Homo faber, Homo luden, meaning "man as worker, man as player," is the theme of this exciting and colorful documentation of the Art Kite Project conceived by Eubel (Goethe Institute, Osaka). The book opens with a brief introduction to the ancient art of kiting in East Asia, focusing on a description of seven popular styles of Japanese kites and the traditional materials used in their construction. Eubel outlines the concept and details of the intriguing project, involving risk and thrill, along with the recommended maximum size of each kite (580 cm 230 cm) in sample letters to several of the artists in this invitation-only event. The heart and soul of the catalog includes photographs of all the kites entered by the 100 world-class modern artists, including Appel, Imai, Kushner, Rauschenberg, Schumacher, Stella, Vasarely, and Wasselmann. The book closes with photographs of the kites in action taken at the private showing in front of historic and picturesque Himeji Castle. At the conclusion of the event, all the kites began a three-year world tour of museums in Japan, Europe, and America that will conclude at the Musee des Beaux Arts in Montreal in summer 1993. A unique experience; highly recommended. - Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennessee State Univ. Lib., Johnson City Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
