Now back in print, this volume is the first overview of the French-born, Los Angeles–based artist Guy de Cointet (1934–1983). De Cointet was fascinated with language, which he explored primarily through performance and drawing. His practice involved collecting random phrases, words and even single letters from popular culture and literary sources—he often cited Raymond Roussel’s novel Impressions of Africa as influential—and working these elements into nonlinear narratives, which were presented as plays to his audience. De Cointet is one of the major figures in Los Angeles’ Conceptual art movement of the 1970s, having strongly influenced a number of prominent Los Angeles–based artists, including Paul McCarthy and Mike Kelley. This reference monograph offers an overview of this enigmatic and influential oeuvre, gathering together a large number of unpublished works and documents. Includes a retrospective essay by art historian and critic Marie de Brugerolle, as well as a preface by Larry Bell, a friend of the artist, and an afterword by psychoanalyst Gérard Wajcman.

Designed by Gavillet & Rust

Edited by Lionel Bovier and Clément Dirié

Published by JRP|Ringier with the Estate of Guy de Cointet
Second edition, 2016

Hardcover, 160 pages, full color, 6.8 × 9.3 inches

ISBN: 978-3-03-764477-5