Études—The Poetry of Dreams + Other Fragments by John Marx, AIA
Not your usual architecture book, Études is a collection
of watercolors inspired by the built and natural environments coupled with poems
by San Francisco architect Marx with creative typography by graphic artist Jeremy
Mende. The paintings and poems are divided into eight
distinct sections: moments in time, apertures, absent nature, objects in nature,
without intention, approaching abstraction, deconstructing perception, and improvisations.
Printing on actual watercolor paper gives the book a tactility that brings the
viewer/reader closer to the work. Three guest essays look at the work in the context art history.
Marx’s own essay explores the creative process. Intrinsically understanding
the sentiment of man and nature is an important point Marx wants to relay to audiences.
He succeeds through the vibrancy of language and art.
