Ron Arad

Book info: Ron Arad (Hardcover, 248 pages) – Phaidon Press, 2004. Language: English.

The most complete survey available on the work of London-based Ron Arad (b.1951), one of the most successful and creative contemporary designers of his generation, is presented in the form of an extended conversation with the art critic Matthew Collings. Arad talks about his work, explains his projects and tells us the story of his amazing career.

The interview is extensively illustrated by more than 400 images detailing all the different aspects of Arad's work and world. The illustrations include not only his own projects but also reference images to help delineate his creative and versatile personality. Each project is showcased through new photographs by Tom Vack (one of the most famous photographers in the design field), drawings, sketches and models - all accompanied by the words of Arad's closest associates about the scope of his work and life.

Editorial Reviews Review

"Arad’s work is loosely described as 'design'... but encompasses everything from turntables built into paving stones to the Tel Aviv Opera House in Israel. Packed with a great mixture of new photography and archive shots of his older work…an illuminating read."―Arena

"Collings... uses simple, guileless questions to bring out the most important issues in design and its relationship with art. This produces a likeable, unstuffy tone... that raises issues many of us would like to see addressed, but are too afraid of appearing ignorant to ask."―Blueprint

"Very nicely put together."―Grafik

"Beautifully designed... Sharp, clear and clean."―Sam Jacob, Modern Painters

"INNOVATIVE OPTIMIST... However unexpected the choice of Collings might seem, it works. He enters the conversation as an outsider to Arad’s world, and thus places him in a wider context than that of design... Refreshingly unpretentious... What might have been an experiment on the part of the publisher has paid off... A great resource for anyone interested in design or architecture... The sheer range of Arad’s subject matter is what is most impressive... This publication echoes [Arad’s] ways of encountering the world: unpretentious, and whimsical in places, but always compelling."―Kathy Battista, Architect’s Journal

"This beautifully designed work takes the form of a long interview between Arad and Collings, an art critic, and showcases new photography by Tom Vack."―Metropolitan Home

About the Author Matthew Collings is a painter, writer and television presenter best known for his British television series This is Modern Art. He was Editor of Artscribe International and is the author of Blimey and Art Crazy Nation.