Tara McPherson (1)Recensioni

Morgan Spurlock sums it up best in the introduction when he describes Tara McPherson's work as "dark, whimsical, brooding, bright" (McPherson 2012). Her work is the epitome of Goth Lolita, with its equal mix of disturbing and powerful imagery and bright, vivd colors. The artwork itself is an invitation into her mind, a mind that is equal parts dark and cute. She invites us into her world, showing us the process from rough sketch, to black and white, to finished product, even including photographs at the end. Not only is her work inventive and original, so are her takes on traditional mythology. Readers will be engrossed in her work, thinking on it and recalling it long after looking away. As a warning, some of the work is definitely for mature viewers only.

I'm a fan of Tara Mc's artwork, and thus very happy to take this home from my library. I was not at all disappointed by the content, but I was unhappy that I was already familiar with most of the works presented. I was looking for something new. Dropping that expectation, this is an excellent collection of her various works--independent pieces mix with comicbook and album covers as well as concert posters. For her fans, this book is quickly and repeatably devourable.

I have been a fan of Tara's work since I first saw her beautiful artwork used on the cover for DC/Vertigo comics "Thessaly - Witch For Hire" and when I saw that there would be an art book from her I got very excited. Her work has a very punk inspired feel to it, indeed as you will see in the book she has done art work for many rock bands including acts such as Death Cab For Cutie, Green Day and even Duran Duran. Also found with in Lonely Heart's covers are many other examples of her work, including rough sketch to final product comparisons. Sadly none of her cover work for Vertigo is included, but that doesn't stop this from being a top notch book that will appeal both to Tara's fans and to fans of pop art in general!