Juan Muñoz

The 2006 exhibition at Marian Goodman Gallery, New York was a moving tribute to the work of one of the most important sculptors of his generation. Alongside numerous plates, this catalogue focuses on one of the artist's last works, the monumental steel sculpture Derailment (2001). Also included in the catalogue, Michael Brenson’s essay discusses how Muñoz systematically favored a logic of contrast. Exemplified by Derailment, an intact set of cars with modern buildings inside of each, plays with the spectator's expectations and preconceived ideas of what a disaster really is. That play on perception was explored even further with Muñoz's installation Double Bind exhibited in the Turbine hall of the Tate Modern between 2001-2002.   

In Adrian Searle’s essay Derailed offers an imaginary ballad through times, insisting on Muñoz’s role as a “storyteller." His text fully acknowledges Muñoz’s admiration for old masters, as well as his conviction that although history is bound to repeat itself, it is the way we tell it that changes everything.

2006
Essays by Michael Brenson and Adrian Searle
Published by Marian Goodman Gallery, New York
Softcover
76 pages 
ISBN 0-944219-06-3