If you aren't familiar with the work of Eleanor Antin, this catalog of her recent retrospective is a great introduction. Antin is a performance artist who explores the idea of identity and personal history through her various 'characters' (the king, nurse and ballarina). In assuming these 'roles' and presenting herself in ordinary places, Antin questioned what constituted a work of art and also what constituted an individual person. She also touches on other important issues such as body image, race and gender. The works are presented in the form of photoraphs and descriptive writings and the layout and design of the book are excellent.

I saw the Eleanor Antin show at LACMA and was charmed and won over by the playful, witty, perceptive, and poignant work of this innovative and thoughtful artist. This accompanying catalogue is written by Howard Fox, one of the keenest-eyed curators of contemporary art working today. The book is of a perfect size, beautifully illustrated and printed, and excellently edited. I'm so glad I have this catalogue, so I can remember this amazing show forever.