EDDIE MARTINEZ AND CHUCK WEBSTER, with Texts by Joao Ribas and Geoffrey Young (2 VOLUMES)

Zieher-Smith, 2008, First edition, 128 pp., 5 1/4" X 8 1/4", Hardcovers with obi

As new (still in publisher's shrink wrap)

This two-volume set features the psychedelic, expressionistic figuration of Eddie Martinez in one volume and the Thomas Nozkowski-esque abstractions of Chuck Webster in the other. Both Brooklyn-based artists, represented in New York by Zieher-Smith, are enamored with paint--both, in fact, embrace painting's historical baggage, its romantic and spiritual undertones. Martinez combines fearlessly expressive paint handling with a feel for cartoon imagery and personal symbology. Webster, on the other hand, makes Minimal talismanic works that are formally rigorous and impeccably polished. Together they present a friendly argument for the myriad possibilities of contemporary painting. An interview with the artists, who are old friends, and a selection of their collaborative drawings form a bridge between the books.