Derek Jarmans Visionary Arts: Exploring Land and Depth

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Derek Jarman's place in the history of film is assured by virtue of his vibrant, defiant films that experiment with the very process of film-making and create new forms. His paintings, their excitements and their profundity, are less well known.

Michael Charlesworth sheds light on the varied ramifications of Jarman's artistic practice from his years at Prospect Cottage, Dungeness, and provides the first book-length study of his interest in depth psychology. He draws on Jarman's paintings, especially his landscapes from the 1960s and 70s, his multiple series such as 'black' and 'broken glass', GBH, Queer and Evil Queen, and his last Ecstatic Landscapes (1991-3). He also showcases Jarman's excellence as a writer with respect to his memoir, Kicking the Pricks. In a novel approach to Jarman's cinema, selecting films such as Journey to Avebury (1973), Caravaggio (1986), The Garden (1990) and Blue (1993), Charlesworth emphasizes themes and artistry rather than narrative.

Exploring the ways in which Jungian and post-Jungian psychology were absorbed into Jarman's varied works, Derek Jarmans Visionary Arts provides a fresh perspective on his painting, film and writing. It celebrates him as one of the major British artists of the late 20th century, engaging with current debates about queer sexualities, environmentalism and climate catastrophe.

Reviews

Among the great strengths of Michael Charlesworths richly detailed and strikingly original study is the illuminating manner in which it weaves together discussion of Derek Jarmans cinema, painting, writing, landscape design, activism and other arts, exploring to great effect how each is so intimately linked with the others. * John Wyver, Professor of the Arts on Screen, University of Westminster, UK *
A sensitive and far-reaching analysis of the multiple practices that sustained Derek Jarmans extraordinary career. Michael Charlesworth brings to life not just the work but the contexts that inspired and shaped Jarmans work. An engrossing read which deftly combines the insights of history, art history and philosophy. * Philippa Levine, Global Professorial Fellow, Queen Mary University of London, UK *
Compassionate and insightful Derek Jarman's Visionary Arts illuminates many facets of this brilliant artist. -- Nancy Campbell * Times Literary Supplement *

Author Bio

Michael Charlesworth is Emeritus Professor in the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Texas at Austin, USA.