The history of monochrome painting goes back more than a century. Since Kazimir Malevich revolutionized the art world in 1915 with his "Black Square," which was based on a single colour surface, this artistic form of expression has taken many different paths and never lost its fascination. The distinctive works of Norwegian painter Thomas Pihl join this tradition: they do not tell a story about a motif, but nevertheless, occupy the physical and mental spaces that surround them. They invite the viewer to interact, provoke thought, and give rise to discussion. In his works, Pihl applies the colours to the canvas in many layers, allowing a view of the traces of the working process. The resulting visual world, which in its play of light and colour shows us the nature of perception, is now summarized for the first time in a comprehensive publication.

Published on the 100th anniversary of The Jewish Museum, this magnificent book celebrates centuries of Jewish culture and history, presenting masterworks from the Museum's renowned collection. This beautifully illustrated book explores the culture, history, and beliefs of the Jewish people by presenting an extraordinary selection of works from the collection of The Jewish Museum, New York. Ranging from antiquity to the present day, these artworks and ritual objects include a fourth-century glass vessel and ancient burial plaques; exquisite Torah decorations and marriage contracts; stunningly ornate Hanukkah lamps and spice containers; beautiful paintings and prints by such artists as Moritz Daniel Oppenheim, Marc Chagall, and Ben Shahn; striking contemporary works by Leonard Baskin, Sol LeWitt, George Segal, Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, and many others; and selections of video and still images from television and film, ranging from documentaries and dramas to situation comedies. Two introductory essays discuss the history and significance of The Jewish Museum, followed by a superb range of artworks grouped thematically in categories such as memory and history; spirituality and faith; society, politics, and community; text and representation; and television and culture. Each work is accompanied by a short essay providing description and interpretation. Together the reproductions and lively text tell the fascinating story of how Jewish culture has evolved through the centuries and across continents.