Matthew Barney

Published in 2009 by Fondazione Merz and hopefulmonster Editore, this volume serves as an exhibition catalog documenting the work of American contemporary artist Matthew Barney. The publication coincides with his 2008 exhibition held at the Fondazione Merz in Turin, Italy, which featured site-specific installations reflecting Barney's intricate, myth-laden aesthetic. The catalog serves as a critical bridge between his large-scale cinematic projects, such as the Cremaster Cycle, and the physical manifestations of his practice in sculptural and performance-based mediums.

The design of this publication is reflective of Barney's signature visual language, characterized by high-production values and an emphasis on materiality. By documenting the specific interplay between his sculptures and the industrial setting of the Turin exhibition space, the book provides context for his exploration of biological processes and mythological motifs. It was received by the art community as a significant archival document, capturing a transitional period in his career where the boundaries between his performance art, film sets, and gallery-based sculpture became increasingly fluid.