Nick Cave: Epitome

By Andrew Bolton, Elvira Dyangani Ose and Nato Thompson

As electrifying and colorful as the “Soundsuits” it features, this survey of the renowned artist Nick Cave also features his latest performance work, public installations, and sculptural assemblages. Anyone who’s ever encountered one of Nick Cave’s Soundsuits—whether in a gallery or on the street—can’t help but be fascinated with these brightly hued, provocative constructions that function as both costume and sculpture. The most comprehensive survey of the artist’s work to date, this large-format volume compiles the fantastic Soundsuits, for which the artist is best known, together with his other sculptural work and related projects in video and live performance. The book chronicles the artist’s ingenious use of materials, which began with a Soundsuit constructed entirely from twigs and has since ranged from secondhand rugs and other thrift-store finds to feathers, buttons, beading, and dyed human hair. Dazzling images of Cave’s Soundsuits are presented alongside video stills and performance views that capture the current of joyful energy that runs throughout the work. Essays by Elvira Dyangani Ose and Nato Thompson provide an illuminating critical context for the artist’s practice, and an interview by Andrew Bolton explores the artist’s working process and inspirations. Beautiful, insightful, and exciting, this volume will be a must-have for Cave’s ever-growing audience.