James Croak, an internationally exhibited artist, is also a trenchant observer of the art world. Backseat Driver collects his writings from the last two decades, including a selection of dauntless exhibition and book reviews, erudite philosophical observations, and lively, sagacious reflections on a life in the arts. "His writing is full of deliciously unexpected gobbets," says renowned critic Anthony Haden-Guest in the foreword. Readers of Backseat Driver will discover that Croak's remarks possess all the wit and profundity of his highly regarded sculptures.
Praise for Backseat Driver:
“Sharp, witty commentary with an artist’s no-holds-barred insight.” – Walter Robinson, artist and critic
“Scanning the constellations, stars, supernovas, black holes, and dark matter that make up a universe we call ‘culture,’ James Croak’s telescope, used as if a microscope, gleans meanings, revelations, insights, and disappointments in this smart and coyly titled book.” – Eric Fischl, artist, co-author of Bad Boy: My Life On and Off the Canvas
“For decades, James Croak has been one of the most articulate and intelligent commentators on the art world, as well as one of the most prescient contemporary artists. This anthology is both fascinating and absolutely necessary reading for anyone interested in understanding the reality of art and culture during the last 30 years.” – Barbara Bloemink, author of Florine Stettheimer: A Biography
“James Croak is that rare bird, the eloquent artist, whose bon mots match the deft wit of his sculpture. The ultimate insider, he opens doors and eyes on the artists, galleries and works that his gimlet eye selects with the authority that only a terrific artist of his caliber can offer. Like Robert Motherwell, Donald Judd, or Barnett Newman, his essays on contemporary art illuminate with the accuracy of a spotlight. We should all be grateful to have him among the contemporary critical cadre.” – Charles A. Riley II, Director, Nassau County Museum of Art, author of Free as Gods: How the Jazz Age Reinvented Modernism, and The Saints of Modern Art: The Ascetic Ideal in Contemporary Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Music, Dance, Literature, and Philosophy