Recent Forgeries (Book & CD-ROM)

by Viggo Mortensen and Brando Skyhorse

Book Overview

Poems are layered in paintings-obscured, written over, then painted again. Found objects are treated lovingly and elevated above their humble throwaway status. Old and new rub against each other in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1889195324
• ISBN13: 9781889195322
• Release Date: December 1998
• Publisher: Smart Art Press
• Length: 110 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Convincing "Forgeries"

He's a poet, he's a painter, he's a photographer. Don't think Viggo Mortensen is just an actor, as talented as he is in that. "Recent Forgeries" is a collage of his works of all kinds, with poetry woven together with pictures and paintings... not to mention the CD. Pieced together but never patchy, this is a must-have.Mortensen offers a display of poetry, often melancholy and thoughtful ("I taste the blood/that shimmered/on your lips/Lingering, like guilt does"). There's also a selection of what seem like short stories woven in, like the slice-of-life "Relay" or the charming "Bedtime Story For Henry." And of course, paintings and photographs: the vivid "Sun Losing Its Yellow," soothingly surreal "Mute," and the quiet still photographs like "School." (A mildly decayed stone gate)Accompanying the "Recent Forgeries" book is a CD, in which Mortensen reads his poetry out loud, including "Bedtime Story For Henry," "Clear," and a handful that are not included in the book itself. Mortensen's smooth voice is accompanied by Buckethead, DJ Bonebrake and others.Most people who act don't have a lot of artistic dimension beyond that. Chalk one up for the eclectic bohemian: Mortensen has mastered self-expression in different ways, and shows it well in "Recent Forgeries." There's a little of everything -- everything, that is, that can be pressed between book covers. Along the way, the photos, paint and words seem to run together into a sweeping, colorful landscape.Mortensen's assorted artwork can evoke anything -- his poetry ranges from funny (like the quirky "Home") to poignant to ironic, and his artwork can be soft or angular, usually filled with great waves of color. At first some of them look random, but closer inspection shows just how careful and deliberate they are. His photographs are about the only thing that stay the same -- Mortensen focuses on little things that most people would miss, like signs, trees, empty stone gates with overgrown roads, and so on. A rich, well-rounded look into the mind of a talented artist. Viggo Mortensen's "Recent Forgeries" is a treat for anyone who appreciates art in all its forms. A rare creation, well worth having.

Not just any guy!

Viggo. Wow. Not only is he a wonderful actor, who brings his character to life. He's a painter and a poet with such amazing insight and passion. This man has the ability to pull you into his world when he writes. Not only is this a book of some of Viggo's work, it also comes with a CD with Viggo reading some of his work and it just adds to the wonder of this man. I highly suggest this book to those who have an open mind and who wish to experience something fresh and new.

Recent Forgeries

This collection of poems, photographs, and art work is truly mesmerizing. It completely captivates any and all who respect and strive to find a different view to the creative outlet. I love Viggo's voice, and the reciting of his work makes this piece even more extraordinary. The spoken word is so intense, and gave me goosebumps. Viggo paints a picture in all of his poetry, and sets up a connection between himself and the listener/reader. This is a wonderful collection of Viggo's work, and one that truly exibits an artists passion for understanding the complexity of our world, and bringing those situations to a beautiful and alternative view. Thank you Viggo....where's your 2nd book?...

Worth the search!

This is by far my favorite Viggo book and I was delighted when I found out that the publisher (smart art press) still had copies for sale on their web site. Recent Forgeries documents Viggo's first solo exhibition as a painter. It is an extraordinary look into the mind of an artist whose boundless creative output touches a myriad of media, from photography to painting to poetry to acting. A minute gesture, an accidental encounter, a change of light-Mortensen uses his art to capture the simple moments of his life, to give them meaning, to satisfy his curiosity, and to express his wonder at the "suchness" of people and things in the passing world. The writings, paintings, collages, and photographs (color as well as black and white) in this book point to the fluidity of meaning in a world of flux. Illustrated within this publication are some of the painting Viggo did for the movie A Perfect Murder. It may be hard to find, but it is well worth the search.

Viggo is an original person

Getting past the photography (simple yet complex) the poetry is what I truly love about this book. The CD that is included is nicely put together, and the meaning of the poetry comes to life when you hear his voice. My favorite poem in the book, and on the CD is "Cuttings" everytime I'm outside my own home (in the garden)I seem to resite it to myself. If I had one sugguestion, it would be that the CD came with more of a protective case to prevent possible damage.