context for the artist's practice, with Nato Thompson discussing the cultural and artistic antecedents of the Soundsuits and Elvira Dyangani Ose addressing issues of site-specificity and the collective nature of Cave's recent performance work. Beautiful, insightful and exciting, this volume will be a must-have for Cave's ever-growing audience.