Daniel Buren Underground

This book is a captivating exploration of the first permanent artwork in the UK by Daniel Buren, a revered figure in the world of contemporary art. Widely regarded as France's greatest living artist and a pivotal contributor to the conceptual art movement, Buren has left an indelible mark on the art world with his unique approach to public installations. Commissioned by Art on the Underground, Buren's new permanent installation at Tottenham Court Road station in the heart of London is a significant addition to his illustrious career and a notable enhancement to one of the city's most iconic transportation hubs.

Tottenham Court Road station, already famous for the extensive 1980s mosaics by Eduardo Paolozzi, now hosts Buren’s groundbreaking work, which is set to be completed in late 2016. This book tells the story of this remarkable project, from its conceptual beginnings to its final realization, offering readers a rare glimpse into the creative process of one of the most influential artists of recent decades.

Buren’s intervention at Tottenham Court Road station is a masterful play of simple shapes, bold colors, and his signature stripes, elements that have come to define his artistic language. His work here is firmly rooted in the practices that have earned him global acclaim, yet it offers something entirely new and unexpected for the public to experience. The installation is designed to be a major feature of the station's two new entrances and ticket hall, transforming the space into a vibrant, interactive environment that engages with commuters on a daily basis.

The book includes stunning installation shots of Buren’s work in situ, capturing the vibrancy and scale of the installation within the bustling environment of Tottenham Court Road station. These images provide a vivid sense of how Buren’s art interacts with the architectural space and the flow of people moving through the station. Behind-the-scenes photos of the project in progress offer an intimate look at the complexities of bringing such a large-scale public artwork to life, from the initial planning stages to the final touches.

Architects’ drawings and plans are also featured, giving readers insight into the technical and logistical aspects of integrating Buren’s vision into the station’s redesign. These documents highlight the collaborative nature of the project, showcasing how Buren worked closely with architects and engineers to ensure that his artistic vision could be realized within the constraints of the public transport infrastructure.

The book also delves into Buren’s artistic process, featuring the artist’s notes and sketches that reveal the evolution of his ideas from concept to completion. These personal insights offer a deeper understanding of Buren’s creative mind, illustrating how his thoughts and inspirations are translated into tangible, public art forms.

A key feature of the book is a conversation between Daniel Buren and Tim Marlow, an esteemed art historian and broadcaster. Their dialogue takes readers on a guided tour of the Tottenham Court Road installation, discussing its significance within Buren’s broader body of work and exploring the challenges and triumphs of creating art in a public transport setting. This conversation provides valuable context for understanding how Buren’s work fits into the larger narrative of contemporary art and public installations.

In addition, the book includes a text by Hans Ulrich Obrist, a prominent curator and art critic, who places Buren’s Tottenham Court Road installation within the broader context of his career, which has spanned over five decades. Obrist’s essay traces the evolution of Buren’s artistic practice since the 1960s, highlighting key moments and works that have defined his contribution to the conceptual art movement. This critical analysis provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of Buren’s impact on the art world and the significance of his latest project in London.

More than just a monograph on Daniel Buren, this book is a journey through the fascinating process of bringing a large-scale public artwork to life. It takes readers from the initial spark of artistic inspiration through the detailed planning and execution phases, culminating in the finished installation that now enriches one of London’s busiest stations. The book offers an invaluable resource for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in the intersection of art, architecture, and public space.

For those familiar with Buren’s work, this book offers a fresh perspective on his practice, showcasing how he continues to innovate and push the boundaries of public art. For newcomers to his oeuvre, the book serves as an accessible introduction to one of the most important artists of our time, providing insight into his creative process and the enduring relevance of his work.

In conclusion, this book is not only a celebration of Daniel Buren’s first permanent UK installation but also a testament to the power of public art to transform and elevate everyday spaces. Through its rich visual content and insightful commentary, the book invites readers to explore the ways in which art can engage with the public realm, creating experiences that are both aesthetically pleasing and thought-provoking. As a rare monograph in English on one of the most influential international artists of recent decades, this volume is an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in contemporary art, public installations, and the ongoing dialogue between art and architecture.